History of Hendrix

2001 to 2010

2001 to 2010

Dr. J. Timothy Cloyd began serving as president of Hendrix College in 2001. During Cloyd’s tenure, the College established the Odyssey Program, in which students carry out engaged learning projects in at least three of six Odyssey categories as requirements for graduation. Odyssey projects provide an avenue for all Hendrix students to personalize their educational adventures to their own interests and abilities. Since its inception in 2005, the Odyssey Program has provided more than $4 million in grant funding for student and faculty projects centered on engaged learning.

In 2007, a Hendrix formed and led a higher education consortium with Rwanda, thanks to the work of David Knight, chief legal counsel at Stephens Inc., and a member of both the Hendrix College Board of Trustees and the Bridge2Rwanda program, a non-profit effort co-founded by former Stephens Inc. investment banker Dale Dawson. The Bridge2Rwanda Program brought four Rwandan students to campus that first year. Hendrix remains involved with Bridge2Rwanda, and the consortium of participating colleges and universities has continued to grow.

Numerous building projects changed the face of the Hendrix College campus in the early years of the 21st century: 

  • The Donald W. Reynolds Center for Life Sciences (2001) opened to house the Departments of Biology and Psychology.
  • The Bertie Wilson Murphy Building (2002) provided a home for the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language.
  • A trio of new art buildings on Front Street (2003) expanded academic space further to the south.
  • Upgrades to the area in front of Staples Auditorium resulted in the Butler Plaza and Pecan Court (2005). 
  • The Wellness & Athletics Center (2007) added an aquatics center with retracting roof, competition and recreational gymnasiums, climbing wall, fitness center, sand volleyball court, and space for dance and aerobics. It also provided an indoor space adequate for Commencement ceremonies.
  • The Hendrix Corner Apartments (2008) increased student living space options. 
  • The Student Life & Technology Center (2010) provided a new home for Student Affairs, Career Services, Religious Life, Residence Life, the Odyssey Program, Academic Support Services, the Volunteer Action Center, the Educational Technology Center, Dining Services, and the post office. It features performance and gathering spaces, offices for student organizations, a dining hall with a cathedral ceiling, a game area, and a café.