U of A Honors College Names First Natural State Fellows from Across Arkansas

Alyssa Babb

Tristan Burnett

Chloe Dunkelgod

William Hacker

Riley Hart

Whitney Juarez

Prabhdil Kaur

Altin Kight

Ayden Kilgore

Hannah Lawley

Carson Maurer

Bentley Fox

Photo Submitted

The University of Arkansas Honors College has awarded its inaugural Natural State Fellowship to 12 incoming freshmen from across Arkansas, each bringing a wide range of interests and talents.

The prestigious fellowship provides up to $80,000 over four years to cover tuition, fees, books, room and board and other academic expenses. This support enables students to pursue original research, study abroad, service learning and other enriching academic experiences.

To qualify, incoming students must first meet the ACT/SAT and GPA requirements for fellowship consideration. Students must also be Arkansas residents who meet at least one of the following criteria: have significant financial need, plan to enroll as a first-generation college student, or come from a geographic area of the state that is less well-represented at the university. 

Recipients can combine fellowship funds with other scholarships and grants, including the more than $1 million in study abroad and research grants awarded annually by the Honors College. 

“We’re thrilled that every student offered a Natural State Fellowship chose to join us this fall—something that rarely happens in recruiting,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. “It’s a testament to the importance of reaching every corner of Arkansas. Their records speak for themselves—these are truly exceptional students, and we’re fortunate to welcome them into our inaugural cohort.”

The 2025 Natural State Fellows are:

• Alyssa Babb - Harrison
• Tristan Burnett - Heth
• Chloe Dunkelgod - Arkadelphia
• Bentley Fox - Gillett
• William Hacker - Brookland
• Riley Hart - Mountain View
• Whitney Juarez - Crossett
• Prabhdil Kaur - Bentonville
• Altin Kight - Lockesburg
• Ayden Kilgore - Cedarville
• Hannah Lawley - Van Buren
• Carson Maurer - Bryant

By prioritizing local talent, the new fellowship underscores the Honors College’s commitment to retaining Arkansas’s brightest students and strengthening recruitment efforts. It also expands support for students from all regions of the state and socioeconomic backgrounds, reinforcing the U of A’s land-grant mission and advancing Chancellor Charles F. Robinson’s strategic goal of broadening educational access for Arkansans.

2025 Natural State Fellows

Alyssa Babb graduated from Bergman High School, where she served as editor and business manager of the yearbook and design editor of the school newspaper. She was secretary of the art club, a member of the National Honor Society, and helped organize events as part of the prom committee. She also attended Arkansas Girls State and captained her school’s esports team.

Babb received recognition from the College Board National Recognition Program, earned multiple top-of-class medals, and was awarded the “A” Honor Roll distinction. She also made the dean’s list at North Arkansas College for her concurrent enrollment coursework.

She plans to major in computer science and is the daughter of Lori and Jonathan Babb.

Tristan Burnett graduated from the Academies of West Memphis High School where he served as president of Mu Alpha Theta, the school’s math club. He was a student ambassador, captain of the soccer team and participated in Arkansas Boys State. Outside of school, he worked at a local tire shop, refereed boys’ and girls’ soccer games, served as sound manager for his church and attended the University of Arkansas Engineering Summer Camp.

Burnett received both the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award and the National First-Generation Recognition Award. He placed first in a regional algebra competition, received the AP Language Award and was named Student of the Month at his school.

He plans to major in mechanical engineering and is the son of Darla and Ronald Burnett.

Chloe Dunkelgod graduated from Arkadelphia High School where she was part of the gifted and talented program, joined the Beta Club and National Honor Society, led the International Club as president and developed leadership skills through Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school she volunteered at the Humane Society.

She graduated summa cum laude and was recognized as an AP Scholar, Student of the Year and 4-Year Badger Scholar, the highest distinction at her school. She also completed all medical career pathway courses offered.

She plans to major in mechanical engineering and is the daughter of Marsha and Carl Dunkelgod.

Bentley Fox graduated from DeWitt High School where she served as a class officer and as secretary for both the student council and Thunder Club. She captained the cheer team, ran track and participated in Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school she took part in Arkansas Girls State, led her church youth group and helped her family tend their corn crop and deliver it to the community and people in need.

She was commended by the College Board National Recognition Program and received the AP Scholar with Honor Award. She was also named DeWitt High School’s Top Student for her performance in AP classes, received the Academic Excellence Award and graduated with honors.

She plans to major in agricultural business and is the daughter of Misty and Curtis Fox.

William Hacker graduated from Jonesboro High School where he led the debate team, tutored students in math, captained the Model United Nations team and volunteered with the Young Democrats. Outside of school he helped coach a U8 soccer team and volunteered on the surgery floor at St. Bernard’s Medical Center.

He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and received the AP Government and Politics Award at his school. He has earned numerous honors in debate, including the title of national qualifier and the National Speech and Debate Association’s Outstanding Distinction. He also ranked as the 16th Public Forum Speaker in the Silver Division at the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious national debate competition in the country.

He plans to major in psychology and is the son of Mary Edmundson and Dr. Hans Hacker.

Riley Hart graduated from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts where he conducted research on the properties of recycled polypropylene and worked in the school cafeteria and at the front desk. He also took concurrent courses at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. Outside of school he is restoring a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle, works in his father’s metal fabrication shop and enjoys making handmade gifts. He also participated in the Boy Scouts of America.

His Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) team placed second in the state and in the State Beta Club Convention. He has received awards for academic excellence in core classes.

He plans to major in mechanical engineering and is the son of Katherine Hale and Emmett Hart.

Whitney Juarez graduated from Crossett High School where she participated in the Beta Club, student council, art club and National Honor Society. Outside of school she served on the Mayor’s Youth Council as a junior clerk.

She was named National Beta State Convention Champion in mixed media and placed fourth in the jewelry division and fifth in drawing.

She plans to major in landscape architecture and is the daughter of Juan Juarez.

Prabhdil Kaur graduated from Bentonville West High School where she led the Health Occupations Students of America Club and the Indian Student Association. She volunteers regularly, attends a book club and serves on the Teen Advisory Board at the Bentonville Public Library. She is the founder and co-president of the West Library Association, which promotes the value of public libraries to high school students. She also serves on the Bentonville School District Teen Board and the Bentonville Moves Coalition Board.

She was commended by the College Board National Recognition Program and named an AP Scholar with Distinction. She received high honors for her AP credits and earned the “Career Completer” award for her extensive coursework in health sciences.

She plans to major in finance and is the daughter of Prabhjot and Dalwinderpal Gill.

Altin Kight graduated from De Queen High School where he participated in Quiz Bowl, his school’s broadcasting organization, the National Honor Society, art club and the Technology Student Association. Outside of school, he interned at the local radio station.

He received the Rotary Award and multiple honors for academic excellence. He has also earned certifications in Microsoft programs.

He plans to major in biology and is the son of Remzije and Jimmy Kight.

Ayden Kilgore graduated from Alma High School where he played trombone in the band and served as head drum major. He was a member of the Quiz Bowl team, Tabletop Gaming Club and National Honor Society. He also served as treasurer of his school’s Mu Alpha Theta chapter.

He is exploring majors related to premedical studies and is the son of Lori and Ronnie Kilgore.

Hannah Lawley graduated from Van Buren High School where she participated in Mu Alpha Theta and the History Club. She works in customer service at Dairy Queen and enjoys sculpting and painting in her free time.

She earned the AP Scholar Award and was named to the Honor Roll throughout her high school career. She also completed extensive coursework in biomedical sciences.

She plans to major in biology and is the daughter of Jamie and Danny Lawley.

Carson Maurer graduated from Bryant High School where he participated on the Quiz Bowl team and tutored classmates. Outside of school he programs for fun, has trained on neural networks and runs AV for his church’s youth group.

He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and was named to the school’s Platinum Honor Roll. He ranked among the top two in his oral communication class and won the state tournament design award with his robotics team.

He plans to major in computer science and is the son of Cindy and Bryce Maurer.

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 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.