JONESBORO — Arkansas State University student Samantha (Sami) Hammaker has been honored with the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Fellowship, becoming one of only five recipients nationwide to receive the award this year. The fellowship, which recognizes leadership potential and the commitment to advancing first-year student development, offers students the chance to grow their skills and bring fresh insights back to their colleges.
Hammaker, a junior psychology major from Cabot, will represent Arkansas State at the 46th annual Conference on the First-Year Experience next year in Orlando, Florida. The fellowship covers all registration and travel expenses for the event, during which Hammaker will be formally recognized and presented with a plaque for her achievements.
“Winning this award is such an honor, and I hope to bring back to campus valuable information from the conference,” Hammaker said.
Active in several campus organizations, Hammaker serves as the vice president of the Feminist Union, secretary of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and vice president of Delta Sigma Omicron, a group that advocates for disability awareness and inclusion. Additionally, she works as a tutor for Learning Support Services and holds leadership roles as an intern at the Center for Leadership Excellence and as a peer mentor for Transition Studies.
Kyle Walker, director of Learning Support Services, nominated Hammaker for the fellowship and praised her for her dedication. “Sami is more than deserving of the Jordan Smith Fellowship. I was able to watch Sami support dozens of students struggling in courses from mathematics, biology, and psychology. In each of these interactions, Sami excitedly tutored students through challenging concepts, rejoicing in their successes and bolstering them through mistakes,” Walker said.
Jennifer Salo, coordinator of competitive scholarships and fellowships at Arkansas State, also commended Hammaker’s impact on campus and her potential to inspire change. “She truly has a heart for service and mentorship and will be an amazing representative of A-State to showcase our university's impact on a national stage. Sami is not just a great thinker and idea person, but someone who is committed to bringing those ideas to fruition to help others,” Salo said.
Hammaker is the fourth Arkansas State student to receive the Jordan Smith Fellowship since 2022. The program is designed to prepare undergraduates for leadership by deepening their understanding of initiatives that support first-year students. Hammaker noted her passion for improving the student experience, stating, “Bettering the student experience is very important to me, and I am glad I get to be a part of this process.”
The fellowship recognizes students for their contributions to their campuses and their potential for influence in fostering environments where first-year students can thrive. Arkansas State encourages students interested in applying for nationally competitive awards to contact Salo at jsalo@AState.edu for more information.