October 20, 2026 — Beginning with
the fall 2027 entering class, Hendrix College will offer automatic admission to
Eagle Scouts and recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award who meet the College’s
application and minimum admission requirements.
The new admission pathway
grew from a conversation with Hendrix alumnus and Eagle Scout Judge Shawn
Johnson ’98 who saw a natural connection between the values recognized through
Scouting’s highest honors and the Hendrix experience.
“Scouting and Hendrix
have both shaped my life through their shared emphasis on leadership, service,
and responsibility to others. As an Eagle Scout and Hendrix alumnus, I am proud
to see the College recognize the extraordinary work required to earn Scouting’s
highest honors and welcome these young leaders to continue growing, serving,
and leading at Hendrix,” said Johnson, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in
1992.
The Eagle Scout rank is
the highest rank in Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). Earning
the distinction requires Scouts to demonstrate leadership and service, complete
an extensive service project, earn required merit badges, and fulfill additional
requirements.
The Girl Scout Gold Award
is the highest award in Girl Scouts and recognizes Senior and Ambassador Girl
Scouts who identify and address an issue in their communities through sustained
leadership and service.
“Earning the rank of
Eagle Scout or the Girl Scout Gold Award represents far more than completing a
set of requirements. These young people have demonstrated leadership,
perseverance, service to others, and a willingness to take on meaningful
challenges,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “Those qualities
resonate deeply with who we are at Hendrix and with Via Hendrix, which
challenges students to connect what they learn with meaningful experience in
the world beyond the classroom. We are proud to recognize what these students
have already achieved and excited about what they can accomplish as part of the
Hendrix community.”
Via Hendrix is the
College’s comprehensive approach to connecting a liberal arts education with
career preparation and substantive professional experience. Through Via
Hendrix, every student completes a full-time, semester-long co-op, supported by
integrated advising throughout all four years.
Hendrix College is the
only college or university in Arkansas and the only liberal arts college in the
region to require this type of cooperative education experience as part of an
undergraduate degree program.
“The students who have
earned one of these two designations demonstrate many of the characteristics
that help students thrive in college. We are proud to recognize their
achievements through this automatic admission initiative,” said Vice President
for Enrollment Kasey Evans. “This initiative represents Hendrix College's
commitment to enrolling students who are prepared to contribute to a vibrant
community, both on and off campus. During their co-op semester, students will
need to think critically, work collaboratively, and demonstrate ethical
leadership, all characteristics that Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts
exemplify.”
Applications for fall 2027 are open. Students
interested in learning more about automatic admission for Eagle Scouts and Gold
Award Girl Scouts are encouraged to visit via.hendrix.edu or contact the
Admission Office at adm@hendrix.edu.
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 College’s signature career-readiness initiative, Via
Hendrix, connects a transformative liberal arts education with a four-year plan
for life after college. Via Hendrix, every student completes a full-time,
semester-long professional co-op experience before graduation.
The Hendrix experience extends beyond the classroom, with students
participating in 21 NCAA Division III sports and a campus community shaped in
part by the College’s longstanding affiliation with the United Methodist
Church, dating to 1884. As Hendrix celebrates its Sesquicentennial in
2026–2027, the College is marking 150 years of educating students while looking
ahead to its next chapter. Learn more at via.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