Anita B. McBride, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush, will deliver the commencement address to the Clinton School of Public Service’s graduating class of 2024 on Saturday, May 4.
Mary Steenburgen, an Academy Award-winning actress and native of Newport, Ark., will receive the Clinton School’s first Honorary Master of Public Service degree as part of the commencement ceremony.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at Ron Robinson Theater in Downtown Little Rock.
“Public service leadership can take on many different forms, and I can’t think of two individuals who better represent the various paths of leadership to our students than Anita McBride and Mary Steenburgen,” said Dean Victoria DeFrancesco Soto. “Both have used their unique platforms to create and deliver impact to the communities and issues that need it most.”
McBride is an Executive-in-Residence and director of the First Ladies Initiative at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs at American University. She leads programming and national conferences on the legacies of America’s first ladies and their influence on American public policy, politics, and diplomacy. She also is a founding board member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) to create and sustain a network of experts to promote the contributions and legacies of U.S. First Ladies.
Her public service spans more than 30 years in the White House and State Department, including in the Administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush; and as assistant to President George W. Bush and Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush. The influence and impact of her work to support human rights, women’s empowerment, global health and education, and human freedom is recognized in Washington and around the world through service to organizations such as the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the U.S. Afghan Women’s Council, the International Republican Institute’s Women’s Democracy Network and the Laura W. Bush Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute.
McBride is an officer on the board of the White House Historical Association, and serves on the Advisory Council of the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics at American University, and as Vice Chair of the National Italian American Foundation. She also served on the board of the National Symphony Orchestra and is a founding advisor of RightNow Women PAC to support women running for federal office. She was a consultant to HBO’s Emmy-award winning series, Veep, and is a frequent speaker, print source contributor and news commentator on White House history, its occupants, and presidential transitions. Together with American University and the White House Historical Association, McBride was instrumental in developing the first college level course on White House History.
McBride is the co-author of two recent books on the evolution of the role of American first lady – “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History Making Women” (2024); and the first-ever college textbook, “U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies” released in Fall 2023.
“Anita McBride has dedicated her life to public service, leveraging her experiences to promote education and women’s initiatives globally,” said Dean Victoria DeFrancesco Soto. “Her efforts showcase the significant impact that committed leadership can have on communities worldwide.”
A celebrated actress and devoted advocate, Steenburgen has dedicated herself to a multitude of philanthropic causes, utilizing her platform and influence to amplify important social issues.
One of her most notable endeavors is her advocacy for the arts and arts education. Recognizing the transformative power of creativity, Steenburgen has been a vocal proponent for the integration of arts programs in schools and communities, believing wholeheartedly in their ability to foster empathy, critical thinking, and personal growth.
In addition to her advocacy for the arts, Steenburgen has been a staunch supporter of environmental conservation efforts through her work with Oceana. She has lent her voice to campaigns promoting sustainability, clean energy initiatives, and the protection of natural habitats.
Beyond her individual efforts, Steenburgen has also collaborated with numerous organizations and foundations including Artists for a Free South Africa, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, Heifer International, and No Kid Hungry to amplify their impact. Through her involvement with these various charities and nonprofit organizations, she has helped raise funds, mobilize support, and effect policy change on a wide range of issues.
“Mary Steenburgen’s passion for public service is reflected in her compassionate spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world,” said Dean DeFrancesco Soto. “Whether it’s her passion for the arts or the environment, she exemplifies the power of using one’s platform for meaningful change, inspiring others, and creating a more compassionate society.”
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