HOPE, AR - On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Dr. Charles Robinson, Chancellor of University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, along with other representatives visited with Hope High School students to talk about academics, scholarships, and extracurricular offerings of the university. Presenting in the Hope High School auditorium, Dr. Robinson introduced himself and welcomed the students, then turned the conversation over to Dr. Suzanne McCray, the UofA provost for enrollment management. Dr. McCray spoke about various academic programs including marine biology and novel editing. She then introduced Mallory Murdock, Genaro Camarillo, and Riley Wilson, who also work with student recruitment and information.
The UofA representatives shared scholarship information, emphasizing student stories as part of the application process. Wilson said, “We want to know you as a person.” And told the students to be sure to include any clubs they’ve been in, any leadership roles, volunteer work, outside-of-school jobs, and any other personal stories that help the scholarship readers more about their student career and achievements. He said, “We take everything into account. Yes, include your test scores, but (admittance) is much more than that.”

Murdock, a graduate student, opened the floor for questions. Students asked about specific degree options such as band and music and computer science and engineering. Students also asked if the university supported programs such as FFA, asked about housing costs, and asked about Greek life on campus. One student asked, “What do you have for rodeo?” Wilson answered that UofA has an extensive equine program where students are allowed to bring and board their own horses.

After the program concluded, several students stopped to speak with Dr. Robinson and the other presenters individually and thanked them for coming to Hope High School.