The Clinton School of Public Service has officially released its 2026 State of the School address, marking a pivotal moment as the institution prepares for its 20th graduation and a historic move to a new campus.
The 22-minute video address, moderated by Anna Strong (‘11), the school’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and Executive Director of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, features a detailed conversation with Dean Victoria DeFrancesco Soto regarding the institution’s impact over the past two decades and its strategic roadmap for the future.
“As we mark two decades of public service, this address reflects on the extraordinary work and accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students as well as the enduring strength of the community and many partners that make this work possible,” Dean DeFrancesco Soto said.
The address highlights the release of the school’s inaugural Impact Report, which covers a comprehensive look at the Clinton School’s local, national, and global impact. The report documents nearly 550,000 hours of service in 100 countries and a nearly $16 million economic impact over the last 20 years.
The 2026 address also covers a wide range of institutional milestones, innovative research and service projects, and future initiatives, including:
- The Clinton School Impact Center: Highlights from its first year, including financial literacy work in Jacksonville, agricultural evaluations in Rwanda, and diabetes program blueprints for the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Academic Innovation: The launch of the Clinton School’s first course on Artificial Intelligence in Public Service as well as co-editing a special edition of the Journal of Public Affairs Education focused on AI education.
- Faculty and Staff Leadership: The introduction of Dr. Nichola Driver as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Impact and Dr. Lea Metz as Student Services Coordinator.
- The David Pryor Scholarship: The launch of a new campaign honoring the Clinton School’s founding dean and a synonymous figure in Arkansas public service, leadership, and education.
The Clinton School is currently in the final stages of moving to the One World Building on the expanded Clinton Presidential Center campus this summer. The new location will feature 15,000 square feet of space, tripling the capacity of the current facility at Sturgis Hall.
“For the first time, this move brings our students, faculty, staff, and centers together in one location, fostering a collaborative environment that will spark new, innovative connections,” Dean DeFrancesco Soto said. “As we look ahead to the next 20 years, this modern infrastructure will allow us to increase our capacity and possibility like never before, empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change.”
Check out the 2026 State of the School address on the Clinton School’s YouTube channel!