Fulbright College Supports Students With Inaugural Inclusive Excellence Scholarship and Stipends

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Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences' Inclusive Excellence team recently awarded its inaugural Inclusive Excellence Scholarship, as well as several stipends for Fulbright College Student Ambassadors. 

The scholarship and stipends are part of an effort by Fulbright College to support the success of student leaders, especially in championing belonging and inclusion.

"Fulbright College is committed to promoting student inclusion and achievement," said Romona West, assistant dean of inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives. "These awards are part of a holistic effort to support student success, and we are so excited to be able to offer these opportunities to our distinguished student awardees." 

Inclusive Excellence Scholarship

The inaugural recipient of the college's Inclusive Excellence Scholarship is Hope Morefield, a junior political science and pre-law student from Richmond, Virginia. 

"I want to congratulate Hope for her devotion to inclusivity and academic excellence in the classroom, on campus and in her community," West said. "She exemplifies the belonging we strive to foster on campus and should be proud to be our first recipient of the Inclusive Excellence Scholarship — because we are certainly proud of her."

The scholarship, which includes a $1,000 award, was created to recognize undergraduate Fulbright College students who aspire to achieve academic success and contribute to an inclusive educational environment for all.

Awardees must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 for incoming freshman or a GPA of 2.5 for all returning students and must demonstrate a commitment to an inclusive educational environment at Fulbright College.

Fulbright College Student Ambassador Stipends

The Fulbright College Student Ambassador program, which began in 2021, selects students to aid the college in its recruitment efforts, student outreach programs, community engagement and professional development opportunities. 

The volunteer program has grown to include 15 qualified undergraduate student ambassadors for the 2023-24 academic year.

And, for the first time ever, this year, each ambassador will receive a $500 stipend made possible thanks to the contributions of generous supporters through a recent FundRazor campaign. 

"Our ambassadors are vital parts of the Fulbright College and University of Arkansas campus community," said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College. "I applaud the work they've done to foster inclusivity and peace through education."

In addition to stipends, contributions to the recent FundRazor campaign will also fund comprehensive programming for these students, including community experiences, cultural competency workshops and internships.

"Being a student ambassador has given me the opportunity to support [my fellow students]," said Alexandra Emmons, a senior political science major and Fulbright College student ambassador. "It's allowed me to create a welcoming environment where students can pursue learning goals and professional development." 

To learn more about the Fulbright College Inclusive Excellence program and its continued efforts to support the college's students, faculty and staff, visit fulbright.uark.edu/inclusive-excellence.