LITTLE ROCK (Friday, May 9, 2025) — Four students from University of Arkansas System campuses have earned grants from an endowment honoring James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
“I am once again so impressed with the individuals selected to receive this year’s mini-grants,” Rutherford said. “It’s humbling to have this program established in my name, and I hope that these awards provide a financial boost to help these students reach their goals in higher education and beyond. I appreciate the selection committee for their hard work in this process and all of the donors who have helped make this program possible.
Those receiving 2025 grants include (bios below):
- Taylor Brooks, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Paige Callender, University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Kali Combs, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- Samantha Kohoutek-Miller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The endowment was established in 2021 at the University of Arkansas Foundation to honor Rutherford and provide support to student leaders across the UA System. This is the fourth year for grants to be awarded from the fund. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible and can be made online by selecting “Skip Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment” in the drop-down menu or mailing a check to the Clinton School at 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201.
The grants were awarded by an independent committee appointed by Dr. Michael Moore, UA System vice president for academic affairs, in accordance with the terms of the endowment. Each spring, undergraduate and graduate students from any UA System campus have the chance to apply for the grant. This year, roughly 150 students from UA System campuses from across the state submitted applications, said Eric Wilson, a member of the selection committee.
“It is always so difficult for the committee to choose from so many deserving applicants,” Wilson said. “There are truly remarkable students all across Arkansas, and I am proud that we get a chance to help out a few each year thanks to the legacy of Dean Rutherford. We appreciate everyone who applied this year, and encourage those who did not receive an award to consider applying again next year.”
James L. “Skip” Rutherford III was dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service from 2006 to 2021. During his deanship he emphasized the unique project-based learning model in the school’s Master of Public Service degree program and built a nationally renowned public speakers’ program, among other accomplishments. Before becoming dean, Rutherford oversaw the planning, construction and opening of the Clinton Presidential Center. He also has an extensive private sector background in communications and public relations. The Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment was founded in 2021 by friends of Rutherford upon his retirement to honor his life and career in public service.
More information about this year’s recipients:
Taylor Brooks is a senior completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he has worked as a lead dormitory resident assistant and as a tutor for fellow students. He is vice president of the Black Male Achievers and is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Brooks has interned with Citi, Medtronic and Alcon to gain experience in software engineering, system security and risk assessment. He plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity and use his grant to help pay his final education expenses, as well exam fees and test prep materials for cybersecurity certifications.
Paige Callender is a senior in the School of Education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello who expects to graduate this summer and become a local school teacher. Callender previously completed her bachelor’s in business administration at UAM and has worked as a dispatcher in the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office. She will use her grant to pay for tuition and books to complete her final coursework this summer and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher and giving back to her community.
Kali Combs is pursuing her associate’s degree in general education at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville where she also serves as campus photographer and marketing assistant in the UACCB chancellor’s office. A graduate of Batesville High School, Combs has worked in banking and retail and owns her own photography business. She will use her grant to purchase a new camera lens to improve her work and to provide the necessary equipment to pursue a career in photojournalism.
Samantha Kohoutek-Miller is a nontraditional student pursuing a degree in social work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. A mother of three married to a disabled veteran, Kohoutek-Miller enrolled at UALR in 2021 after previously being forced to stop out of community college for financial reasons. She has previously worked for a nonprofit and currently works part time teaching English as a second language. She will use her grant to pay for educational supplies, books and transportation costs to attend her social work internship this summer.