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
- Apply or be in the process of applying to the M.A. program.
- 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.
- 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
- Apply or be in the process of applying to the M.A. program.
- 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.
- Deadline: May 1
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) Alpha Chapter Award in Civic Engagement
The Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) Alpha Chapter Award in Civic Engagement honors our department, the birthplace of the National Communication Association’s (NCA) official honor society. LPH became NCA official honor society in 1995. This award supports young scholars committed to researching and creating more inclusive organizations, more resilient communities, and more informed and engaged citizens.
This award of up to $2000 is available to new M.A. students in their first semester of study. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better.
Application process:
- Apply or be in the process of applying to the M.A. program.
- 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.
- Deadline: May 1
Recent Award Winners
Breanna De Leeuw (Left): Top First-Year Teaching Assistant in Commnuication - 2023
Kathleen Coyle (Right): Top Graduate Student Researcher in Communication - 2023
Devin Chalberg (Right): Top Second-Year Teaching Assistant in Communication - 2023
Past Award Winners
For the 2017-2018 academic year: Ariel Romero received the Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) Alpha Chapter Award in Civic Engagement. Juniper Patel received the Janice Hocker Rushing Award. Kyle Worley and Skye de Saint Felix both received the Richard S. Arnold Prize in First Amendment Studies.
From left to right: Ariel Romero, Juniper Patel, and Kyle Worley
Not pictured: Skye de Saint Felix