UAFS grad is first ‘Hammerschmidt fellow’

Jordan Hale, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, is the first fellow in the John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellowship program offered by the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers.

The fellowship is named for former U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt who was Arkansas’ 3rd District Congressman between 1966 and 1993. According to a statement from Womack’s office, the fellowship is “geared towards highly motivated college students with an interest in public service” and will provide more indepth work than  the regular summer intern program.

Those who participate in the unpaid program may earn college credit for completing a “strict curriculum” related to the inner workings of a Congressional office. Such work includes legislative research, constituent communications, attending hearings and monitoring bill activity.

"John Paul Hammerschmidt was legendary for his second-to-none constituent service and for his dedication to giving back to Arkansas; this included making it possible for young men and women to come to Washington, D.C., to learn the ins-and-outs of Congress,” Womack noted in the statement. “This fellowship will allow students interested in public service to do just that, and there isn't a more fitting name for it bear than that of John Paul Hammerschmidt. I am thrilled this program will continue his legacy and honor all he has done for the Third District of Arkansas.”

Womack said he plans to expand the fellowship to other higher education institutions in the District.

Hammerschmidt, whose accomplishments while in office included helping protect the Buffalo River and securing funds for the extension of Interstate 540 between Alma and Fayetteville, was obviously pleased with the program.

“I am deeply honored to have Congressman Womack’s fellowship bear my name.  I am sure it will be beneficial to many students in the future,” Hammerschmidt said.

Womack also thanked UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran for his work in getting the fellowship program on its feet.

Hale, who was a Chancellor’s Leadership Scholar at UAFS, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in history and minor in political science. Hale, a native of Pocola, Okla., graduated from Roland High School in Roland, Okla. He is the son of Delores and Lenvel Hale.

“Jordan was a clear leader on the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus, and because of his interest in history and politics, I supported him for a regular internship with Congressman Womack’s office last summer,” Beran noted in the statement from Womack’s office. “But this current opportunity will really allow him the opportunity to experience Washington D.C. as a real participant and be mentored by Congressman Womack and other seasoned political professionals in the congressman’s office.”
 
Hale, who interned in Womack’s office in June of 2011, said the fellowship position work  is different and he’s “incredibly honored” to be the first Hammerschmidt fellow.

“This is a little more indepth. I get to sit in on staff meetings … and see how that process works,” Hale said.

He is also working with Womack staffers to pull together a document that provides history on how the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) has impacted Arkansas.

Hale arrived in Washington, D.C., on June 2 and the fellowship is scheduled to end July 31. In addition to his fellowship duties, Hale also plans to seek employment.

“I graduated in May … so the ideal situation would be to find a job before the end of this fellowship and be able to stay in Washington,” Hale said.