UACCB Student Kali Combs Awarded 2025 Rutherford Mini-Grant

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) student Kali Combs was one of four students from University of Arkansas System campuses earning grants from an endowment honoring James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

“I am once again so impressed with the individuals selected to receive this year's mini-grants,” Rutherford said. “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.

Kali Combs is pursuing her associate's degree in general education at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville where she also serves as campus photographer and marketing assistant in the UACCB chancellor's office. A graduate of Batesville High School, Combs has worked in banking and retail and owns her own photography business. Combs intends to transfer to Lyon College to complete her bachelor’s degree. She will use her grant to purchase a new camera lens to improve her work and to provide the necessary equipment to pursue a career in photojournalism.

• Taylor Brooks, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• Paige Callender, University of Arkansas at Monticello
• Kali Combs, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
• Samantha Kohoutek-Miller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The endowment was established in 2021 at the University of Arkansas Foundation to honor Rutherford and provide support to student leaders across the UA System. This is the fourth year for grants to be awarded from the fund. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible and can be made online by selecting “Skip Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment” in the drop-down menu or mailing a check to the Clinton School at 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201.

The grants were awarded by an independent committee appointed by Dr. Michael Moore, UA System vice president for academic affairs, in accordance with the terms of the endowment. Each spring, undergraduate and graduate students from any UA System campus have the chance to apply for the grant. This year, roughly 150 students from UA System campuses from across the state submitted applications, said Eric Wilson, chair of the selection committee.

“It is always so difficult for the committee to choose from so many deserving applicants,” Wilson said. “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. We appreciate everyone who applied this year, and encourage those who did not receive an award to consider applying again next year.”

James L. “Skip” Rutherford III was dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service from 2006 to 2021. During his deanship he emphasized the unique project-based learning model in the school’s Master of Public Service degree program and built a nationally renowned public speakers' program, among other accomplishments. Before becoming dean, Rutherford oversaw the planning, construction and opening of the Clinton Presidential Center. He also has an extensive private sector background in communications and public relations. The Rutherford Student Leadership Endowment was founded in 2021 by friends of Rutherford upon his retirement to honor his life and career in public service.