CONWAY, Ark. (April 30, 2019) – Hendrix College politics and
international relations professor Dr. Kiril Kolev has been named director of
the Hendrix Odyssey Program, the College’s nationally
recognized engaged learning initiative. He takes on this new role following
Commencement in May.
Launched in 2005, the Hendrix Odyssey Program requires students
to complete at least three hands-on learning experiences chosen from six
different project categories. Students and faculty may also apply for funding, on a
competitive basis, for grants to support engaged learning projects, ranging
from internships to travel to undergraduate research. Since its founding, the
Hendrix Odyssey Program has awarded more than $4 million for student and
faculty Odyssey projects.
Kolev, an associate professor who currently chairs the Hendrix
College Department of Politics and International Relations, joined the Hendrix
faculty in 2011. After graduating from Whittier College with a degree in
economics, he earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. in comparative politics at
Duke University. He has taught courses on political economy, democratization, elections,
research methods, and contemporary global issues. Since 2017, he has held the
James and Emily Bost Odyssey Professorship, which has funded his recent research
on election quality, electoral systems, and political clientelism.
“Engaged learning is among the most exciting aspects of being a
student, faculty, or staff member at Hendrix,” Kolev said. “The Odyssey Program
stimulates creativity, encourages reflection, and develops a long-lasting sense
of ownership and exploration of one’s academic and vocational pursuits. It
facilitates the out-of-the-box thinking that today’s society really needs. I am
looking forward to doing my part to continue this collective tradition.”
“Kiril brings much experience to his new role, including his
service on the Committee for Engaged Learning, as well as advising and leading
numerous Odyssey projects and an Odyssey Professorship,” said Dr. Peter Gess,
associate provost for engaged learning at Hendrix. “I look forward to working
with him as we continue to grow and enhance our engaged learning opportunities
for students.”
About Hendrix College
A private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix
College consistently earns recognition as one of the country’s leading liberal
arts institutions, and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40
Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic
quality and rigor, innovation, and value have established Hendrix as a fixture
in numerous college guides, lists, and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more,
visit www.hendrix.edu.