Honors College Selects 14 New Students for Path Program

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Honors College has selected 14 outstanding high school seniors to enter the Honors College Path Program this fall. The Path Program is a new Honors College initiative that helps talented high school students from underrepresented populations succeed at the University of Arkansas.

The students come from cities across Arkansas and one student is from Fort Worth, Texas.

“All of these new students are exceptional, with interests ranging from international business to engineering to nanotechnology,” said Terrance Boyd, an associate director of recruitment in the Honors College who heads the Path Program. “We look forward to welcoming them to campus this fall.”

Typical of these high achievers are Siloam Springs High School students Brian Magana and Oscar Guzman, who created a support group for immigrant high school students who are working to overcome language and cultural barriers. Another example is Imelda Cepeda, from Fayetteville High School, who has conducted research in microbiology since the ninth grade, with a recent focus on medical applications of nanomaterials.

The Path Program pairs students with peer and professional mentors who help them achieve success in the classroom and explore opportunities to secure scholarships and financial aid, study abroad, conduct research, and get involved in campus leadership. Established in 2014, the program is already developing a strong track record, with 11 from the original group of 16 students achieving a 3.00 or higher GPA. Six of the students have joined the Honors College, which requires current university students to achieve a 3.50 or higher university GPA. Several of the students have taken leadership roles on campus.

The Honors College is building on that success by partnering with Charles Robinson, vice chancellor of diversity and community, and the Office of Diversity Affairs to expand opportunities for Path students.

“Charles Robinson has provided invaluable guidance and support as we launch the Path initiative, and we look forward to working with him and his team to help these students excel on campus,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College.

In early August, the new Path students will participate in iBridge, a two-week program designed to help students transition from high school to college. The program supports first-generation, low-income and underrepresented freshman and is offered by the Office of Diversity Affairs through the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education.

Path students will also participate in the Academic Enrichment Program, a four-year, comprehensive support program offered by the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education.

Alumna Carolyn W. Cole and her husband, Nick, have pledged $250,000 to establish the Nick and Carolyn Cole Honors College Path Endowed Scholarship to benefit participants in the program with demonstrated financial need. Former Honors College Dean Bob McMath and his wife, Linda, have pledged $50,000 in support of a Path Scholarship, with the goal of matching the gift by 2017. Find out more about the McMath Challenge gift.

The University of Arkansas Honors College Path students of 2015, with their high schools and hometowns:

• Julian Alvarez, Catholic High School for Boys, Benton
• Daniella Ayala, Rogers High School, Rogers
• MyKayla Bowser, West Memphis High School, West Memphis
• Imelda Cepeda, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville
• Kaybreon Edwards, Fossil Ridge High School, Fort Worth, Texas
• Rosendo Garcia Cortes, Clarksville High School, Clarksville
• Jesus Guadalupe, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville
• Oscar Guzman, Siloam Springs High School, Siloam Springs
• Isis Johnson, Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, Little Rock
• Brian Magana, Siloam Springs High School, Siloam Springs
• Evelyn Martinez-Rodriguez, Springdale High School, Springdale
• Jamie Peraza, Rogers High School, Rogers
• Eduardo Puente, Bentonville High School, Bentonville
• Dara Rowell, Episcopal Collegiate School, Little Rock

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and unites the university’s top undergraduate students and professors in a learning environment characterized by discovery, creativity and service. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $70,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students’ academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. One hundred percent of Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.