Figueroa Named Public Education Coordinator for Administrative Office of the Courts

In her two years since joining the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, Ashley Figueroa has learned valuable lessons in the classroom, created lasting impacts through her field service work, and is now advancing judicial education and awareness across the state of Arkansas.

Figueroa, who will officially earn her Master of Public Service at the Clinton School’s Commencement Ceremony on May 7, recently joined the Administrative Office of the Courts as the agency’s new Public Education Coordinator.

“What interested me most about this position was the opportunity to advance civic education in the state of Arkansas,” said Figueroa, whose new role includes responsibility for planning and implementing statewide public education programs to raise awareness and understanding of the role of the Judiciary throughout Arkansas.

An agency within the Arkansas judicial branch of government, the Administrative Office of the Courts works to support the state courts on behalf of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

“Political polarization is our greatest pandemic and breaking those barriers starts with civic education which opens up opportunities for dialogue and community connections,” Figueroa said. “Additionally, I would like to be part of demystifying the Arkansas judicial system for all Arkansans. I am most excited to help create an accessible relationship between the Arkansas judicial system and its citizens.”

As she begins her new position, Figueroa said that she will take many lessons from the Clinton School’s curriculum into her new role. Specifically, courses taught by Dr. Robert Richards (like Communication and Social (Ex)Change) and John DiPippa (Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Public Service) have helped prepare her for the new responsibilities.

“I will use many skills and lessons from my time at the Clinton school,” Figueroa said, “Specifically, the skills I honed in Dr. Richards’ and Dean DiPippa’s courses.”

Additionally, Figueroa’s time with the school has been highlighted by two unique field service projects with the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, with each creating lasting impacts in law enforcement, community safety, and mental wellness, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Figueroa first worked with DPS as part of her International Public Service Project in the summer of 2021. Over eight weeks, she developed an educational video series – “The Perfect Stop” – to provide a balanced example of law enforcement and civilian interaction. The series was designed to raise community awareness and understanding in accordance with Governor Asa Hutchinson’s recommendations from the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas.

Figueroa’s IPSP efforts also included helping Dr. Mary Hughes to create ACT 786 Public Safety Equipment Grant application procedures, materials and processes. The grant proposal aligned with requirements in Senate Bill 292 of Arkansas’s 93rd General Assembly. The creation of application procedures, materials and processes led to the creation of the Public Safety Equipment Grant Program, established by Act 786 of 2021, which awards funds for the purpose of improving trust between Arkansas law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Figueroa’s work with DPS continued for her final Capstone project. She conducted a qualitative study with the Arkansas State Police to understand how the mental and physical health and wellness of police officers can impact their quality of life and the quality of their community interactions.

“Working so closely on wellness initiatives provided me the unique opportunity to truly connect to the humans behind the badge to better understand the difficulties they face, especially when it came to the sometimes-strained public perception of the police,” Figueroa said. “My time spent with DPS on both projects aimed to improve police community relations, Troopers’ overall health and wellness, and provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the work environment for minorities and every Trooper within DPS.”

Figueroa’s DEI work extended beyond her field service projects. As an extension of her work with DPS, Figueroa conducted informal interviews over the course of her IPSP and Capstone projects to provide key recommendations to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts at the Department of Public Safety. She is currently working with Dr. Robert Richards on an independent study focused on developing diversity, equity and inclusivity consulting.

“DEI efforts were the undercurrent of my work with DPS this past year,” Figueroa said. “Working so closely with Sec. (Jami) Cook allowed me to see her deep dedication to advancing DEI efforts within DPS.”

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