Honors College Welcomes 19 Incoming Students for the Path Program

Photo by Cheiko Hara

The Honors College Path Scholars, Class of 2027

The Honors College at the U of A has selected 19 exceptional freshman students to participate in the Path Program, which provides both financial support and guidance to students from underrepresented populations. 

In addition to receiving scholarships, mentorship and academic advising, Path scholars live in Hotz Honors Hall and benefit from academic and study abroad opportunities.  

This cohort of students marks the 10th anniversary of the program. There are currently 95 Path scholars enrolled at the U of A. Over the last decade, Path scholars have made a tremendous impact on campus, and alumni are excelling in a wide range of career paths, designing medical devices for mothers and children in sub-Saharan Africa, practicing speech therapy in Spanish-speaking communities, studying diversity science on the Rio Grande border, managing business insights and analysis at Walmart and working in public relations at Crystal Bridges.  

“We are excited to welcome the 10th cohort of Path scholars to campus,” Xochitl Delgado Solorzano, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at the Honors College said. “This exceptional group of students have arrived on campus ready to make connections and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them through Honors and across campus. They are well on their way to making an impact on campus!” 

The incoming Path scholars are pursuing interests that range from engineering to exercise science and are already winning recognition.  

The 19 students will receive academic scholarships of up to $5,500, thanks to an endowment of $5.5 million from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and generous gifts from Lee and Beverly Bodenhamer, Carolyn and Nick Cole, Lynda Coon, Bob and Linda McMath, Mike Pierce and Tricia Starks. These scholarships will be renewed based on continued engagement with the Path Program and satisfactory academic progress.  

“As we celebrate 10 years of the Path Program, we are grateful to the generous donors who have invested in this life-changing program for talented students from across the state of Arkansas,” said Autumn Lewis Spicher, director of development for the Honors College.  

On July 31, the new Path Scholars arrived on campus to begin a two-week intercession class designed to integrate them into college life.  

HONORS COLLEGE PATH SCHOLARS, CLASS OF 2027 

• Michelle Calderon of Rogers, public health major 
• Jonatan Chavez-Vasquez of Siloam Springs, computer science major 
• Saul Felipe of De Queen, biology major 
• Kaija Frierson of West Helena, computer science major 
• Taija Frierson of West Helena, computer science major 
• Abigail Gonzalez-San Juan of De Queen, mechanical engineering major 
• Juan P. Lemus of Springdale, public health 
• Daniel Martinez of Rogers, computer engineering major 
• Elyana Martinez of Russellville, biology major 
• Julio Martinez of Van Buren, biomedical engineering major 
• Fatima Nazif of Little Rock, biomedical engineering major 
• Zaynab Pounds of Beebe, nursing major 
• Jennifer Reza of Springdale, philosophy major 
• Alexa Roldan of Bentonville, political science major 
• Keithan Smith of Mineral Springs, K-12 physical education major 
• Koby Teeter of Kensett, exercise science major 
• Son Phi Trinh of West Fork, computer engineering major 
• Matthew Manuel of Green Forest, finance major 
• Chelsea Velasquez of Rogers, biomedical engineering major 

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university’s top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 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. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.