June 9, 2026 – As Hendrix College prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary and launches Via Hendrix this fall, the College announces new leadership for its Board of Trustees.
Walter Pryor ’87 has been elected chair of the Board of Trustees, following his service as vice chair. Eric Jackson ’72 will serve as vice chair, and Kim Evans will continue serving as secretary.
Pryor succeeds Hank Neely ’83 as chair and becomes the first person of color to lead the Hendrix College Board of Trustees in the institution’s history.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as chair of the Hendrix College Board of Trustees,” Pryor said. “As a student, I looked to the Board with great respect and admiration. I never imagined I would one day have the opportunity to lead it. I am especially humbled to be the first person of color to serve in this role and am grateful for the support of my fellow trustees.”
Hendrix College President Dr. Karen Petersen expressed appreciation for the Board’s leadership during a pivotal period in the College’s history.
“The strength of Hendrix College has always been rooted in the people who invest their time, talents, and treasures, and our Board of Trustees exemplifies that commitment,” Petersen said. “As we celebrate 150 years of excellence and prepare to launch Via Hendrix this fall, we are entering one of the most exciting periods in the College’s history. The thoughtful leadership, expertise, and vision represented on this Board give me tremendous confidence in the future.”
The Board will play a key role in overseeing the launch of Via Hendrix, Hendrix’s comprehensive four-year career-readiness initiative. The program allows students to explore the relationship between their liberal arts education and their vocation. Via Hendrix combines academic study, professional development, and a semester-long co-op experience designed to ensure every student graduates prepared for meaningful work and a life of purpose.
Board Chair Walter Pryor ’87
Pryor joined the Hendrix Board of Trustees in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, graduating cum laude from Hendrix before receiving his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
In 2008, Pryor received the Hendrix Odyssey Medal for Professional & Leadership Development, awarded to alumni whose personal and professional lives exemplify the values of engaged liberal arts and sciences education. He has also received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Management and the Outstanding Performance Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as the Outstanding Alumni Award from Hendrix College Students for Black Culture.
“Hendrix is guided by an exceptional Board and outstanding leadership under President Karen Petersen,” Pryor said. “I look forward to working alongside them to support the College’s mission and its future.”
Vice Chair Eric Jackson ’72
Jackson earned a degree in business and economics from Hendrix and serves as senior vice president and a member of the board of directors for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
A longtime civic and business leader, he has served on local and state chambers of commerce, economic development initiatives, healthcare boards, and currently serves on the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission.
In 2025, Jackson became the first person inducted into both the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in the same year.
“My wife Lynda and I are both Hendrix grads,” said Jackson. “We have recognized and appreciated for years what Hendrix meant to our lives. We are honored to now be able to give something back – both time and financial support – hoping we can help Hendrix be able to do for future students what it did for us.”
At the Via Hendrix announcement event, Jackson reflected on the significance of the initiative.
“This is a moment where we get to honor our past by strengthening our future,” Jackson said. “For 150 years, this College has evolved as the times around us have evolved. But the purpose of Hendrix College has always been to make sure that our graduates are prepared for the world they live in today, the world they will enter tomorrow, and the responsibilities of leadership they will one day assume.”
Secretary Kim Evans
Evans, the parent of a Hendrix graduate, joined the Board of Trustees in 2017 and continues her service as secretary.
An experienced senior leader specializing in nonprofit management, governance, fundraising, and strategic initiatives, Evans most recently served as senior program officer for special projects with the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. Previously, she worked with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Community Foundation, and The Center for Nonprofit Organizations at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
former assistant attorney general of Arkansas, Evans has served on many nonprofit and corporate boards and currently also serves on the board of Southern Bancorp Bank.
Evans holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service (International Economics) from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The Hendrix College Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the College, providing strategic leadership and stewardship in support of Hendrix’s mission. Trustees help guide the institution’s future while ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of students and the changing landscape of higher education.
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