Where They Are Now: 25 U of A Recipients of the Henry Woods Student Leadership Award Tell Their Stories

Photo Submitted

Woods at his desk at the "Razorback" yearbook. He was the editor of the centennial edition in 1972.

The man behind the Henry Woods Student Leadership Award, Henry L. Woods, Jr., was known for his commitment to public service. He left behind a legacy of leadership on the U of A campus, in the U.S. capitol and in the lives of the 25 students who have received the award since its inception in 1999. 

Upon his retirement from civic service, Woods' friends and associates decided to establish the scholarship in honor of his 25-year career in Washington, D.C., and to recognize his lasting impact on the university and the state of Arkansas. The Henry Woods award was established within the Division of Student Affairs, and since then 25 students have received the award that has helped them go on and pursue careers in public service and leadership roles in their own communities. Each year, the Division of Student Affairs awards two graduating seniors, one female and one male, the Henry Woods Student Leadership Award. Winners are students who have an outstanding record of leadership on campus.

Woods was born in Malvern, Arkansas, in 1951. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1969 and later graduated from the U of A in 1973. While he received both a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science, his greatest accomplishment was his legacy of leadership and community service. Woods was editor of the Razorback yearbook, involved in student government, the Arkansas Union, the Interfraternity Council, and was named to the "Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities." 

Following graduation, Woods worked in Washington D.C., on the staffs of congressman Bill Alexander and senators David Pryor, Dale Bumpers and Blanche Lincoln. 

During his 25 years of civic service in the U.S. capitol, Woods worked hard as an advocate for Arkansas and helped improve the quality of life for its people. He established an internship program for Arkansas students that still exists today with over 350 Arkansans having gone through the program. 

He stayed involved in the university community, is an active member of the Alumni Association and coordinated the activities of the Arkansas State Society in Washington for several years. 

To hear from all 25 Henry Woods award winners about how the award impacted their personal lives and helped them in their professional pursuits, read the full story at ua4studnet.uark.edu.