18 Apr 2022 UCA student receives award
CONWAY — Jeromy Hunt, a student at the University of Central Arkansas, is the recipient of a 2022-23 Newman Civic Fellow award.
The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed studentswho have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. The fellowship provides training and resources that nurture students’ assets and passions to help them develop strategies to achieve social change. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership.
“As a staff member of Arkansas Boys State, he contributes to the civic education of the next generation of leaders in our state, advancing their understanding of the role all citizens play in a democratic society,” said UCA President Houston Davis in his recommendation for Hunt. “On campus, he mentors other students of color and provides a voice for students in campus housing. He is passionate about voter education and civic literacy, with plans to pursue a career in which he can increase voters’ access to information about political candidates and issues.”
Hunt, originally from Eudora, Arkansas, is a sophomore public relations major with a minor in political science. He holds several leadership positions on campus: president of the Bear Den, community service chair for the Black Male Achievement Challenge, mentor for the Minority Mentorship Program, IDEAL Freshman Leadership Team Alumni Leader and chaplain for the UCA Gospel Choir.
Hunt said being named a Newman Civic Fellow is pushing him to continue the work he is doing and advocate for students by being the middle ground between students and the university.
“It hasn’t always been that way. I know what it feels like to not have someone fight for me, so I want to stand up and do it for other people,” Hunt said.
Once he received the news of being a recipient of the award, Hunt was shocked that the work he thought was going unnoticed, was getting recognition.
“Not every move you make, everyone has to know about. It’s about how you use the experience to move forward to make the next one. Earning this award let me know people do see my work and realize people are noticing,” Hunt said.
