The Clinton School of Public Service celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during an awards reception on May 1 at Sturgis Hall. Five graduating students were honored for their academic excellence, commitment to outstanding research, and exceptional leadership in the field of public service.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate these outstanding graduates who have demonstrated a profound commitment to academic rigor and transformative public service leadership,” said Clinton School Dean Victoria DeFrancesco Soto. “Their dedication to service, both here in Arkansas and around the world, serves as an inspiration to our entire community. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and are eager to see the meaningful, lasting change they will create in their professional careers.”
Academic Achievement Awards
Voted on by the faculty, the academic awards recognize students who demonstrate a deep understanding of the program’s core competencies and the ability to apply those skills to real-world public service projects.
Tarryn Harris, of Nashville, Tennessee, received the MPS Academic Award for the in-person program. Harris maintained academic excellence while balancing the demands of a full-time research position during her final semester.
“Receiving the Academic Achievement Award means a lot to me,” Harris said. “It has been difficult to juggle both school and work, but I’m glad to see that the work has paid off. It was even more meaningful to receive the award from Dr. Nichola Driver, who has been my advisor and is now my coworker at the Clinton School Impact Center.”
Harris will continue her work in Arkansas as a Research Associate for the Impact Center.
Sarita Poirrier was honored with the Clinton School Online (CSO) Academic Award. This honor recognizes a student from the online degree program who has demonstrated mastery of the curriculum while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Professor Sunny Nillasithanukroh noted that Poirrier approached unfamiliar subjects as challenges to overcome, particularly in rigorous data analysis courses. For her Capstone project, she navigated several complex roadblocks with creativity and determination, eventually delivering an impeccable best-practices manual for her partner organization.
“Throughout her time at the Clinton School, Sarita consistently impressed me with her eagerness to learn, resilience, and commitment to public service,” Nillasithanukroh said. “Sarita truly embodies the spirit of academic excellence in public service.”
Founding Dean David Pryor Public Service Awards
Established in 2023, this award recognizes students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to public service leadership, mirroring the community-focused legacy of the late Senator David Pryor, who served as the Clinton School’s Founding Dean. The award was presented by Sen. Mark Pryor, who noted his father’s lifetime dedication to public service.
Lauren Sermersheim, originally from Asheville, North Carolina, was the MPS recipient of the Pryor Award. Sermersheim credited her growth to the mentorship she received at the school, particularly in the realm of research.
“I’m so honored to receive this award. Senator Pryor has become a huge role model for community-focused work since I moved to Arkansas,” Sermersheim said. “I’d like to thank my academic advisor, Dr. Driver, for all her support. I didn’t have experience doing data collection prior to this program, and her guidance was essential in finishing the field service projects I’ve completed during my time at the Clinton School.”
Michal David Harris, a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, received the David Pryor Award for the Clinton School Online program. An experienced professional in the nonprofit sector, Harris found that his coursework in Program Evaluation and Planning allowed him to build directly upon his years of field experience.
“Receiving this is especially meaningful given the remarkable legacy Governor Pryor built for the state of Arkansas,” Harris said. “Courses like Policy Analysis stood out because we didn’t simply write memos. We supported our findings through quantitative data and maps.”
Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize
Established by the late founding Academic Dean Tom Bruce, this prize is awarded to an international student who has made visible contributions to global peace and diplomacy.
Oladotun Awosusi, of Owo, Nigeria, was named the 2026 recipient. Awosusi’s time at the Clinton School was defined by a commitment to bridging the gap between high-level research and direct impact.
Professor Andreas Sihotang praised Awosusi for his “sustained commitment to equality, human dignity, and the pursuit of a more interconnected world.”
“Being called to the stage to receive the Tom Bruce International Award is sincerely humbling,” Awosusi said. “This recognition is a testament to my commitment to public service and advancing work that has not only impacted local communities in Arkansas but also visibly contributes to global peace.”
Moving forward, Awosusi plans to build a career in international relations and global development, focusing on data-driven decision-making for long-term outcomes.