Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Lincoln Graduate Receives UA Scholarship
Christopher Simms, a Lincoln High School graduate, received one of the first Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarships awarded by the Office of Diversity Affairs at the University of Arkansas. The scholarships, created from a $120,000 grant from Tyson Foods, are awarded to underrepresented juniors and seniors majoring in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business technology, food sciences or agriculture.
“Students who have already invested two or more years in their college educations have demonstrated a commitment to completion that increases their chances of reaching graduation,” said Charles Ro b inson , vice chancellor for diversity and community. “A scholarship such as this, which is aimed at continuing students as opposed to freshmen, rewards students for their persistence and greatly enhances their likelihood of success.”
Simms is a senior poultry science major in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricul- tural, Food and Life Sciences. He is the son of Vickie and Tony Hughes.
The Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship will be a component of the University of Arkansas Diversity Affairs Commitment to College Completion program, a comprehensive college readiness, access, retention and graduation pipeline, and support four cohorts of 15 students each. The students will be considered Tyson Academic Enrichment Program Scholars.
“We’re glad to be a part of the University of Arkansas’ efforts to increase the graduation rate of underrepre- sented students,” said Ulanda Terry, director of diversity and leadership development for Tyson Foods. “It’s our hope that the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship will make a positive difference in many students’ lives, and their careers after college.”
All students awarded the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship will be required to actively participate in the Academic Enrichment Program and each student’s degree of participation will be tracked. U of A students who are from Tyson Foods communities statewide are encouraged to apply for the scholarships.