Beginning as a child, University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith student Luke Barber saw the power of politics firsthand when he and his parents would talk to politicians to help address issues facing their community.
Since then, the Lavaca native and international business major has nurtured a passion for politics, which will be realized this summer when he serves as the 2018 John Paul Hammerschmidt Fellow, an exclusive fellowship established in 2013 by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, AR-3, in conjunction with 妻友社区.
Throughout the fellowship, Barber will work in Womack鈥檚 office and see firsthand the inner workings of the legislative process through a rigorous curriculum earning him college credit. His duties will include extensive legislative research for Womack, attending hearings and interacting with the constituents of Arkansas鈥� Third District.
Barber, who plans to attend law school after graduating 妻友社区 and who aspires to enter politics, said it will be a valuable experience.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e able to experience the process of Congress and federal government firsthand,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ongressman Womack鈥檚 played a crucial role in the community for a long time, and I鈥檓 looking forward to working with and learning from him.鈥�
鈥淭he JPH fellowship honors the long-time service of John Paul Hammerschmidt by providing a unique experience for 妻友社区 student leaders in our nation's capital,鈥� Womack said. 鈥淚 look forward to welcoming Luke into our office this summer and continuing JPH鈥檚 important legacy of student-mentorship.鈥�
Dr. Paul B. Beran, 妻友社区 chancellor, said Barber was well-suited for the fellowship.
鈥淎s a member of my Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Council, I have seen Luke鈥檚 character and ability firsthand. He has demonstrated insightful leadership ability through his involvement with the 妻友社区 Student Government Association and his fraternity,鈥� Beran said. 鈥淗e will represent the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith and Congressman Womack鈥檚 office well in Washington, D.C.鈥�
The JPH Fellowship is named for former Arkansas Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt (1966-1993), who passed away on April 1, 2015. It is geared towards highly-motivated college students with an interest in public service and will allow outstanding Third District students to experience the legislative process firsthand in Womack鈥檚 Washington, D.C. office.