Hendrix introduces longtime corporate leader as executive director of career success ahead of fall launch

June 25, 2026 – Hendrix College has named alumna Julie Agee Gillaspy ’92 the inaugural executive director of career success ahead of the launch of Via Hendrix, its new program that centers career preparation as a cornerstone of the undergraduate liberal arts experience. 

Gillaspy is returning to her alma mater after serving more than 20 years at Acxiom, a global data and technology company based in Conway. She served as a strategic advisor to senior executives across Acxiom’s worldwide workforce, partnering with leaders on talent development and strategy. She brings more than three decades of experience in human resources and career guidance to Via Hendrix.

Starting with the incoming class in fall 2026, the program will position Hendrix as the only college or university in Arkansas — and the only liberal arts college in the region — to require a professional work experience, or co-op, for every student who graduates. Gillaspy’s understanding of workforce and organizational needs, success working with students, and commitment to higher education equip her uniquely to lead and integrate Via Hendrix across the College, according to Hendrix President Karen Petersen.

“It’s an honor to welcome back Julie Gillaspy for this landmark moment in our 150-year history,” said Petersen. “The opportunities we’re fostering for the next generation of Hendrix students demand real-world insight and a passion for this work. Julie doesn’t just get it — she knows first-hand how to create sustainable pathways for talent, to make sure students have the hands-on tools and experiences they need. 

“Her leadership is a rare blend of know-how across the corporate and higher ed worlds,” Petersen added. “That helps Hendrix deliver on our promise to every student.”

Gillaspy graduated from Hendrix with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business and completed a master’s degree in higher education administration at Texas A&M University, where she focused on career counseling. Before joining Acxiom in 2003, she worked at Southern Methodist University, Washington University’s Olin School of Business, and Hendrix in several leadership roles supporting students’ career readiness.

At Acxiom, Gillaspy took on progressively greater responsibilities. Over the last seven years as a senior director and HR business partner, she collaborated across all levels of Acxiom leadership on workforce planning and development, employee engagement and performance, and other key HR functions. Gillaspy is a former vice president of people and organizational development at Metova, Inc., an Arkansas technology and software company.

“Hendrix understands what this moment demands: higher education that prepares students academically and practically,” Gillaspy said. “My own liberal arts grounding has been the most durable asset of my career, and I know it builds exactly what the workforce values most: critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to communicate across differences. Via Hendrix bridges the gap between the classroom and the work world, giving students the chance to prove those skills before graduation. Coming home to help lead that work is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.” 

Gillaspy’s portfolio at Hendrix includes developing career support for students in the context of Via Hendrix and building partnerships with employers for the co-op program. Her appointment, taking effect July 6, is part of a reorganization in Hendrix academic affairs to effectively support the new program. 

Todd Tinsley ’98 will be the inaugural vice provost for student formation, a new position overseeing career success, the co-op program, and integrated advising. Tinsley, an alumnus and professor of physics, has been at Hendrix since 2007 and has served the College in leadership roles including department chair; faculty representative to the board of trustees; and, most recently, associate provost for academic affairs, a position he held for three years.  

“With Julie on Todd’s team, these important parts of Via Hendrix are in great hands,” Executive Vice President and Provost Teresa Garrett said. “Their combined experiences will serve our students well.”

Employers join growing co-op effort

More than a dozen organizations already have signed memoranda of understanding to consider co-op opportunities through Via Hendrix, which the College announced in April. 

Potential partners on the growing roster include: 

• Bank OZK, a nationally recognized financial institution based in Little Rock 
• Dextera Business Services, an advisory firm based in Little Rock
• First Service Bank, a regional community bank based in Greenbrier
• Franks Dermatology, a private dermatology practice in Little Rock
• Helen R. Walton Child Enrichment Center in Bentonville
• Independent Living Services, a Conway nonprofit that assists individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Landmark CPAs, a full-service public accounting firm with a half-dozen Arkansas offices and two in Arizona
• Little Rock Athletic Club
• Little Rock Zoo
• The Minnesota Wild, a National Hockey League team based in St. Paul
• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
• Our House, a Little Rock nonprofit that helps those experiencing homelessness
• Scenic Hill Solar, a commercial and industrial solar developer based in Little Rock
• Simmons Bank, a regional financial institution based in Pine Bluff
• Summit Industrial Construction, based in Houston
• Uniti Group Inc., a telecommunications infrastructure company based in Little Rock
• Yellow Rocket Concepts, a restaurant group based in Little Rock
• Wright Lindsey Jennings, a full-service law firm based in Little Rock

Employers make possible the semester-long workforce experience — a 12- to 14-week co-op — at the heart of Via Hendrix. While many schools offer internships, those are typically optional, shorter in duration, and less intensive than a co-op.

“Our flexible approach extends the classroom further into the workplace, giving students a broader grounding in practical applications and bolstering the academic rigor that’s always defined Hendrix,” Garrett said. “Via Hendrix marks a recommitment to the liberal arts as the best preparation for career success. It equips students to put their Hendrix education to its fullest uses in life and in work.”

Faculty and campus leadership collaborated to develop Via Hendrix, drawing from market research to strengthen uses of liberal arts skills such as critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to evaluate problems from different perspectives. Students will prepare for co-op engagements starting in their first year, when each will receive an integrated advising team to provide academic and professional support through graduation.

Second-year programming will continue the co-op preparation through a course designed to build students’ professional presence. In their fourth and final year, after completing co-op placements, students will reflect on the totality of their experiences as they work with the integrated advising teams to apply for jobs or graduate school.

Via Hendrix creates what Petersen describes as a real-time, continuous feedback loop with employers. Direct sightlines into the economy will give Hendrix actionable insight to adjust its programming and refine a talent pipeline for co-op hosts.

For more information on becoming a co-op partner, email partnerships@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 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