Political Science Students Attend Model Arab League Thanks To Centennial Opportunity Fund Grant

UAM students attending the Model Arab League in Houston were (from left) Will Fawcett of Paris, Ark., HunterFowler of Glenwood, Willie “Rex” Davis of Monticello, Ashley Lawrence of Warren, Jessica Pennington of Crossett, Reba Worthen of Monticello, and Amanda Thompson of Monticello.

            MONTICELLO, AR — Six political science students from the University of Arkansas at Monticello participated in the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce Model Arab League competition at the University of Houston Honors College recently.
            The conference brought together student delegates from UAM, Texas A&M, Stephen F. Austin, Texas State-San Marcos, the University of Houston Honors College, the University of Houston – Clear Lake, Louisiana State and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
            Will Fawcett of Bald Knob, Willie “Rex” Davis, Amanda Thompson and Reba Worthen of Monticello, Hunter Fowler of Glenwood, Ashley Lawrence of Warren, Jessica Pennington of Crossett and James Trigleth of Lake Village comprised the six-person UAM delegation.
            Funding for UAM’s participation in the BUSACC Model Arab League was provided by a grant secured from the university’s Centennial Opportunity Fund by UAM senior William Fawcett.
            The event broke delegates up into different councils, including joint defense, Palestinian affairs, social affairs and political affairs. Delegates participated in mock Arab League sessions, where they discussed such issues as security, economic and political development and the settlement of refugees in the Middle East; engaged in parliamentary procedure, and wrote resolutions related to the issues discussed in sessions.
            The UAM delegation was competitive and authored, co-authored or was a signatory on a wide range of resolutions passed through the assembly, according to Dr. Carol Strong, associate professor of political science. UAM delegates participating on the Joint Defense Committee received recognition as ‘Outstanding Committee’ and students participating on the Palestinian Affairs Committee received honorable mention.
            UAM students were invited to participate in the regional Model Arab League after their performance against other Arkansas colleges and universities at the second annual Arkansas Tech University Collegiate Model United Nations Conference held in November. Because of their performance at this conference, UAM students may have the opportunity to participate as facilitators at the 2014 ATU Collegiate MUN Conference next fall.
            “I am so proud of these students,” said Strong. “They came together as a group in my Mideast Politics class and did so well that it was suggested they compete at the regional level. It is always wonderful to see how competitive UAM students are in such competitions and I look forward to establishing a reputation for excellence in these events.”
            For more information, contact Dr. Carol Strong at (870) 460-1687.