Fulbright College Undergraduate Selected to Attend Ralph Bunche Summer Institute at Duke University

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The American Political Science Association recently selected Fulbright College undergraduate Dara Gaines, pictured, to attend its prestigious Ralph Bunche Summer Institute.

The American Political Science Association recently selected Dara Gaines, an undergraduate in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, to attend the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, from May 29 to June 30.   

Gaines is a junior, with a combined political science and African and African American studies major. The Ogden, Arkansas, native is also a member of the Honors College, is a Silas Hunt Scholar, and her academic achievements have earned her recognition on the Fulbright College Dean's List. 

"Dara is just an outstanding student, and I cannot think of another scholar more well-suited for this prestigious honor and opportunity," said Gaines's mentor, Pearl K. Dowe, associate professor of political science and interim director of the African and African American Studies Program. "I've had the pleasure of having Dara in two of my classes, and I am confident she is well on her way to an outstanding career in political science and higher education."

Celebrating its 30th year, the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute is named in honor of the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize winner and former APSA president, Ralph J. Bunche. The institute is a five-week academically intensive summer program designed to simulate the graduate school experience, provide mentoring and training in research methods, expand academic opportunities and to address under-representation in the discipline of political science. The institute is co-sponsored by APSA and Duke University.

After completing her undergraduate education in 2017, Gaines plans to work towards her master's degree in political science with a focus in public policy.

"Ideally, I'd like to influence other young people to get educated about the political process," Gaines said. "I believe that educating students about their rights, government processes and party politics is the most effective way to increase their participation."    

In addition to her academic achievements, Gaines has also excelled as a campus leader in roles including the university's Black Alumni Scholars vice-president, the Black Students Association vice-president, the NAACP vice-president and as a Student Alumni Board member. 

She has also been a mentor for college access initiative ACT Academy, and for the alternative spring break group Dream B.I.G. Southwest Arkansas. Additionally, Gaines was previously the student coordinator for membership of the university's Friday Night Live program, which is a late-night program facilitated by student leaders dedicated to providing entertaining, creative, educational, and cultural activities that enhance the University of Arkansas experience. 

For more information about APSA or the the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, please visit www.apsanet.org.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 19 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.