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Hendrix College Expands Support for Service Members and Families

November 11, 2025 – In recognition of Veterans Day, Hendrix College is proud to announce participation in two state programs that expand access to higher education for those who serve: the Arkansas Heroes Scholarship Program and the National Guard Tuition Waiver. Together, these initiatives represent a major step forward in ensuring that Arkansas service members, veterans, and their families have greater opportunities to pursue higher education at institutions like Hendrix.

“These families have given so much for the protection of our communities,” added Hendrix College Vice President for Enrollment Kasey Evans. “We look forward to giving back to them by welcoming these students into our community and providing them with meaningful opportunities for college and beyond.”

The Arkansas Heroes Scholarship, newly launched by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, provides tuition and fee assistance for eligible dependents and spouses of U.S. Armed Forces personnel, as well as law enforcement officers and other state personnel who suffered fatal injuries or permanent disabilities in the line of duty. Beginning with the 2025 application cycle, the program will cover tuition and fees up to the equivalent amount for a state institution.

In appreciation of these individuals’ service and sacrifice, Hendrix College will recognize these students as Hendrix Heroes and guarantee that their institutional merit scholarship will be at least equal to their Arkansas Heroes award.

The Arkansas Heroes Scholarship consolidates and expands upon previous state programs, including the Law Enforcement Officer’s Dependents Scholarship and the Military Dependents Scholarship, and extends eligibility to dependents of Department of Defense medical retirees, as well as Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients.

Hendrix College students who are active members of the Arkansas National Guard are now eligible for the National Guard Tuition Waiver, a landmark change that, for the first time, extends this benefit to students attending private institutions. The National Guard Tuition Waiver now includes coverage up to a set portion of tuition and mandatory fees per semester at private institutions for qualifying members of the Arkansas National Guard pursuing undergraduate degrees.

Hendrix College President Karen Petersen was instrumental in advocating for private institutions to be included in this expansion, ensuring that those who serve can choose the educational environment that best fits their goals, whether public or private, without sacrificing access to state tuition benefits.

“Our participation in the Arkansas Heroes Scholarship and the National Guard Tuition Waiver programs is a meaningful way for Hendrix to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country and our communities,” said President Petersen.

For more information about the Arkansas Heroes Scholarship or to learn more about the National Guard Tuition Waiver, visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education website.

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