Former High School Teacher Helps Student Stay on Path to Graduation

Path Scholar and Honors physics major Jeremy Camp only had three semesters remaining at the University of Arkansas before reaching his goal of graduating.

But then COVID-19 hit, and the financial challenges that came with the pandemic threatened to derail Camp, who is majoring in physics with a minor in French.

Instead, a figure from his past reemerged to make all the difference – his former White Hall High School teacher Russell E. Bearden.

Bearden recalled, “I taught Jeremy in Advanced Placement World Civilization the year before I retired – three years ago” and noted that he was an impressive scholar then, too.

“He is a deserving young man who needs the funds,” Bearden said, adding that he couldn’t think of a better student to receive the Russell E. Bearden History Scholarship that bears his name.

Additionally, Bearden said he plans to increase his scholarship fund contribution in the future, to help more students like Camp. 

“As a kid who didn’t grow up with much financial support, this scholarship will offer me a gateway into continuing my passion,” said Camp, who plans to study optical science or optical engineering after completing his physics degree.

“Growing up in Pine Bluff, I had always known that I would like to escape my comfort zone and expand my horizons to do something greater than I could dream of,” Camp said, noting that his love for and aptitude in mathematics helped him do well in school.

“I found myself wanting to know the mechanics and processes behind how things worked the way they do. Because of this, it was a sure choice that physics would be just the right major for me to pursue,” Camp said.

As his high school years came to a close, Camp said he found himself drawn to the various applications of light, which led to his desire to study optical science.  

Fulbright College Dean Todd Shields said because of this the college’s physics program was a natural fit for Camp, who recently started conducting research in assistant professor Hugh Churchill’s physics lab.

“Jeremy is bright, inquisitive and doing remarkable work,” Shields said.

At the University of Arkansas, Camp also joined the Honors College Path Program, which supports exceptional high school students from underrepresented populations by providing scholarships, peer and professional mentors and other academic opportunities.

“He is an exceptionally talented scholar, who thanks to Russell Bearden and our colleagues in both the Honors College and Fulbright College, will now be able to continue his studies and go on to great things,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. “I have no doubt Jeremy will wildly exceed any expectations or goals he sets for himself, and I know his scholarly contributions will better the field of optical science and ultimately help us all.”

Shields agreed with Coon, adding that “when scholarships support stellar students like Jeremy Camp, we all win. What a beautiful way for a former student and teacher to reconnect, what a wonderful way to help someone on their educational journey, and what an amazing gift to be able to help someone as outstanding as Jeremy!”

Camp said the support and opportunity he’s found at the University of Arkansas have changed his life.

“I am very thankful to have chosen a place that I can easily call home,” Camp said. “I will forever be grateful for [this funding] and I cannot express enough thanks for the countless ways it will help me.”

In addition to his studies, Camp participates in Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Boy Scouts of America and the National Society of Black Engineers.

In his spare time, Camp also pursues hobbies including music production and performance, video gaming, soccer, drawing and sketching and he enjoys socializing with friends.

“Academically, this scholarship will allow me to safely build towards a point where I am most competitive by being able to focus my energy to my classes completely,” Camp said.

“While attending classes without the weight of financial burden on my shoulders, I know that I can excel and give good recognition to this award by showing the type of student that can come from it. I could not imagine the financial situation I might have been in without this gracious gift,” he added.

Shields said Camp and other students like him also recently inspired the college’s leadership team to create a new fund dedicated to helping students with the most immediate and pressing financial need – especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together, we can use our power of generosity to help one another, to make sure our amazing students can succeed no matter what they face, and to create a better world for us all,” Shields said. “If you’d like to join us, please participate in this year’s #GivingTuesday event.”

“Any amount will go a long way to create a better future for our students in financial distress, and to remind them that we’re all in this together and we’re here to help them,” Shields added.

To help Fulbright College students in need, please visit fulbright.uark.edu/givingtuesday and make a #GivingTuesday gift of any size on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.

After making your gift, share how you’re giving back by using the hashtags #GivingTuesday, #FulbrightFirst and #uarkfulbrightGT to join us in this global wave of good.