The McLarty family today announced that two University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service students, Nikki Anderson and Michael Webb, have been selected as this year’s McLarty Scholars. During their semester-long fellowships at Vital Voices Global Partnership (VVGP) in Washington, D.C., Anderson and Webb will conduct research and evaluation of the interaction, strength and effectiveness of the VVGP global network of women leaders.
“In being selected as McLarty Scholars, Nikki and Michael have demonstrated a depth of knowledge of and a commitment to human rights and empowerment that will aid Vital Voices in analyzing and supporting networks of women leaders across the globe,” said Donna McLarty, co-founder of the McLarty Scholars program and VVGP. “Both students, already civic leaders, are practiced in collecting and using data and statistics for creative solutions and strategic thinking.”
A graduate student at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Nikki Anderson received a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Arkansas in 2019. Anderson received several awards during her time at University of Arkansas, including 2019 Outstanding Woman of the Year, Senior of Significance and 2018 Student Leader of the Year. Most recently, she served as a graduate student researcher at the Arkansas Department of Education where she used surveys and focus groups to conduct research on gaps in educational engagement. Anderson has a passion for creating social change.
Michael Webb comes to the McLarty Scholars program with a strong background in and commitment to serving others and ending gender gaps. As a candidate for Master of Public Service at the Clinton School, Webb has concentrated on program evaluation, planning and development. Webb is a 2019 graduate of Emporia State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and served as Student Body President during his senior year. He currently conducts donor research for a congressional campaign as well as working with the Arkansas Homeless Coalition, conducting research to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot transportation project.
“The McLarty family is proud to continue the association between the University of Arkansas, our alma mater, and Vital Voices through the Scholars program. The real-world projects in which Nikki and Michael will be engaged, further the potential for students to become driven, passionate and engaged global citizens, said Mack McLarty, co-founder of the McLarty Scholars Program.
“It is a great learning experience for both the organization and the Scholars,” noted Alejandra Garcia Diaz Villamil, Senior Director, Vital Voices Global Partnership. The 2019 McLarty Scholars, Andrea Zekis and Brady Ruffin worked collecting, evaluating and fine-tuning the collaborations with VVGP global networks so that the leadership is supported and able to achieve their bold and innovative visions for changing their communities and countries.
The class of 2020 is the seventh class of McLarty Scholars, joining a list of accomplished graduates of the program who are making an impact on organizations around the globe. Past scholars include Anna Applebaum of California, Tshering Yudon of Bhutan, Mara D’Amico of Michigan, Jennifer Guzman of Arkansas, Michelle Perez of Venezuela, Arjola Limani of Albania, Mollie Henager and Emily Smith both of Arkansas, Marina Giannirakis of Pennsylvania, Christine McCall of Illinois, Brady Ruffin of Mississippi and Andrea Zekis of Arkansas.
The McLarty family also supports the Presidential Fellows Program, which sends University of Arkansas students in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Science to biannual workshops at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C., as well as the McLarty Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship at Walton College.
About the McLarty Scholars Program
The McLarty Scholars Program was established in 2002 by Donna and Mack McLarty, along with their sons Mark and Franklin, their daughter-in-law Gabriela and their granddaughter Brianna. Through the program, students are provided substantive opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, international experience and cross-cultural understanding.
About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Vital Voices Global Partnership identifies, trains and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., this nonprofit focuses on political and public leadership, human rights and economic opportunity.
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