Two UCA professors have been selected as inaugural faculty at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Dr. Gary Wekkin, professor of political science, and Dr. David McCalman, program coordinator for the master?s of science in community and economic development, were among nearly 50 faculty selected from Arkansas colleges and universities.
Wekkin, who teaches courses on topics such as political parties, the American presidency and interest groups, was immediately interested in forging a relationship between the university and the Clinton Presidential Library.
Soon he was contacted about possibly teaching at the Clinton School of Public Service. Wekkin said he would likely teach on the topic of campaign behavior.
?It seems to me that the school is trying to produce community activists who can organize and lead civic improvement campaigns. That will require the study of campaign behavior, a topic that I incorporate into some of my classes,? he said.
Wekkin is also trying to organize a conference on American first ladies, a topic that he is presently writing a book about.
McCalman, who?s expertise in community and economic development will be a perfect fit for the school, said, ?I?m delighted and see a natural fit between the interests of the Clinton School and our own.?
Dr. Thomas Bruce, associate dean of the Clinton School, said it would prepare people for a lifetime of building a better society. The school, which will open for classes in fall of 2005, will offer a master?s degree in public service. Several seminars and workshops will be offered beginning this fall.
?Students of the school will learn special skills in leadership and community building. It will be a broad preparing ground for people who want to build a life of their own in helping others,? Bruce said.
The Clinton School is one of only six presidential schools in the U.S. Others are located at Harvard University, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
-Jennifer Boyett
