The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service will enroll 46 new students in its two year Master of Public Service (MPS) program this fall. Located on the grounds of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in downtown Little Rock, the Clinton School is the nation’s first to offer an MPS degree.
The new students, some of whom will be pursuing concurrent degrees in business administration, law and public health, represent the school’s tenth class. Since the enrollment of its first class in 2005, the Clinton School has grown steadily and has attracted students from 39 states, 35 countries and 205 different colleges and universities. The new class of 2016 includes students from 17 states and 8 countries.
“When it comes to academic achievements and public service commitments, we continue to attract some of the best brightest from Arkansas and bring some of the best and brightest to Arkansas,” said Clinton School Dean James L. “Skip” Rutherford III.
This fall, the new Clinton School students will begin group public service projects in partnership with organizations across Arkansas. Second year Clinton students will be returning from international public service projects in 20 countries.
Orientation for the new class begins August 17 and classes begin August 25.
The class of 2016 includes:
Olajumoke Joyce Ajayi (Lagos, Nigeria) – Ajayi is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria and holds a Law Degree from The Nigerian Law School. She is a former practicing attorney in Nigeria and the founder of Hope & Repairs, a project that helps young women who are victims of rape and violence-related conflicts. Ajayi’s public service interests include the empowerment of young men and women, political engagement, and sustainable environmental development.
Joyce Akidi (Pader, Uganda) – Akidi is a graduate of Makerere University with a degree in Education, and holds a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Management from the Uganda Management Institute. She is a former primary school teacher in Uganda, the former treasurer of the Murchison Bay Women Development project and served as the human rights chairperson for the Murchison Bay Primary School. Akidi’s public service interests include poverty eradication in Uganda and education.
Nouroudine Alassane (Bassila, Benin) – Alassane is a graduate of Universite d’Abomey Calavi in Benin with a degree in African Studies. He has experience with Caesar Pac in Kuwait City, Kuwait and at the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas with Heifer International. Alassane’s public service interests include youth empowerment and the use of technology to enhance development of communities around the world.
Berkeley Anderson (Waco, Texas) – Anderson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with degrees in Physics and History. She is the former executive director of the McLennan County Democratic Party, senior staff writer at the Arkansas Traveler Newspaper, and has previous experience with the Texas Hunger Initiative. Anderson’s public service interests include women’s rights, international aid programs, and science-related service.
Kathryn Baxter (Glenside, Penn.) – Baxter is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in Public Communications. She is a former public policy associate with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, a policy officer with Immigration Equality, and a former White House intern. Baxter’s public service interests include LGBTQ equality and women’s rights.
Abigail Bi (Kunming, Yunnan Province, China) – Bi is a graduate of Northwest Agriculture and Forestry Technology University in China with a degree in Grass Science. She is a former program director of the Anti-domestic Violence Network and program officer of Women’s Watch-China. Bi’s public service interests include gender equality in the workplace, corporate-social responsibility, and women’s economic empowerment.
Colin Brineman (Little Rock, Ark.) – Brineman is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana with a degree in Philosophy and Economics. He is the former vice president of Centenary’s Multicultural Student Association and volunteer at Renzi Education & Art Center in Shreveport, La. Brineman’s public service interests include criminal justice reform and immigrants’ rights.
Katherine Brown (Canton, Mich.) – Brown is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Science and Geographic Information Science. She is a former AmeriCorps member for Little Traverse Conservancy as a stewardship technician and has experience with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Brown’s public service interests include protecting natural resources by supportive policies, initiatives, and programs.
Jordan Butler (Jackson, Miss.) – Butler is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South with a degree in Art History and Education. She has experience with working for a public charter school in the Arkansas Delta, assisting struggling middle school students. Butler’s public service interests include education, rural economic development, and mental health care.
Melvin Clayton (Pine Bluff, Ark.) – Clayton is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in English. He has experience working with U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) in their respective Washington, D.C. offices, and was an intern with the Congressional Black Caucus. Clayton’s public service interests include food security, poverty alleviation, and political engagement.
Amy Crain (Hot Springs, Ark.) – Crain is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Communications. She was Miss Arkansas 2013, the former catering director at the University of Arkansas, and she started Arkansas Bully Awareness month. Crain’s public service interests include youth empowerment and educational development.
Amanda Cullen (Panama City, Fla.) – Cullen is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a B.A. degree in Cultural Anthropology and an M.A. degree in Cultural Anthropology. She is a former instructor of record at the University of West Florida, and has experience with Escambia County Florida Extension Services, conducting research on rural health. Cullen’s public service interests include public health and LGBTQ equality.
Shadeed Dawkins (Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica) – Dawkins is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) with a degree in Political Science and is currently enrolled at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. He has experience with the African American Male Initiative at UALR and the Central Little Rock Promise Neighborhood. Dawkins’ public service interests include education, poverty, and political engagement.
Andrew Forsman (Mobile, Ala.) – Forsman is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Psychology. He has experience working as a mental health case manager in southern Mississippi. Forsman’s public service interests include program evaluation and macro-level solutions.
Sarah Fuchs (Hayward, Calif.) – Fuchs is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Sociology. She has experience with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Indiana Democratic Party, and is a former AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. Fuch’s public service interests include social justice and poverty alleviation.
Kerry Furr (Lonsdale, Ark.) – Furr is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a degree in Public Relations. He is a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, has experience with the Arkansas Department of Correction, Heifer International, and Lighthouse for the Blind. Furr’s public service interests include NGO’s, governmental emergency and crisis management, and policy evaluation.
Georgia Genoway (Maryland County, Liberia) – Genoway is a graduate of African Methodist Episcopal University with a degree in Communication and English. She has experience in social work and with volunteering for the Liberian National Red Cross and Gbowee Peace Foundation working with young people on health advocacy issues. Genoway’s public service interests include peace and security for women and youth empowerment.
Jennifer Guzman (Hialeah, Fla.) – Guzman is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in French and International Studies. She is a former French and Spanish teacher at Forest Park Elementary School. Guzman’s public service interests include education, hunger relief, and international security policy.
Anne Haley (Little Rock, Ark.) – Haley is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with a degree in Political Science and Studio Art. She is a communications specialist at the Arkansas Health Connector with the Arkansas Insurance Department, a former field organizer for the Human Rights Campaign, and former deputy finance director for U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). Haley’s public service interests include empowerment of women and children through education and LGBTQ advocacy.
Austin Hall (Hot Springs, Ark.) – Hall is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Political Science. He has worked as a development coordinator at Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and project coordinator for Leadership Development at the University of Central Arkansas. Hall’s public service interests include fine arts development, LGBTQ equality, and political engagement.
Austin Harrison (Louisville, Miss.) – Harrison is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in Public Policy Leadership and is currently enrolled in the concurrent degree program with the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law, seeking a Juris Doctorate. He has experience as a legislative assistant with U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), and helped establish the first on-campus food bank at the University of Mississippi. Harrison’s public service interests include international development and environmental efficiency.
Amber Jackson (Camden, Ark.) – Jackson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in Social Work. She is a former intern with the Office of the Public Guardian at the Department for Human Services and Citizens First Congress. Jackson’s public service interests include poverty alleviation, economic and social equality, and social policy development.
Akaylah Jones (Little Rock, Ark.) – Jones is a graduate of Henderson State University with a degree in Music and Sociology. She has experience in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps in the southwest United States. Jones’ public service interests include education, youth development, and sustainability.
Henry Karlin (Brooklyn, NY) – Karlin is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a degree in Psychology and a D.D.S. degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. His experience includes five years of National Health Service Corps and almost 30 years of private practice dentistry in the Caribbean. Karlin’s public service interests include cultural competence and health care.
Helen Grace King (Pine Bluff, Ark.) – King is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with degrees in English and Psychology. She has experience with Heart of Arkansas United Way as an account manager and the American Heart Association as a heart walk coordinator. King’s public service interests include social justice, equality, and civil rights.
Alex Lanis (Ada, Okla.) – Lanis is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in International Business. He has experience working in Brazil, France, and most recently, working in Haiti as a manager for The Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti. Lanis’ public service interests include international economic development and education.
Coby MacMaster (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) – MacMaster is a graduate of Aquinas College with a degree in Public Administration, Community Leadership, and Business Administration. He has experience with Local First of West Michigan, West Grand Neighborhood Organization, and Environmental Political Interactive Change. MacMaster’s public service interests include educational attainment, environmental sustainability, and political engagement.
Amanda Mathies (Newport Beach, Calif.) – Mathies is a graduate of the University of San Diego with a degree in Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies. She has experience working internationally teaching English in Thailand, working for Sharing to Learn in South Africa, and volunteering for Invisible Children. Mathies’ public service interests include civil rights, environmental sustainability, and empowering communities in developing nations.
Emma McAuley (Glenview, Ill.) – McAuley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Environmental Studies and Latin American Studies. She has experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Pittsburgh Health Corps. McAuley’s public service interests include health care access, education, and nature awareness and appreciation.
Molly Miller (Sand Springs, Okla.) – Miller is a graduate of Hendrix College with a degree in Politics and is currently enrolled in the concurrent degree program with the University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences College of Public Health, seeking a Master’s in Public Health. She has experience with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, and numerous political campaigns around Arkansas. Miller’s public service interests include health care, sustainable communities, and the arts.
Ashley-Brooke Moses (Sharpsburg, Ga.) – Moses is a graduate of Wesleyan College with a degree in Psychology and Studio Art. She is a former City Year Little Rock Corps Member, field team leader with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, and has previous experience with Our House, Habitat for Humanity, and Women’s and Children’s Shelter. Moses’ public service interests include youth development and empowerment, community engagement, and national service advocacy.
Florence Mueni (Nairobi, Kenya) – Mueni is a graduate of Kenyatta University with a degree in Sociology and the University of Nairobi with a Master’s Degree in Sociology. She has 20 years of experience as a probation officer and child and adolescent counselor, and has served as national secretary of the Kenya National Association of Probation Officers. Mueni’s public service interests include children and juvenile justice system and counseling services.
Dariane Mull (Little Rock, Ark.) – Mull is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in Theatre Arts. She has experience with the Central Arkansas Library system, Pulaski County Youth, and is the founder of UALR Support Our Sistahs. Mull’s public service interests include arts in education and literacy and community development.
Michelle Perez (Maracaibo, Venezuela) – Perez is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Political Science and Business Administration. She has experience working with the Organization of American States, Children Village in Zimbabwe, an orphanage in Honduras, and working as a translator for medical teams in Venezuela. Perez’s public service interests include women’s empowerment and sustainable economic development in Latin American countries.
Shanell Ransom (Columbia, SC) – Ransom is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in Sociology and Crime, Law, and Society. She has experience with AmeriCorps VISTA with the City of Atlanta and is a former program coordinator with the College of Charleston Center for Civic Engagement. Ransom’s public service interests include community development, education, food insecurity, and poverty.
Jessica DeLoach Sabin (El Dorado, Ark.) – Sabin is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in Political Science, Liberal Arts, and Theatre Arts. She has experience working as a political and non-profit consultant, a political analyst and strategist for media outlets, and serves as weekly columnist for Sync Magazine and the Southwest Arkansas News. Sabin’s public service interests include political and civic engagement, income inequality, social justice, and civil liberties.
Maddy Salzman (Wellesley, Mass.) – Salzman is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Environmental Studies and Architecture. She has experience with the Sierra Club as a community organizer and the Beyond Coal Campaign, and co-founded a fossil fuel divestment campaign at Washington University. Salzman’s public service interests include environmental and energy issues as they intersect with social justice and developmental opportunity.
Eddie Savala (Nairobi, Kenya) – Savala is a graduate of Kenya Highlands Bible College with a degree in Theology and Business. He has experience as a discipleship coordinator and youth pastor, high school teacher, and as a volunteer with World Vision as a field facilitator. Savala’s public service interests include health and disease prevention, social justice, and poverty alleviation.
Kat Short (Hot Springs, Ark.) – Short is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in History. She has experience with the American Red Cross in Houston, Texas as a Regional Recovery Specialist, and is a former AmeriCorps FEMACorps team leader. Short’s public service interests include emergency management and disaster relief services.
Dustin Smith (Jonesboro, Ark.) – Smith is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Economics. He has experience working as a construction system developer at Beaches Habitat for Humanity in Atlantic Beach, Fla. and is a cross-country cyclist with Bike & Build, a non-profit that raises awareness for affordable housing projects. Smith’s public service interests include housing and community redevelopment issues.
Becky Twamley (Brainerd, Minn.) – Twamley is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a degree in Pharmacy. She has 30 years of experience as a pharmacist, is the founding member of the local grassroots group Friends for Choice, and is a Pharmacy Forward fellow through Pacific Women’s Institute of Health. Twamley’s public service interests include poverty, food insecurity, health care and reproductive health issues.
Victoria Vander Schilden (Little Rock, Ark.) – Vander Schilden is a graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Africana Studies. She has experience with Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids in Little Rock, Ark., Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, and Everglades Outpost in Florida. Vander Schilden’s public service interests include wildlife and habitat conservation, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Michael Watson (Washington, D.C.) – Watson is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia. He has experience as a legislative fellow for the Senate Special Committee on Aging and as a legislative intern for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), and U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Watson’s public service interest includes international education.
Nathan Watson (Fayetteville, Ark.) – Watson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Journalism, Public Relations, and Advertising. He has experience working with U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and has participated in the Oral History of the Arkansas Delta Project. Watson’s public service interests include access to education and economic development.
Brandon Wayerski (Menomonie, Wisc.) – Wayerski is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Business Administration. He is the former Stout Student Association vice president and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Wayerski’s public service interests include both NGO’s and governmental development.
Nic Williams (Judsonia, Ark.) – Williams is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and is currently enrolled in the concurrent degree program with the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law, seeking a Juris Doctorate. He has experience with the Faulkner County Juvenile Court, Keep a Child Alive Foundation, and March of Dimes. Williams’ public service interest includes consumer advocacy, LGBTQ equality, and political engagement.
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