May 8, 2026 – Hendrix College alumnus Judge
Shawn Johnson ’98 will deliver the commencement address to the Hendrix College
Class of 2026 during the College’s commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday,
May 16, in the Hendrix College Wellness and Athletics Center.
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Originally from Fort Smith, Johnson earned
his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College in 1998 before completing a
Master of Letters degree at the University of St. Andrews and a Juris Doctor
from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
“We are proud to welcome Judge Johnson back
to campus to address this year’s graduating class,” said Hendrix College
President Dr. Karen Petersen. “As a Hendrix alumnus whose career has been
defined by public service, leadership, and a commitment to community, he
represents the values we hope our graduates will carry forward into the world.”
After graduating from Hendrix, Johnson served
in the Clinton Administration at the White House from 1998 to 2000. Following
his time as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in St. Andrews, Scotland, he
returned to Arkansas to attend law school. After earning his law degree,
Johnson clerked for United States District Judge Robert T. Dawson in Fort Smith
before joining the Mitchell Williams Law Firm in Little Rock as an associate
attorney. He later spent nearly 13 years litigating cases in the Arkansas
Attorney General’s Office under Attorneys General Dustin McDaniel and Leslie
Rutledge. Johnson currently serves as circuit judge for Arkansas’s Sixth
Judicial Circuit.
Johnson has remained active in civic and
community leadership throughout his career. An Eagle Scout, he currently serves
as vice president of operations for the Natural State Council of Scouting
America and has contributed to national initiatives supporting youth
development. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow and former two-time president of
the Rotary Club of Little Rock Metro. In addition, he is an active member of
Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock.
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