July 11, 2019
By Anna Van, Public Relations Intern
Accompanied by Director of Student Life Zackery Tucker, student leaders who participated in the field trip included:
Matthew Sparks of Austin, Student Government Association president
Tyler Jones of Beebe, Student Activities chairman
Kristopher Johnson of North Little Rock, former Student Activities chairman
Caleb Mackey of Cabot, SGA student senator
Caitlyn Crain of Benton, Residence Hall Association vice president and resident assistant
Faith Degaro of Jonesboro, SGA student senator and resident assistant
Sarah Turner of Little Rock, SGA election chairperson, Gamma Beta Phi president and resident assistant
Jansyn Parker of Conway, SGA student senator.
The field study experience provides ASU-Beebe leadership students an opportunity to engage with other leadership cohorts in practicing the Student Leadership program learning outcomes. Student leaders are able to experience co-curricular opportunities to study, engage and partner with others in practicing the four main goals of the student leadership program: advocate for others, serve others, inspire others to join, and celebrate diversity.
"Our leadership program is intentionally designed to prepare students to play an active role in their community as advocates of service and to inspire others to engage in a shared vision,” said Tucker. “Our field experience in Washington, D.C. was an amazing way to help put the leadership training our students received over the last year into a larger perspective. Visiting Washington, D.C., as the center of government and viewing first-hand many elements of the nation’s history, students were able to reflect on their role in society and how they can be better leaders.”
While in Washington, D.C., the ASU-Beebe Student Leadership Scholars toured the U.S. Supreme Court Building, the National Archives and the National Mall, Newseum, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of African American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, National Portrait Gallery, Ford’s Theater Historic Site, and Arlington Cemetery. On the final day, the students were given a private tour of the U.S. Capitol Building by Arkansas Senator John Boozman, which included an exclusive visit to the Senate Chamber.
Reflecting on her experience, Jansyn Parker said, “The trip to Washington, D.C. was a very humbling experience. From walking the National Mall to touring the Capitol Building with Senator Boozman, this trip really opened my eyes to what men and women have been fighting for since the Revolutionary War, which was freedom to speak up when there is a reason to voice your opinion.”
Sarah Turner said, “The field trip created many wonderful learning opportunities and outcomes. This five-day trip was packed with visits to museums, monuments, historical sites, and much more. Out of all of the memorable places we toured, the National Museum of African American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Arlington Cemetery were my favorite places. I was profoundly moved at each of these places by the new information I gathered, the documentaries I watched, and the different perspectives I learned.”
"The field-study in Washington, D.C. was an incredible opportunity for emerging student leaders to learn what it means to treasure history, as well as learning the importance of the government,” remarked Matthew Sparks. “Students looking to become great leaders in their communities should consider what this trip has to offer."
The ASU-Beebe Student Leadership Experience supports the Student Leadership program’s mission of providing opportunities to develop and refine students’ abilities to fully participate as leaders and citizens.
For more information about ASU-Beebe and its programs, call (501) 882-3600, or visit the ASU-Beebe website at www.asub.edu
Founded in 1927, Arkansas State University-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System. With campuses located at Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, Little Rock Air Force Base and online, the university offers associate degrees, certificates and non-credit training for business and industry.