Six graduating University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service students have been announced as award winners as part of the school’s graduation celebration.
Clinton School Dean James L. “Skip” Rutherford III and Academic Dean Susan Hoffpauir announced the recipients in a video celebrating this year’s winners.
Justin Murdock is the recipient of the MPS Academic Award, given to a student from the in-person degree program, and Chelsea Scantlan is the recipient of the EMPS Academic Award, given to a student from the online degree program. Both awards were voted on by the Clinton School faculty.
“Justin was chosen not only for the excellence he showed in every one of his classes, but also because he was able to integrate those and apply those in an exceptional manner in his public service projects,” Hoffpauir said.
Academic Award recipients have demonstrated a deep understanding of the knowledge, skills, and values of the program and have shown that they are able to integrate them across the curriculum and to their public service projects.
“Chelsea did an amazing job of integrating the curriculum from across the program into her Capstone project,” Hoffpauir said. “She was the first online student to complete her Capstone project, which means she will always be our first online student to complete her Capstone project.”
Renee Tyler is the recipient of the Public Service Award, given to an online student who has demonstrated excellence in public service during their time at the Clinton School.
“Renee looked at how certain policies in public transportation negatively affect minority and under-resourced communities, and she was always a cheerleader for her class,” Hoffpauir said.
Reiko Muranaka (Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is the recipient of the Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize. Established by late founding Clinton School Academic Dean Tom Bruce, the award is annually presented to a graduating student from outside the United States who has visibly contributed to world peace during their time at the Clinton School.
“Reiko has done an excellent job before she came to the Clinton School of volunteering and making communities better,” Hoffpauir said. “With her Capstone, she looked at how social enterprises can be used to create social change.”
Jordan Sanders is the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Established in collaboration with the Sullivan Foundation and organized by former director of field service education Marie Lindquist, the award goes to the graduating student who best serves others. The selection committee is comprised of three first-year students appointed by the first-year class representative. More than 70 colleges and universities across the country present the Sullivan Award, named for New York lawyer, civic leader, and philanthropist Algernon Sydney Sullivan.
“Jordan is a very remarkable person whose field service work was with Girl Up Uganda and whose Capstone work has been with the American Evaluation Association,” Rutherford said. “But this award is selected by first-year students to give recognition to a most-deserving graduate who sets such a positive example for them.”
Samantha Sheffield is the recipient of the Shannon Butler Bridge Builder Award, recognized as the school’s top honor. The award is named in honor of former Clinton Foundation Deputy Director Shannon Butler, who played a key role in the opening of the Clinton School and Clinton Presidential Center. The award is presented to a member of the graduating class who has displayed collaborative leadership skills and exemplifies the spirit of bringing people together. It comes with a $1,500 stipend.
“Because of her leadership with the health and wellness survey, because of her inclusive leadership with the head of the student government association, because of her work as a graduate assistant, she earned the admiration and the respect of many,” Rutherford said.
Previous Shannon Butler Bridge Builder Award Winners
2019: Beth Quarles
2018: Rebecca Ajyei
2017: Thurman Green
2016: Ashley-Brooke Moses
2015: Brandon Mathews
2014: Allie Rouse
2013: Andrea Price
2012: Anatoliy Shatkovskyy
2011: Lindsey Johnson
2010: Harvell Howard
2009: J.D. Lowery
2008: Julie Gehrki
Previous Academic Award Winners
2019: Yaala Muller
2018: Hannah Bahn
2017: Merrill Schmidt
2016: Katherine Baxter
2015: Brad Cameron
Previous Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize Winners
2019: John Mensah
2018: Darlynton Adegor
2017: Arjola Limani
2016: Nouroudine Alassane
Previous Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Winners
2019: Kirby Richardson
2018: Brandon Treviño
2017: Xochitl Delgado-Solorzano
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