FAYETTEVILLE -- April Abiera, of Gravette, 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 Robinson, 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."
Abiera is a junior computer engineering major in the College of Engineering. She is the daughter of Lisa and Michael Abiera and graduated from both Gravette High School and the Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.
"This grant represents an exciting collaboration between the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods," said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community. "Our scholarship recipients will benefit from an assortment of valuable resources to complement their academic journeys, and Tyson Foods will have the opportunity to engage with an energetic and diverse pool of potential employees."
"We're glad to be a part of the University of Arkansas' efforts to increase the graduation rate of underrepresented students," said Ulanda Terry, director of diversity and leadership development for Tyson Foods. "It's our hope that the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarships will make a positive difference in many students' lives, and their careers after college."
Community on 03/11/2015