Kali Combs (pictured above, left), a student at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, has been named one of four recipients of the 2025 Rutherford Mini-Grant, an award supporting student leaders across the University of Arkansas System.
Combs, who is pursuing an associate degree in general education, will use the grant to purchase a new camera lens to enhance her photography work and pursue a career in photojournalism. In addition to her studies, she serves as campus photographer and marketing assistant in the UACCB chancellor’s office.
“I am once again so impressed with the individuals selected to receive this year’s mini-grants,” said James L. “Skip” Rutherford III (pictured above, right), the fund’s namesake and dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. “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.”
Combs, a Batesville High School graduate, also runs her own photography business and has previous work experience in banking and retail. She plans to transfer to Lyon College to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Other 2025 grant recipients include Taylor Brooks of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Paige Callender of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and Samantha Kohoutek-Miller of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment was established in 2021 through the University of Arkansas Foundation to honor Rutherford’s career in public service and education. The endowment provides annual mini-grants to undergraduate and graduate students across UA System campuses. This year, more than 150 students applied for the awards, which are distributed by an independent selection committee.
“It is always so difficult for the committee to choose from so many deserving applicants,” said committee chair Eric Wilson. “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.”
Rutherford served as dean of the Clinton School from 2006 to 2021. His tenure was marked by a focus on project-based learning, public service, and the development of a nationally recognized speakers’ series. Prior to his deanship, he played a central role in the planning and opening of the Clinton Presidential Center.
Tax-deductible donations to the endowment can be made through the Clinton School or the University of Arkansas Foundation.
Image provided by UACCB/File image (Rutherford)
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