Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute has announced its 2027 class of the Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy (ACCLA). This cohort of 41 students includes five students from Arkansas State University.  

A-State students include Logan Cathey, a political science master’s degree student of Jonesboro; Ryan Griffin, a junior political science major of Maumelle; Emma Hernandez, a senior political science major of Cabot; Janarie Prince, a senior pre-law and psychology major of New Orleans; and Jada Sumpter, a senior political science major of Barton, AR.  

Students in ACCLA represent 12 colleges and universities across Arkansas. Selected participants will participate in a comprehensive, immersive civic education curriculum designed to equip emerging civic leaders with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to create positive change in their communities.  

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Dr. Cameron Wimpy, chair of the Department of Government, Law and Policy at A-State, helped create the ACCLA curriculum, and said the department funds the A-State students’ involvement in the program.

The ACCLA aims to help equip the next generation with not only knowledge, but with the relationships, confidence and sense of responsibility needed to strengthen communities.  

“There are a lot of problems, there are a lot of challenges, and there are a lot of opportunities for you, as upcoming leaders, to shape the world that you want to see,” said Janet Harris, director and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.

This cohort will participate in academic and experiential learning sessions throughout the program year, and complete service-learning projects that address real-world community needs while building practical skills. 

“The cohort model is intentional,” said Dr. Liz Lundeen, director of programs at the institute. “Lasting civic leadership does not happen in isolation. It grows through trust, collaboration and a willingness to understand perspectives different from our own. The institute hopes these students leave the program with new skills and a network of peers they will continue to lean on and work alongside for years to come.”  

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and ACCLA was created with the support of its founding sponsors, including the McKuin Fund, the Engaged Learning Network, and AT&T Arkansas.  

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