HOPE – A University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana student is among a select group of students across the University of Arkansas System to receive a competitive grant from the Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment.
Jaylin Harris, a welding student at UAHT, was recently awarded the grant, which honors the legacy of James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. The endowment supports student leaders across the UA System and recognizes individuals who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and leadership potential.
Harris is a certified construction welder currently pursuing additional certifications, including NCCER credentials, at UAHT. He plans to graduate this year and will use the grant funds to purchase welding tools and equipment to strengthen his hands-on training and improve his technical precision.
“This grant means a lot to me because it’s going to help me financially and help me take my skills to the next level,” Harris said. “Having access to better tools and equipment will make a real difference in my training and help prepare me for the kind of work I want to do after graduation. Earning this grant is a reminder that hard work and dedication are still recognized, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building my future at UAHT.”
In addition to his academic work, Harris has been recognized for his leadership, earning the Outstanding Young Man Award through the agriculture fraternity Delta Sigma Theta.
The Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment was established in 2021 through the University of Arkansas Foundation to honor Rutherford’s career in public service and education. This marks the fifth year that grants have been awarded. This year, approximately 200 students from UA System campuses statewide applied for the honor.
“I’m always so impressed by the hardworking, resilient nature of the individuals we learn about every year,” Rutherford said. “It’s truly a gift to me to have this program established in my name and to get to be a part of this process each year. It’s my hope that these mini-grants wind up being real difference-makers in the lives and educational journeys of these students.”
The grants are awarded by an independent selection committee appointed by Dr. Michael Moore, UA System vice president for academic affairs.
“This process is one of those predicaments where you can truly see needs that can be met across the board, and you just try to identify ones that could potentially make the most impact,” Moore said. “The quality of these applications is always a high bar, and I am proud that we get a chance to help a handful each year thanks to the legacy of Dean Rutherford.”
Rutherford served as dean of the Clinton School of Public Service from 2006 to 2021. During his tenure, he expanded the school’s project-based learning model and developed a nationally recognized public speakers program. Prior to that role, he led the planning and development of the Clinton Presidential Center and built a career in communications and public relations.
The Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment was created by friends and supporters upon his retirement to continue his commitment to student success and public service.