The spring semester just ended, and the chairs for the May 21 commencement ceremonies were still stacked neatly, but the fall semester started Wednesday, May 18, for 175 UALR freshmen destined to be leaders of their class, their communities, and hopefully the world.

The freshmen are members of UALR’s Chancellor’s Leadership Corps. They were nominated by their teachers and counselors back home who vouched for their scholarship and citizenship and were selected by UALR for their leadership potential.

“This scholarship is very competitive and prestigious among entering freshmen,” said Chelsea Bishop, associate director of admissions.

“The recipients have demonstrated great leadership qualities in their high schools and communities. They come highly recommended by their counselors and have proven their tremendous character by doing volunteer work, community service, and array of activities within their schools.”

Students selected for the leadership corps receive $32,000 over four years in addition to any scholastic scholarships the students may have received. A requirement for the award is that the students live on campus in UALR’s growing village of residence halls.

Dr. Logan Hampton, interim division chief for student development and dean of students, said the new recruits are brought to campus shortly after they have been selected to begin the process of getting to know each other and to learn the culture of UALR.

“They will have some reading to do over the summer, and we will bring them back in August a week before classes begin for workshops and exercises,” Logan said.

“They practice as undergraduates the skill set they will use to be leaders in the institution. We want them to become citizens of the world committed to leadership and service.”