Lashondra Rochelle Newton, of Little Rock, a 2003 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, has joined the Peace Corps and accepted an assignment to Bolivia. She departs May 3.
Newton, 22, who graduated from UCA with a degree in science and biology, said she is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead for her.
“I have always wanted to live in another country, especially a Latin American country,” she said. “The Peace Corps has given me the opportunity to do that as well as to do something that I love – to help others.
She will serve as an Integrated Education Volunteer in Peace Corps’ health sector. She will educate the community about better nutrition and hygiene practices, assist teachers in integrating nutrition and hygiene into the school curriculum, and assist municipal government in implementing health and education standards. Before the Peace Corps, Ms. Newton worked in Little Rock Regions Bank, volunteered at St. Mark’s Baptist Church Cleaning Ministry and Arkansas Children’s Hospital and substituted at Little Rock School District.
She is the daughter of Fred Newton, also of Little Rock, and Janice Newton, of Aurora, Illinois.
Since 1961, 34 UCA alumni have joined the Peace Corps with three serving today.