April 28, 2026 – Hendrix College has announced the second
cohort of Civic Leadership Scholars, a program within the Center for Civic
Leadership in Arkansas (CCL).
Launched in 2025, the program offers a
cohort-based experience designed to develop students’ civic engagement and
leadership skills within a community of people committed to public service.
Students apply in the spring of their freshman year, allowing selected scholars
to participate in the program for three full years prior to graduation. The
program is open to students of all majors.
The Civic Leadership Scholars program
provides selected students with a range of mentored, co-curricular experiences
aimed at deepening their understanding of civic engagement. Each scholar
receives up to $5,000 in funding to support independent civic leadership
projects.
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The new Civic Leadership Scholars
include:
- Leanne Alhallak of Paragould, a
psychology major interested in race inequality and immigrant rights, as well as
ensuring Arkansas voices are heard.
- Elliot Barker of Dallas, Texas, a history
major interested in exploring historical events and issues that have lasting
impacts on communities and in creating a positive space for new
dialogues.
- Kaeden Ingram of Conway, an undecided
major interested in public service and advocacy, as well as getting more
involved in civic engagement.
- Zamera Wilbon of Sherwood, a
mathematics and psychology major interested in supporting individuals experiencing
homelessness, as well as issues such as low literacy rates, limited financial
literacy, and lack of access to higher education.
“I want to be a part of something bigger
than myself,” said Wilbon. “As someone who wants to become a future educator, I
see civic leadership as a way to better understand the systems that affect
students’ lives.”
Alhallak mentioned that she is “excited
to grow as a leader and as a person under the guidance of the program, as well
as engage with my community at Hendrix.”
During its first year, the Center for
Civic Leadership established a strong foundation through programming that
connected students with practitioners and leaders in public service. Central to
this effort is the Civic Impact Series, a lecture program that brings scholars,
policy experts, and community leaders to campus for conversations on civic
engagement. The series launched in November 2025 with a lecture by Dr. Jay
Barth ’87 and has continued with speakers such as Nate Coulter, executive director
of the Central Arkansas Library System, offering students opportunities to
engage directly with professionals working across Arkansas and beyond.
“I am delighted to welcome the second
cohort of Civic Scholars,” said CCL Director Dr. Delphia Shanks. “They bring a
broad set of interests from across campus, and they will contribute to the CCL
community in a myriad of ways. We looked forward to expanding our programming
and engagement even more of the community in our civic engagement
initiatives.”
Finally, Civic Scholar Jacee Wheat
congratulated the new cohort of students, “I’m excited to welcome the new CCL Scholars
as we continue to grow the program here at Hendrix. Their perspectives will
bring new ideas to our discussions, and I’m confident these new members will
help expand our presence both on campus and throughout the surrounding
community.”
Learn more about the Center for Civic
Leadership in Arkansas and keep up with the new cohort at
https://hendrix.edu/civicleadership.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose