Office relocation to Dawkins Welcome Center marks new leadership
era
CONWAY, Ark. (August 23, 2024) — Hendrix College
is pleased to announce that Judith J. “J.J.” Whitney, a dedicated staff member
and 1996 alumna, will lead the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement,
effective Sept. 1. Her first official day as Executive Director for Alumni and
Constituent Engagement will be Tuesday, Sept. 3.
“We are thrilled to have J.J. stepping into this
pivotal role,” said Benjamin Carter, Assistant Vice President for Advancement.
“Her extensive experience and deep commitment to our community will undoubtedly
enhance our efforts to connect and engage with alumni, parents, and friends of
the College in meaningful ways. We look forward to her bringing a new level of
energy to fostering engagement, volunteerism, and philanthropy that aligns with
our institutional goals.”
Whitney’s impressive career journey includes a
master’s degree from Boston University’s School of Theology and roles as a
chaplain associate at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel and pastor at Hunter
United Methodist Church in Little Rock. She returned to Hendrix in 2002,
initially joining the Hendrix-Lilly Vocations Initiative (now the Miller Center
for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling), where she developed and led co-curricular
programs, organized service trips, coordinated seminary visits, and planned
vocation conferences. Her Hendrix roles have included assistant chaplain,
associate director of the Miller Center, and associate chaplain.
In 2015, Whitney was appointed Chaplain of the
College following a national search. She served in this capacity until 2020
when she was appointed to First UMC Bentonville by the Bishop of the Arkansas
Conference. After her tenure in Bentonville, Whitney retired from active clergy
status and rejoined Hendrix as Programs Coordinator for Career Services, where
she has guided and mentored students pursuing advanced degrees.
“J.J. Whitney has demonstrated exceptional
leadership, mentorship, and collaboration throughout her career,” said Dr.
Meredith Brunen, Hendrix Vice President for Advancement. “Her extensive
connections with Hendrix alumni, both young and seasoned, will be invaluable as
she strengthens our engagement and involvement efforts among alumni, parents,
and friends of the College.”
Whitney’s appointment will coincide with the
relocation of the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement to the Mary Ann
and David Dawkins Welcome Center. This move from Fausett Hall to Building 1 on
the current
campus map will provide improved visitor parking,
expanded gathering spaces, and increased opportunities for alumni to interact
with prospective Hendrix students, as the Dawkins Welcome Center also houses
the Office of Admission.
About Hendrix College
Founded in
1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the
country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through
engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to
diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires
students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose