July 29, 2025 - The First Horizon Foundation donated $20,000 to Hendrix College to assist with cyber security and information technology.
Central Arkansas Market President Jay Meador and Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager Jarrod Norwood, both of First Horizon Bank, visited campus last week for a check presentation. Hendrix College President Karen Petersen, Vice President for Finance & Operations and CFO Bernadette Hinkle, and Interim CIO and AVP of Technology Services Jay Burling accepted the donation on behalf of the College.
This generous gift will help the College fund several initiatives to improve the cyber security footing of the institution. Burling said, "A portion of the funds will help us set up a new 24x7x365 cyber-security monitoring service that will allow us to better prevent, detect, and respond to threats in our data systems with more modern tools, dedicated cybersecurity resource personnel, and in a much more immediate manner than we have today."
This donation will also allow the College to expand its cyber security training and certification opportunities for our professional staff as well as for HelpDesk student workers. By investing in staff and students, Hendrix will improve the security posture of the College and build stronger foundational training for student employees. The College will also provide those students with additional marketable credentials that they can use in their future endeavors, whether they are going further in technology fields or pursuing other paths.
“Whether you are a bank, a college or an individual, cyber threats are something we all are forced to deal with these days," said Meador. "First Horizon Bank is proud to support Hendrix College’s efforts in this area. Not only are they raising the standards with which they protect the College, they are also using it as an opportunity to give their students unique exposure to an increasingly important industry.“
Burling added, "As an alum who believes very strongly in the liberal arts, I also very much like the idea of sending doctors, lawyers, accountants, and artists out into the world with technology certifications."
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 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