Leffingwell awarded 2026 President’s Medal

April 23, 2026 – Students at Hendrix College were recognized for academic excellence and service to the campus community during the 2026 Honors Day Convocation on April 23, where the College’s most prestigious honor, the President’s Medal, was awarded to a graduating senior who embodies the institution’s highest ideals. This year, the President’s Medal was presented to Josie Leffingwell.

A health science major and psychology minor, Josie distinguished herself as a Miller Center Service Scholar, a role that reflects sustained dedication to community engagement and civic responsibility. She balanced this commitment alongside her role as a member of the Hendrix women’s tennis team, demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and the ability to excel both academically and athletically.

When asked about her favorite class, she said, “Health Psychology shaped not only my career as a future health provider but how I interact with others who are facing challenges within the healthcare system.” That perspective has guided her studies as well as her approach to service and care.

Josie’s positive experience at Hendrix is reinforced by close relationships with faculty mentors who have helped her grow both academically and personally. “Dr. [Lindsay] Kennedy has been instrumentally valuable in my time as a Hendrix student. She is empowering and engaging in the classroom, but, most notably, she is an excellent advocate and mentor for me outside of the classroom,” she shared.

Others have made a lasting impression as well, like Dr. Laura MacDonald, who Josie said “has been an outstanding advisor and provided constant support and guidance throughout the years.”

She also noted, “Dr. [Candice] Thomas is one of the most excellent professors I have had. She is patient, thoughtful, and creative and makes every student feel capable of succeeding in her difficult classes!” For Josie, these relationships were essential to her success, making it impossible to narrow her favorite instructor to just one.

Josie’s service extends well beyond campus. In Conway, she has volunteered with the Conway Ministry Center, helping operate a resource hub that provides basic needs for unhoused individuals. She has also continued long-standing service commitments in her hometown of Stillwater, Oklahoma, including work with First Presbyterian Church and with Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center.

Alongside these experiences, Josie emphasizes the relationships and sense of belonging that have defined her time at Hendrix. “Hendrix has not only prepared me to be a successful student in post-graduate education but has given me opportunities to be involved and empower my peers,” she said. “Building relationships through classes, athletics, and extracurricular activities across different perspectives grants me such a sense of community.” She added that she feels “eternally grateful to have had such rich and diverse experiences.”

That gratitude extends to her family, who have supported her throughout her journey. The daughter of Kim and Thad Leffingwell, Josie credits their encouragement as an important part of her success. She said, “I am so privileged to have amazing parents that provide guidance and love through anything I do. I am beyond thankful for their constant support.”

The President’s Medal is a well-kept secret, and only a handful of people are privy to the information ahead of time. In on the secret, Josie’s parents made the trip to Conway to surprise her after the medal was awarded.

“My parents are wonderful role models,” she added, “and I am most impressed by their ability to keep it a secret from me. Their attendance was an absolute shock and complete joy!”

Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the community, Josie leaves a lasting impact on campus that embodies the very ideals recognized by the President’s Medal. She exemplifies the Hendrix statement of purpose, leading a life of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.

See the full list of Honors Day Convocation 2026 award recipients.

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