LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Press Women (APW) has selected Emma Jones, a junior at Harding University, as the recipient of its 2022 scholarship.
Jones will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a membership to APW during the Arkansas Press Women Awards Ceremony May 21 at the Bailey Alumni Center at UA Little Rock.
“I am so honored to have been chosen to receive this scholarship, and I want to thank those at APW for helping support my academic career as a student journalist,” Jones said. “It’s wonderful to feel validated for the efforts in journalism I have made at my own campus, and I am excited to use this opportunity to grow even more in my field.”
The APW scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate college student in Arkansas who is planning a career in mass communication or journalism. Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education Fund. Sanders, a previous owner of the Springdale Morning News, was a long-time member of Arkansas Press Women before her passing in 2011.
Jones, a native of Mountain Home, is a double major in multimedia journalism and leadership and ministry with a minor in English. At Harding University’s student newspaper, the Bison, Jones has served as the assistant sports editor, layout editor, news editor and digital content editor. She’s also served as a broadcast news writer and anchor for Harding University’s television station and a member services intern for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative.
April Fatula, advisor of student publications at Harding University, described Jones as a hard worker who understands responsibility, always follows through and is a top candidate for future leadership.
“Emma originally joined The Bison student newspaper mid-semester as assistant sports editor, and as a self-starter, she quickly learned the ropes,” Fatula said. “She has since served in a variety of positions, willing to help wherever she is needed. She is energetic, a true team player and a fast learner who adds a lot of positive energy to our newsroom.”
A rising senior with a 3.95 GPA, Jones plans to serve as editor-in-chief of the Bison during her senior year. After she graduates in 2023, Jones will pursue a career as a publications editor.
“We’re excited to support Emma in her journalism and educational journey,” said Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, president of Arkansas Press Women. “Her student experiences in the newsroom and on the TV station illustrate her strong desire to tell people’s stories and give them a voice.”
An affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, Arkansas Press Women was founded in 1949 by women working in Arkansas newspapers to provide an opportunity to compete and network in a male-dominated industry. The organization is now an association of communicators in journalism, public information, business, education and government.
For more information, contact Angie Faller, Arkansas Press Women scholarship chair, at 217-343-1255 or amfaller@ualr.edu.