FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Four University of Arkansas seniors, all from the city of Wynne will graduate this weekend as members of the class of 2015. Jalen Bankston is earning a public health degree; Carmen Perry is double majoring in nutrition and public health; and, Jerry Perry is graduating with a kinesiology degree, all from the College of Education and Health Professions. William Cody Campbell, is receiving a degree in computer engineering from the College of Engineering.

Three of these graduates, Campbell and the Perrys, received Razorback Bridge Scholarships, academically competitive awards given to students who come from underrepresented populations at the university. As part of the Razorback Bridge scholarship requirements, the students all participated in the Academic Enrichment Program coordinated through the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education.

Jerry Perry attributes much of his academic success to the program: "College is such a transition from high school and through AEP workshops and the tutoring available, I learned how to be productive as a student."

Carmen echoed her brother's enthusiasm for the Center: "The Multicultural Center is a great place to find out about other resources, where you are encouraged to diversify and where staff are sympathetic and helpful."

Campbell also regularly took advantage of leadership opportunities through the center, serving as on the board of Connections, the peer mentorship program associated with the center.

It was Campbell's mother, Denetrice Campbell, a nurse, who encouraged both her son and Bankston to increase their skills and training and set their sights on college. She took them on campus tours, instilled good habits and helped them stay on track.

"We came to visit the U of A campus and were both impressed with the programs we chose," said Campbell, who was initially interested in architecture, but instead accepted an offer from the U of A's engineering program. Campbell will be relocating to Wichita, Kansas, to work for the Koch Corp., while Bankston will attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, to earn a master's degree in health administration.

Carmen and Jerry Perry at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Carmen and Jerry Perry both participated in high school athletics at Wynne and their love of sports has led them to their degrees in related fields. They had family who attended the U of A and the brother and sister share an enthusiasm for the Razorbacks and the U of A campus. Carmen Perry wants to continue at the university in the community health promotion master's program. Jerry Perry hopes to remain in Northwest Arkansas to work as  a technician and eventually pursue a physical therapy degree.  

Wynne High School is one of the 60 high school that partner with the University of Arkansas and the Multicultural Center through outreach, ACT workshops and other college readiness programs.

"We're honored that these students chose to share their college experience with us, and we are eager to see them go on to do great things," said Leslie Yingling, director of the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. "We hope, too, that through our growing collaborations with Wynne High School and its community of support for college-going, we will see many more Wynne students attend the University of Arkansas."