Rachel Villafane (’20) has joined the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas as the school’s new Enrollment and Student Services Manager.

In her new role, Villafane will support the school’s Assistant Dean of Enrollment and Student Services in implementing student recruitment plans, enrollment processes, and student services for both the in-person Master of Public Service and Clinton School Online programs.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Clinton School as a staff member,” Villafane said. “I had such a wonderful experience here when I was a student and am looking forward to using the skills I learned to bring in and support the next generation of students, while helping the school grow.”

Villafane previously served as a Project Coordinator for Boost Midwest. As a Clinton School student, completed her Capstone project in partnership with Changing Lanes, a Little Rock organization focused on improving adolescent mental health through community-based outdoor adventure therapy. Villafane conducted best practice research into youth programming approaches and the factors affecting the outcomes of these programs.

Additionally, Villafane traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with The DREAM Project, performing an evaluation of the organization's program to increase documentation among Dominican youth. She analyzed program records and conducted interviews and observations to assess the program's outcomes.

For her first-year, team-based Practicum project, Villlafane and a team of students partnered with Children International to conduct interviews and provide key information on programs related to employment training and employment opportunities for young adults.

In addition to her Master of Public Service, Villafane is a graduate of Truman State University with a degree in psychology. She taught math in the Little Rock School District through Teach for America before enrolling at the Clinton School.