Arkansas Traveler Editor, Jeff Smith, Wins Henry Woods Leadership Award

Jeff Smith of El Dorado, a senior journalism major at the University of Arkansas, today received the third annual Henry Woods Student Leadership Award.

The award, established in 1999 in honor of 1973 UA graduate and Razorback Editor Henry Woods, recognizes an outstanding student leader. The award includes $750 for the spring semester.

Smith, a Chancellor's Scholar, has served Editor of the Arkansas Traveler, the campus newspaper, for the past two years. He is the first editor in the paper's 96-year history to serve two terms.  During his tenure, the Traveler expanded operations from three to four days a week and started a weekly summer edition.

"Jeff has a keen instinct for news. It's a joy to watch him direct his staff on big stories," said Gerald Jordan, a UA associate professor of journalism."

"For a student journalist, Jeff has more significant news contacts and sources than anyone I've ever met," said Skip Rutherford of Little Rock, a former Traveler editor. a visiting professor in the journalism department and a long-time friend of Woods. "Jeff is most deserving of this award."

"Student leadership is so important on this campus," said Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "The University is pleased to support an award that recognizes an individual who exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader."

The award was established by friends and associates in honor Woods' 25 years of public service in Washington DC. During his tenure, Woods worked for Congressman Bill Alexander, Senator David Pryor, Senator Dale Bumpers and Senator Blanche Lincoln. A native of Hot Springs, he now resides in Key West, Florida.

In 2000 the award was presented to Jordan Johnson of Bryant, president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Last year's recipient was Eddie Armstrong of North Little Rock, president of the Associated Student Government.

                                                        -30-