Students from higher education institutions across Arkansas will gather at a conference next month to discuss the major challenges that the state will face over the next 20 years.
On April 27-28, these students will attend Arkansas 2032, a Clinton School initiative designed to bring together the future leaders of Arkansas to critically assess important issues to the state.
Presidents and chancellors from close to 40 colleges and universities from across Arkansas nominated student representatives from their respective institutions. These institutions represent both public and private and two- and four-year schools.
“This diverse group showcases some of Arkansas’s top talent, and the Clinton School is very excited to bring them together for the first time,” said Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton School. “We are thrilled to provide a forum that will enable students to share ideas and engage in debate about our future.”
After being selected to participate in Arkansas 2032, the students completed a survey, which highlighted what issues they believed would be most important to the state 20 years from now.
The survey identified several key topics, which will directly shape the agenda for the conference, including economic development, public health, race relations, the aging population, K-12 public education and higher education. During the conference, students will review and make recommendations on these issues.
“This whole process has been in the hands of the students,” said Clinton School student Nate Looney, organizer of the event. “Based on their input, the topics of discussion were chosen for each day. This is important because the students are not only charged with talking through these issues, but we want them to collectively come up with recommendations that will positively impact the direction of our state. For this to work, the students had to be in complete control of the process.”
The Clinton School has provided background research on each issue to prepare students to discuss these topics. In addition, experts from across the state will participate in panel discussions for the students. The panelists will include current elected officials, community and business leaders, and leaders in higher education.
“The combination of scholarly research and expert opinion will enhance the quality of discussion at the conference,” Looney said. “We want these students to be thoroughly equipped to intelligently and vigorously debate the important issues they will face in the coming years.”
At the end of the conference, the student recommendations will be forwarded to elected officials, community and business leaders, and media outlets throughout Arkansas. Conference materials will be also be sent to Education Secretary Arne Duncan as a potential model for other states to consider.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Department of Heritage. In addition, private gifts were made by Verizon Wireless, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, the McLarty family and the Entergy Charitable Foundation.
“I believe that the recommendations of ‘Arkansas 2032’ will further important debates around the state,” Rutherford said. “The most meaningful aspect of this conference, though, will be the byproduct from connecting outstanding student leaders. Their energy, know-how, and ideas will influence this state today and for years to come. We are very grateful for our sponsors for helping make this possible.”
Looney is organizing the event for his final project in the Clinton School Master of Public Service degree program.