UAFS student Zachary Vann named 2016 JPH Fellow

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith student Zachary Vann has been named the 2016 John Paul Hammerschmidt (JPH) Fellow, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers.

Vann, who is expected to graduate UAFS in December 2016, will earn college credit for completing a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities that highlight the inner workings of the U.S. House of Representatives, including legislative research, attending hearings, and monitoring activity on the House floor. The work also includes assisting with constituent communications and general office matters.

Womack said he hopes to expand the fellowship to other higher education institutions in the 3rd Congressional District.

“John Paul Hammerschmidt was an exemplary leader of the Third District of Arkansas, and a steadfast role model for students – especially those interested in public service,” Womack said in a statement. “I am proud to honor the life of John Paul through the JPH Fellowship program and look forward to having Zachary in our office this summer.”

The JPH Fellowship was established in 2013 in conjunction with UAFS and is named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt (1966-1993), who passed away April 1, 2015. It is geared toward highly-motivated college students with an interest in public service and will allow outstanding Third District students to experience the legislative process firsthand in Rep. Womack’s Washington, D.C. office.

“Zachary is an excellent student who is emblematic of the talented, driven students we work to cultivate here at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith,” Dr. Paul Beran, UAFS Chancellor, said in the statement. “This fellowship that Congressman Womack established four years ago has provided outstanding learning opportunities for our students, allowing them an insider’s perspective to Capitol Hill.  Former JPH Fellows have gone on to earn rewarding jobs from this experience, and we are deeply appreciative of Congressman Womack helping our students grow intellectually and ethically in our nation’s political center.”