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April 28, 2026 – ���ϲ����� has announced the second cohort of Civic Leadership Scholars, a program within the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas (CCL). 

Launched in 2025, the program offers a cohort-based experience designed to develop students’ civic engagement and leadership skills within a community of people committed to public service. Students apply in the spring of their freshman year, allowing selected scholars to participate in the program for three full years prior to graduation. The program is open to students of all majors. 

The Civic Leadership Scholars program provides selected students with a range of mentored, co-curricular experiences aimed at deepening their understanding of civic engagement. Each scholar receives up to $5,000 in funding to support independent civic leadership projects. 

The new Civic Leadership Scholars include: 

• Leanne Alhallak of Paragould, a psychology major interested in race inequality and immigrant rights, as well as ensuring Arkansas voices are heard.
  
• Elliot Barker of Dallas, Texas, a history major interested in exploring historical events and issues that have lasting impacts on communities and in creating a positive space for new dialogues. 
  
• Kaeden Ingram of Conway, an undecided major interested in public service and advocacy, as well as getting more involved in civic engagement. 
  
• Zamera Wilbon of Sherwood, a mathematics and psychology major interested in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as issues such as low literacy rates, limited financial literacy, and lack of access to higher education. 

“I want to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Wilbon. “As someone who wants to become a future educator, I see civic leadership as a way to better understand the systems that affect students’ lives.”

Alhallak mentioned that she is “excited to grow as a leader and as a person under the guidance of the program, as well as engage with my community at ���ϲ�����.”

During its first year, the Center for Civic Leadership established a strong foundation through programming that connected students with practitioners and leaders in public service. Central to this effort is the Civic Impact Series, a lecture program that brings scholars, policy experts, and community leaders to campus for conversations on civic engagement. The series launched in November 2025 with a lecture by Dr. Jay Barth ’87 and has continued with speakers such as Nate Coulter, executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System, offering students opportunities to engage directly with professionals working across Arkansas and beyond. 

“I am delighted to welcome the second cohort of Civic Scholars,” said CCL Director Dr. Delphia Shanks. “They bring a broad set of interests from across campus, and they will contribute to the CCL community in a myriad of ways. We looked forward to expanding our programming and engagement even more of the community in our civic engagement initiatives.” 

Finally, Civic Scholar Jacee Wheat congratulated the new cohort of students, “I’m excited to welcome the new CCL Scholars as we continue to grow the program here at ���ϲ�����. Their perspectives will bring new ideas to our discussions, and I’m confident these new members will help expand our presence both on campus and throughout the surrounding community.”

Learn more about the Center for Civic Leadership in Arkansas and keep up with the new cohort at https://hendrix.edu/civicleadership.

About ���ϲ�����

Founded in 1876, ���ϲ����� 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 ���ϲ����� Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. ���ϲ����� 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 ���ϲ����� community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –���ϲ����� Statement of Purpose