James Owen ’16 Chairs Alumni Association Board of Governors

September 3, 2026 – Hendrix College's Alumni Association Board of Governors will soon convene for its first meeting of the 2026-2027 academic year with James Owen ’16 serving as chair.

While at Hendrix, Owen was a Leadership Scholar, served on Student Senate, and held leadership roles in a variety of student organizations. He was a contributing member of The Profile staff for his four years on campus and served one year as Editor-in-Chief.

Owen studied abroad through the Hendrix-in-Oxford program, studying British politics, international relations, and art history. A politics major and business minor, Owen developed a strong interest in the intersection of economic development, how the markets moved, and politics. He wrote his thesis on the interplay of the Affordable Care Act and behavioral health care access. Owen also authored a complimentary report that examined behavioral health access in Arkansas through the Arkansas Policy Program (APP), with the support of Dr. Jay Barth ’87.

After graduating cum laude from Hendrix in 2016 with a BA in politics, Owen worked for a summer at Southern Bancorp with Hendrix alumni Darrin Williams ’90 and Nathan Pittman ’99 before attending graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After receiving his Master of Public Administration, Owen returned to Southern Bancorp for a two-year fellowship.

Today, Owen is a public servant focused on growing a united, prosperous, and resilient Little Rock. Owen serves as the Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and as a Policy Advisor in the Office of Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. Before joining the City of Little Rock, he worked in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) field and has been involved with multiple downtown development agencies. Owen will marry fellow Alumni Association Board of Governors member Mattie Thacker ’17 in December.

“This upcoming year is special," said Owen. “We will celebrate the Hendrix sesquicentennial – marking 150 years since Hendrix began providing a world class educational experience unto the whole person.”

Owen's term as chair for the Hendrix Alumni Association Board of Governors began with the welcome he offered students earlier today at Opening Convocation.

 “On behalf of the over 15,000 Hendrix Alumni, it brings me great joy to welcome you to the best college – with the best alumni network,” said Owen. He advised students to use the skills they learn at Hendrix to give back in ways that create joy for others. “Practice finding the small moments of joy that can lead to a big, meaningful life.”

While the position of chair is a year-long role, board members serve four-year terms. The current Alumni Association Board of Governors are listed here, along with a welcome note from Owen to the alumni community.

He writes, “Hendrix alumni are important to the school’s past, present, and future success. As a group, the AABOG represents Hendrix Alumni and serves as the liaison between Alumni and the College’s trustees, faculty, students, and administration. Along with Vice Chair Ana Romero-Flores '20 and Secretary Ateca Foreman '04, I’m honored to serve as your 2026-2027 AABOG Chair.”

Serving on the Hendrix College Alumni Association Board of Governors offers alumni meaningful ways to stay connected and make a difference. Board membership provides opportunities to give back to the College, hear the latest campus news, and engage with Hendrix in areas such as admission, career development, advancement, and communications. Members also enjoy the chance to volunteer, interact with current students about their Hendrix experiences, and build professional and personal networks with alumni across the nation and the world.

To learn more about the Alumni Association Board of Governors and how you can get involved, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@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