October 30, 2025 – Hendrix College proudly celebrates the induction of Senator Linda Pondexter Chesterfield ’69 into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, honoring her trailblazing career in education, public service, and advocacy for equality and justice in Arkansas.
A life-long Arkansan and the first Black student to graduate Hendrix College, Chesterfield’s journey has been defined by perseverance, purpose, and the guiding mantra she learned as a student at Henry Clay Yerger High School in Hope: “Don’t make excuses, make good.” That determination carried her from the segregated classrooms of southwest Arkansas to the halls of the state legislature, where she has spent decades championing education, access, and opportunity for all Arkansans.
Chesterfield has remained deeply connected to her alma mater, serving twice on the Hendrix College Alumni Board of Governors, first from 1980 to 1985 and again from 2022 to present. In addition, she was awarded the first Hendrix Odyssey Medal for Professional and Leadership Development in 2004, an honor bestowed by the Hendrix College Board of Trustees to individuals who, through their personal and professional accomplishments, have illustrated the value of liberal arts education and experiential learning.
Regarding her connection to Hendrix, Chesterfield said, “I have had the opportunity to be asked to serve a second stint on the Hendrix Alumni Board of Governors. The position affords me the opportunity to meet and greet new students, to share my thoughts and experiences through panel discussions and intriguing conversations. It has also afforded me the opportunity to experience the growth of the physical structure that is Hendrix and to marvel at the changes in student engagement.”
At Hendrix, Chesterfield broke barriers not only as one of the first Black students to enroll following the College’s desegregation but also as a campus leader who would go on to model resilience and courage for generations to come. After earning her degree in history and political science in 1969, she dedicated her career to education, serving as a teacher and later as president of the Arkansas Education Association. Her passion for advocacy led her to public office, where she has served with distinction in both the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas State Senate.
“Senator Chesterfield’s induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “She made history at Hendrix as an exemplar of courage, integrity, and perseverance for generations of students who followed. Senator Chesterfield’s Hendrix family proudly to celebrates her extraordinary impact on Arkansas and enduring connection to Hendrix College.”
Throughout her career, Chesterfield has remained a steadfast advocate for public education, civil rights, and community advancement. Her induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame recognizes not only her professional accomplishments but also her lifelong commitment to equity and progress.
Senator Chesterfield joins an esteemed group of honorees in the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, recognized for their lasting contributions to the arts, education, business, public service, and community leadership.
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