September 11, 2025 – Hendrix
College is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of Civic Leadership Scholars,
part of the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas (CCL). CCL is a new
initiative designed to cultivate students’ commitment to civic engagement and
leadership across the state.
This innovative new program offers a unique
cohort-based setting that develops students’ civic engagement and leadership
skills in a community of people with an interest in public service. The
application process for each cohort takes place in the spring of the freshman
year, giving scholars three full years to enjoy the program’s offerings before
graduation. Students with a passion for civic engagement and leadership are
invited to apply.
The Civic Leadership Scholars program provides
selected students with a variety of mentored, cocurricular experiences to
deepen their knowledge of civic engagement and leadership. Each scholar will
also have access to $5,000 in funding to pursue their own civic leadership
projects. The CCL is housed at Hendrix but aims to benefit the entire state.
The first Civic Leadership Scholars include:
Sanskruti Ghanti of Fort Smith, a biochemistry-molecular
biology major whose interests include volunteerism, healthcare, education, and
the environment, with plans to pursue a healthcare career grounded in community
engagement. Sanskruti is the daughter of Santosh and Sunita Ghanti.
Cole Mandrell of Pocahontas, a double major
in politics and French who is passionate about political participation, civic
education, and raising awareness around community issues. Cole is the son of Jennifer
Poindexter.
Jacee Wheat of Sherwood, a biochemistry-molecular
biology major who is committed to addressing misinformation in healthcare and
building trust in healthcare systems, particularly among minority and uninsured
populations. Jacee is the daughter of Aaron and Leslie Wheat.
“I’m incredibly honored to be part of the
inaugural CCL cohort,” said Mandrell. “It means a lot to be trusted to help lay
the foundation for a program that will shape leadership and community at
Hendrix for years to come.”
Ghanti added, “I look forward to being a
Civic Leadership Scholar at the Center for Civic Leadership to increase my
involvement in local and global communities. I hope to emphasize through my
involvement in the CCL that leadership is not necessarily restricted by the
magnitude of change, but rather by the motivation to attempt change.”
The Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas
is directed by Dr. Delphia Shanks, Hendrix associate professor of politics.
“The CCL is a fantastic opportunity to build
a pipeline of young civic leaders who are excited and equipped to help create
the Arkansas they want to live in as adults,” said Shanks. “We are thrilled to
welcome Cole, Jacee, and Sanskruti as our very first Civic Leadership
Scholars.”
Looking forward to making a positive impact
on campus and in its surrounding community, Wheat said, “The privilege to grow
under the mentorship of Dr. Shanks and to use this experience to increase civic
engagement and spread awareness of its importance is an exciting opportunity. I
hope to develop a better perspective of civic engagement and leadership skills,
not only for my own knowledge, but also to share with future cohorts in order
to benefit the CCL program.”
The initiative was made possible thanks to
the vision and support of Jim Gray, who was inspired by his late mother, Susan
East May.
“One rare point of bipartisan consensus is
that our civic institutions are not meeting our current needs,” Gray said. “As
we look for a way to rebuild the bonds that hold us together as a community,
one of our best resources is bright young people from diverse backgrounds and
pursuing all sorts of professional paths to make a concerted effort to build
Arkansas civic engagement.”
Hendrix has a long history of developing civic engagement and leadership in students, including important work by Dr. Jay Barth ’87. The CCL emphasizes diverse participation and
cross-disciplinary involvement, welcoming students from all majors who are
passionate about civic engagement. Along with structured experiences, scholars
will engage with elected officials, advocates, policy experts, and community
leaders, building networks and skills that prepare them for lives of impact.
“The Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas
holds great promise for our state’s future,” Gray added. “I hope many Arkansans
will join me to support this promising strategy.”
Learn more about the Center for Civic
Leadership in Arkansas at https://hendrix.edu/civicleadership.
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