UAFS Student Selected for New Washington Program

Washington, D.C.

 - Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has announced the John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellowship program. This fellowship, named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt (1966-1993), is geared towards highly motivated college students with an interest in public service and will allow outstanding Third District students to experience the legislative process firsthand in Congressman Womack's Washington, D.C. office.

Womack and Hammerschmidt released the following statements following the fellowship's announcement:

 "John Paul Hammerschmidt was legendary for his second-to-none constituent service and for his dedication to giving back to Arkansas; this included making it possible for young men and women to come to Washington, D.C., to learn the ins-and-outs of Congress. This fellowship will allow students interested in public service to do just that, and there isn't a more fitting name for it bear than that of John Paul Hammerschmidt. I am thrilled this program will continue his legacy and honor all he has done for the Third District of Arkansas," said Womack.

"I am deeply honored to have Congressman Womack's fellowship bear my name. I am sure it will be beneficial to many students in the future," said Hammerschmidt.

Jordan Hale, a member of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) Class of 2013 and a Chancellor's Leadership Scholar, has been selected to serve as the first John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellow during the summer of 2013.

 Dr. Beran, UAFS Chancellor, released the following statement regarding Hale's appointment:

 "Jordan was a clear leader on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus, and because of his interest in history and politics, I supported him for a regular internship with Congressman Womack's office last summer. But this current opportunity will really allow him the opportunity to experience Washington D.C. as a real participant and be mentored by Congressman Womack and other seasoned political professionals in the congressman's office," said Beran.

John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellows will earn college credit for completing a strict curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities that highlight the inner workings of the U.S. House of Representatives, including conducting extensive legislative research, attending hearings, and monitoring activity on the House floor, as well as assisting with constituent communications and general office matters. Congressman Womack hopes to expand the fellowship to other Third District institutions in the future.