Leading into Hendrix College’s Alumni Weekend
(April 4-6) two Hendrix alumni will host public talks on Thursday, April 3. Both
events are free and open to the public.
Len Nichols ’75 will present a lecture titled
“The Value of a Liberal Arts Education for Economists and Normal People” at 6 p.m.
in Wilbur D. Mills classroom A. Immediately after, Jo Ann Biggs ’80 will host “Shattering Glass
Ceilings (From Hendrix to Career)” at 7:30 p.m. in the Hundley-Shell Theatre. A reception will follow.
“The Value of a Liberal Arts Education for
Economists and Normal People” by Len Nichols, 6 p.m. in Mills A
.jpg "Len Nichols '75")
After being mentored by Dr. Robert Baker at
Hendrix, Nichols went on to receive a master's degree from the University of
Arkansas and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, both in economics. He has
since taught at both Wellesley College and George Mason University, worked in Washington,
D.C. think-tanks like Urban Institute, Mathematica, and New America Foundation,
and participated in governmental health reform as a part of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services and Office of Management and Budget.
Nichols has been semi-retired in New Orleans
since 2021, but he continues to work with the Urban Institute toward its goal
of making America more humane, mostly by facilitating financing of
and access to factors that contribute to physical health, like housing, food,
and mental health. He received a Hendrix Odyssey Medal in 2018.
“Shattering Glass Ceilings (From Hendrix to
Career)” by Jo Ann Biggs, 7:30 p.m. in the Hundley-Shell Theatre
.png "Jo Ann Biggs '80")
While at Hendrix, Biggs was the first female president
of the Student Senate. Originally from Ashdown, Ark., she graduated in 1980 with
a degree in English. She then went on to graduate from the Vanderbilt
University School of Law in 1998 where she was a Managing Editor of the
Vanderbilt Law Review.
Today, Biggs is a respected partner at Vinson
& Elkins, an international law firm based in Texas with over 700 lawyers in
13 global offices, where she specializes in counseling regulated electric
utilities and those seeking to own regulated assets in the energy sector. She
has not forgotten her roots in Conway, however; she recently served as the
first female chair of the Hendrix College Board of Trustees and has served on
the Board since 1998.
Jo Ann’s keynote address will draw on her
extensive experience in both law and leadership, offering valuable insights to
students on navigating complex challenges and achieving success in their
careers.
Questions regarding these events can be sent to alumni@hendrix.edu.
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