Jocelyn Murphy and Dennis Burchette Receive Henry Woods Student Leadership Award

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Jocelyn Murphy and Dennis Burchette

Two graduating seniors from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences – Jocelyn Murphy and Dennis Burchette – recently received the annual Henry Woods Student Leadership Award. 

The leadership award is named for Henry Woods, former University of Arkansas student who was heavily involved in campus activities and made a significant impact during his time at the University.

"By choosing to become engaged, it is not only a credit to the students but to the faculty and staff, and how, with great mentorship, these student are achieving their potential and becoming who they can be" said Melissa Harwood-Rom, dean of students. "Jocelyn Murphy and Dennis Burchette are both exemplary examples of student leaders and how much students can accomplish."

Burchette, a senior psychology major, Spanish minor with a pre-med emphasis from Hooks, Texas, received the Henry Woods Leadership Award for his active role during his four years at the University of Arkansas. Burchette currently serves as the president of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, which under his leadership increased in size by 117 percent.

Burchette believes that to be a good leader involves "being yourself, working hard, and doing what's right." He also advises incoming students "to remember the main reason they have become a Razorback. That is to obtain the best possible education" but he also encourages students to "get caught up in the spirit, pride and tradition of the university."

Burchette also serves as the appointed student member of the American College Health Association and the President of the Student Health Advisory Committee. Following graduation, Burchette will begin the process of applying to medical school.

Murphy, a senior journalism major with a French minor and a member of the Honors College, received the Henry Woods Leadership Award for her work and effort on the University of Arkansas campus. Murphy currently serves as the editor of the Arkansas Traveler Magazine as well as a profile writer for The Traveler newspaper.

As a leader, Jocelyn learned from her father the value, "if you don't have your integrity, you don't have anything." The most valuable advice Jocelyn has for incoming students is "get to know your professors." Jocelyn attributes internships, many opportunities and "gaining greater confidence to be more interactive in the classroom" with getting to know her professors. 

Murphy also served as a resident assistant in the honors residence hall for three years in addition to her volunteer work at UATV news, producing and hosting Razorback Reels, a movie review show, and anchoring UATV newscasts. Post graduation, Murphy hopes for a career involving writing with a paper or magazine and knows that graduate school will likely be in the future.

Henry Woods was involved in numerous student organizations and edited the Razorback yearbook during his undergraduate career. Following graduation in 1973 from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, Woods worked in Washington, D.C., on the staffs of Rep. Bill Alexander, and Sens. David Pryor, Dale Bumpers and Blanche Lincoln. Woods strived to advocate and improve the quality of life for Arkansans during his 25 years of civic service at our nation's capital.

The Henry Woods Leadership award was established by the friends and associates of Henry Woods to honor the lasting impact of his legacy at the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas. As well as, to encourage and recognize student leaders at the University of Arkansas.