The Honors College recognizes its 23 exceptional graduating Path Program scholars for all their accomplishments and successes throughout their time at the U of A. Graduating scholars were also celebrated at a year-end event in April with family and friends and also took part in a cord ceremony. 

The Path Program provides both financial support and guidance to students from underrepresented populations (first-generation, significant financial need or geographic area of the state that is less well-represented), including scholarships, mentorships and community building. The program will enter its 12th year this fall, and it has grown substantially over its first decade.

"The graduating Path Scholars represent every academic college and four different cohorts. These students have taken advantage of a range of opportunities at the U of A to set themselves up for success after graduation," said Xochitl Delgado Solorzano, Honors College assistant dean and director of the Path Program. "I know that these students will go on to be successful in their graduate or professional careers and will continue to have a positive impact on their communities.”

The graduating Path Scholars have made key contributions across academic disciplines and earned recognition on campus and beyond.

Scholar Caleb Flores volunteered at the WelcomeHealth clinic, assisting a civil surgeon with immigration medical exams and served as an MCAT tutor for the Honors Futures Hub. With a wealth of firsthand experience and a strong commitment to service, Flores has been accepted to Texas Tech University for medical school. He credits the Path Program community with helping him achieve his goal of becoming a physician.

“The Path Program is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me,” Flores said with a smile, noting his decision to attend medical school out of state. Originally from Midland, Texas, he chose the U of A because of the Path Program’s unique support. “Beyond funding my education, they’ve been my family here. I can’t imagine getting this far without them.”

Similarly, Jaylan Brown’s leadership extended beyond the classroom and onto the field. His innovative approach to student-athlete support earned him a coveted internship in player development with the Arkansas Razorbacks football program, a position made possible through an Honors College Internship Grant. That experience sparked his research interests, and he used his honors thesis to explore how athletes can leverage self-branding opportunities online to shape their futures beyond the game.

“Path prepared me to make an impact on others,” Brown said. “From the moment you step on campus, you feel like part of a family. You build genuine relationships and gain a deeper understanding of cultures and backgrounds different from your own.”

As the class of 2025 Path Scholars move on to their future journeys, they hope to impart key takeaways from their time at the U of A. Scholar Kennedy Hicks, a biochemistry major who published her research as a first author while in undergrad, encouraged other students to find a topic they are passionate about and take chances for both themselves and the progress of research.

“You did the work and know the most about your research, so show it off,” Hicks said. “One of the hardest steps is just taking the first step to commit and promote your work. However, I believe the worst thing you can do is not believe in yourself.”

HONORS COLLEGE CONGRATULATES CLASS OF 2025

• Jaylan Brown, North Little Rock, recreation and sports management
• Annah Edwards, Lake Village, biology
• Stephanie Escobar, Rogers, political science
• Caleb Flores, Midland, Texas, biology
• Jahilit Flores, Lamar, chemical engineering
• Keiry Flores Aleman, Springdale, food, nutrition and health
• Jordan Tyler Gaston, Jonesboro, electrical engineering
• Kennedy Hicks, Little Rock, chemistry
• Kalifa Hulsey, Pine Bluff, accounting
• Jaden Jackson, Morrilton, nursing
• Wesley Key, Farmington, marketing and psychology
• Sarim Khan, Fort Smith, computer science
• Jarod King, Pine Bluff, electrical engineering
• Justin Mach, Rogers, computer science
• Takoya Marks, Prescott, architectural studies
• Chloe Martinez, Searcy, psychology
• Lauryn Mays, Conway, psychology
• Margaret Pedro Milne, Springdale, computer science
• Maria Quintero-Peña, Pine Bluff, electrical engineering and German
• Karla Reyes, Russellville, public health
• Ashanti Salazar, Bentonville, English education
• Iseabaila Scott, Springdale, biology
• Ennovy Villarreal, Springdale, biology

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 $3 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.