University of Arkansas – Fort Smith student Jennifer Hosley had never applied for a scholarship before, but the first time was a charm for the Greenwood native after she applied for and received a nationally competitive scholarship for student veterans.
Hosley was one of two student veterans in the nation to receive the 2017 Patriot Scholarship by the Student Veterans of America and Raytheon, a scholarship that will fund $10,000 towards her post-graduate education.
She applied for the scholarship out of an interest to earn a master’s degree in education administration after she graduates to pursue her dream of teaching politics. She said she was shocked when she was selected.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized with such a generous scholarship,” Hosley said. “I would ultimately like to work on the political side of education and know that more education and experience will help me achieve that goal.”
During her time at UAFS, Hosley has built an impressive resume that made her scholarship application stand out. She has served as the president of the UAFS chapter of the Student Veterans Organization for two years, during which the organization won a NUMA Award from the university for New Student Organization of the Year, Community Service Organization of the Year, and overall Organization of the Year. Hosley was also named the university’s Non-Traditional Student Leader of the Year in 2016.
Additionally, Hosley has grown SVO membership by nearly 400 percent since assuming the role of president and developed the Student Veteran of the Year program at UAFS as an incentive for participation.
She is also adding to that resume by being selected for the third consecutive year to attend the Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. The conference assembles the top 100 student veterans from across the nation to hone their leadership skills.
“We will polish our personal philosophies, work on chapter business plans, and gain valuable advice from the nation’s top executives and military affiliates,” Hosley said. “I know it will be a life-changing experience and am beyond humbled to be selected for this elite opportunity.”
Hosley, who majors in middle childhood education with an emphasis in language arts and social studies, attended UAFS because it was close to home.
“We fell in love with Greenwood as soon as we moved to it and do not plan on relocating anymore,” Hosley said. “With our kids being in school and after several moves in the military, my husband and I were ready to settle down and start the next chapters of our life.”
She said she never would’ve considered graduate school had it not been for the faculty and staff at UAFS.
“My aspirations to attend graduate school are a direct reflection of the support and encouragement from faculty and staff at UAFS,” she said. “I have found a group of academic leaders who have confidence in me, much like my leaders in the Army did. This personal connection and mutual respect have inspired me to reach higher than I ever anticipated.”
About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, affordable tuition rates, and a diverse on-campus culture allow UAFS students to fully explore their areas of interest in ways that prepare them for post-graduate success academically, professionally, and personally. To find out what makes UAFS just right for you, go to www.uafs.edu.