Chancellor uses funds for new scholarships
Brian Washburn
Issue date: 1/16/09 Section: News
University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart took a step forward Thursday to show the UA that he will live by his motto of "Students First." The chancellor announced he will forego his formal inaugural celebration and investiture of his office and, instead, use the funds to create new scholarships for undergraduate students entering the university this fall, according to a UA news release.
"The chancellor has had this idea on his mind almost from the first day he took office," said Tysen Kendig, associate vice chancellor for University Relations.
Though, on the surface, investiture ceremonies might not seem like an important event, they are "closely held traditions in higher education nationally, and often present an opportunity to showcase the institution to other university presidents and chancellors as well as formally signal to the university community the beginning of a 'new day,'" Kendig said.
The national tradition does turn out to be costly. Therefore, the chancellor has taken the opportunity to "practice what we preach about putting students first," Kendig said.
The money used for these scholarships totals about $50,000 for this first year. In the fall, 50 scholarships will be given out in the amount of $1,000 each, with the option to be renewed annually for a maximum of four years if the recipient meets certain academic criteria.
The selection process for the newly sanctioned scholarships will be handled by a formula developed by the university.
"The formula combines a student's academic merit and financial need," Kendig said. "The 50 students selected for these scholarships will carry the distinction of being an inaugural scholar during their undergraduate years at the UA."
While the chancellor's motto of putting students first is highlighted in this move, the decision to skip the ceremonies and give funds to students also emphasizes Gearhart's growing effort to balance affordability at the UA.
"The chancellor and the university leadership as a whole wants to do whatever it can to find ways to encourage student success," Kendig said. "Part of that effort involves accessibility and affordability, and creating scholarships for 50 students will have a more profound and lasting impact than even the most successful inaugural event."
"The chancellor has had this idea on his mind almost from the first day he took office," said Tysen Kendig, associate vice chancellor for University Relations.
Though, on the surface, investiture ceremonies might not seem like an important event, they are "closely held traditions in higher education nationally, and often present an opportunity to showcase the institution to other university presidents and chancellors as well as formally signal to the university community the beginning of a 'new day,'" Kendig said.
The national tradition does turn out to be costly. Therefore, the chancellor has taken the opportunity to "practice what we preach about putting students first," Kendig said.
The money used for these scholarships totals about $50,000 for this first year. In the fall, 50 scholarships will be given out in the amount of $1,000 each, with the option to be renewed annually for a maximum of four years if the recipient meets certain academic criteria.
The selection process for the newly sanctioned scholarships will be handled by a formula developed by the university.
"The formula combines a student's academic merit and financial need," Kendig said. "The 50 students selected for these scholarships will carry the distinction of being an inaugural scholar during their undergraduate years at the UA."
While the chancellor's motto of putting students first is highlighted in this move, the decision to skip the ceremonies and give funds to students also emphasizes Gearhart's growing effort to balance affordability at the UA.
"The chancellor and the university leadership as a whole wants to do whatever it can to find ways to encourage student success," Kendig said. "Part of that effort involves accessibility and affordability, and creating scholarships for 50 students will have a more profound and lasting impact than even the most successful inaugural event."
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