Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Double Major Reach Dream of Working in Sexual Violence Prevention, Social Work and Policy

This November, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible.  

Meet Reid Pinckard, who thanks to the George A. Gearhart Scholarship Fund, is one step closer to his dream of working in sexual violence prevention and activism through social and public policy work, and ultimately becoming a university professor to serve the next generation.  

 George A. Gearhart Scholarship Fund Recipient Reid Pinckard 

 Name: Reid Pinckard 

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Texas 

Anticipated Graduation: 2022 

Major(s)/Minor(s): Majoring in Political Science and News / Editorial Journalism, minoring in Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies 

 Activities/Interests: University Programs Daytime Chair, SPEAK Peer Educator, Sexual Violence Prevention Association, Policy and Development Intern, Sexual Violence Prevention, Advocacy, and Activism Sports (Football and Baseball) 

 Career Aspirations: I want to continue my work in sexual violence prevention and activism. I plan on doing this through social and public policy work. Eventually I want to come back and be a professor at a university in hopes of giving back what my mentors have given me. 

 In his own words: 
 Dear Dr. & Mrs. Gearhart,  

 I wanted extend an arm of gratitude for your scholarship contribution. It means a lot to not only me, but my family and everyone else that supports me in all of my endeavors.  

 As this scholarship helps me move along in my journey, I can’t wait to see how I grow and change. I am hopeful I will secure a better understanding of the world as I major in political science and news/editorial journalism and tie those lessons into my sexual assault prevention work.  

 After my time at the University of Arkansas is done, I plan on going to grad school to get my master’s and doctorate degree in either public or social policy. With this, I will continue my passion for sexual assault prevention in hopes that I can eradicate this violence from being perpetuated. At some point, I would also love to be a professor so I can pour into students the way my mentors have poured into me.  

 While my future plans are daunting, contributions such as yours will help me to achieve my goals. With this scholarship I will be able to afford classes and take some of the financial burden off of my family that are also putting my younger siblings through college.  

 These funds also allow me to focus more on the work I do on campus instead of having to pick up another job while I am attending school.  

 I would like to say thank you for your generous contribution towards my future one final time. I am beyond grateful and I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds.  

 Sincerely,  

 Reid Pinckard