Scholarships and Awards

The Janice Hocker Rushing Award

The Janice Hocker Rushing award honors Dr. Rushing who taught in the Department of Communication from 1985-2004. She was admired and loved by her graduate students as both a mentor and scholar. She won the Outstanding Teaching Award from Lambda Pi Eta four times. An outstanding scholar, she authored numerous articles in leading communication journals, on topics of film and culture ranging from feminist criticism to the Frankenstein myth and the rhetoric of Ronald Reagan’s "Star Wars" address. In 2001, she won the highest research award given by the Southern States Communication Association.

This award of up to $1000 is available to new M.A. students in their first semester of study, who are strong students interested in critical analysis of all forms of communication.

Application process

  1. Apply or be in the process of applying to the M.A. program.
  2. Submit your resume and an essay where you articulate how your past endeavors illustrate the spirit of the award you are applying for, how you see your M.A. program of study fitting into the area of the award, and how you see the M.A. program contributing to their your professional goals to rnevshep@uark.edu.
  3. Deadline: April 15

The Richard S. and Kay Kelley Arnold Graduate Fellowship

The Richard S. and Kay Kelley Arnold Graduate Fellowship honors Richard S. Arnold, who worked as a judge on the U.S. District Court and then the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He served as Chief Judge of the Eighth Circuit from 1992 to 1998. In 1994, President Bill Clinton called him "the most brilliant man on the federal bench." At his death, eight Supreme Court Justices published tributes to his fairness, judicial restraint, and eloquent and influential judicial opinions.

This award of up to $1000 is available to new M.A. students in their first semester of study, who are strong students and plan to focus their coursework on the United States constitution, free speech, political communication, the judiciary, or public service.

Application process

  1. Apply or be in the process of applying to the M.A. program.
  2. Submit your resume and an essay where you articulate how your past endeavors illustrate the spirit of the award you are applying for, how you see your M.A. program of study fitting into the area of the award, and how you see the M.A. program contributing to their your professional goals to rnevshep@uark.edu.
  3. Deadline: April 15