The Department of Political Science hosted the Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp at the University of Central Arkansas on July 14-19, 2019. Forty-four Arkansas high school students participated in a unique, interactive learning experience designed to enhance their understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and international organizations. The students participated in educational workshops on international relations, the United Nations, and fundamentals of Model United Nations. The students also represented assigned countries in interactive simulations of the UN General Assembly, including committee and plenary sessions held throughout the week. The students also competed in a Global Trivia Competition held each night of the summer camp.
The summer camp was funded by an Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) grant awarded to the department by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Associate Professor of Political Science, served as Summer Camp Director. Ten individuals, mostly current or former UCA students, served as resident assistants/counselors. Guest speakers during the week-long summer camp included Dr. Tom Williams, Dean of the UCA College of Liberal Arts; Ms. DeAnn McGrew, Director of Agriculture & Volunteer Programs, Winrock International; Mr. Willis Arnold, Clinton Foundation; Mr. Josué Villa, Consular Officer, Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock; Dr. Houston Davis, UCA President; and Governor Asa Hutchinson, State of Arkansas.
