CONWAY, Ark. (April 24, 2024) — Sixteen Hendrix College students recently participated in Hendrix Day at the Capitol and had the opportunity to meet with several Hendrix graduates who hold key leadership positions in state government.
The group, which included students from Arkansas, Indiana, Florida, Kansas and Virginia interested in public service, business and economics, history, and other fields, was led by Director of Career Services, Leigh Lassiter-Counts ‘01, and Dr. Kiril Kolev, Associate Provost for Engaged learning and Professor of Politics.
The program was coordinated by the Hendrix Office of Career Services and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Jim Hudson ’90.
US Army (Ret.) Brigadier General Leanne Burch ’82 served as one of the group’s tour guides for the day, providing helpful information based on her vast experience as a lawyer, professor and former state representative.
The Hendrix students attended the Joint Budget Committee Meeting, where they were introduced on the floor by Arkansas Senator Mark Johnson ’75. While there, they talked with Representative Lee Johnson, M.D. ’92 and Dana Wills, a Conway resident, who works as a government relations consultant and budget analyst with WSG Consulting.
The students were welcomed by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin ‘90; then they toured the Arkansas State Capitol and visited the State Treasury Vault, led by Nancy Martinsen ’76, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
During lunch, they talked with Alan McClain ’87, Commissioner of the Arkansas Insurance Department; Courtney Traylor ‘91, Arkansas Forward Project Director with the Department of Transformation and Shared Services; and Clark Cogbill ’93, Director, Marketing and Communications, Arkansas Department of Commerce.
Students spent the afternoon visiting the Arkansas Supreme Court building for a Q&A and personal tour given by Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood ’96 and two of her associates. The students were able to attend a House Session at the end of the day.
The program was an amazing opportunity for Hendrix students to learn more about state government and to see the impact that Hendrix graduates can make in their communities and the connections they share in their work.
“Hendrix alumni are actively engaging in public service work to help our state and its citizens live better lives,” said Lassiter-Counts. “Connecting Hendrix students with these passionate and committed professionals during a visit to the State Capitol reinforced for all of us the power of a liberal arts education.”
The program really embodied the ethos of the Hendrix Odyssey program, Lassiter-Counts said.
“Getting off campus to see first-hand the law, policies, and professionals in action was an amazing way to connect our students’ academic experiences to the very real world of meaningful career opportunities,” she said.
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