U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., announced April 23 that Curtis B. Adams III, a member of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Class of 2014 and the UAFS Student Government Association president, has been selected to serve as the 2014 John Paul Hammerschmidt (JPH) Fellow.

 

The JPH Fellowship, named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt (1966-1993), was established in 2013 in conjunction with UAFS. It is geared towards highly motivated college students with an interest in public service and will allow outstanding 3rd District students to experience the legislative process firsthand in Congressman Womack’s Washington, D.C., office.

 

After the announcement of Adams’s appointment, Womack spoke enthusiastically about the JPH Fellow namesake and the UAFS student.

 

“John Paul was dedicated to helping young leaders in our community -- like Curtis -- grow professionally and personally, and I am thrilled this fellowship can continue to honor his legacy,” said Womack.

 

Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, was appreciative of the fellowship and what it can do for the recipients.

 

“UAFS appreciates Congressman Womack for establishing this fellowship for a deserving UAFS student,” said Beran. “Curtis Adams has been an outstanding leader on campus. He is ready for this kind of challenging, creative and intellectually demanding opportunity.”

 

John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellows will earn college credit for completing a strict curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities that highlight the inner workings of the U.S. House of Representatives, including conducting extensive legislative research, attending hearings and monitoring activity on the House floor, as well as assisting with constituent communications and general office matters. Congressman Womack said he hopes to expand the fellowship to other 3rd District institutions in the future.