The Department of Political Science hosted the 3rd Annual “Arkansas and the World: Model United Nations 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 in the 21st century. The students participated in workshops on international relations, the fundamentals of Model United Nations, the historical roots of the United Nations, and the UN’s role in international affairs. The students also represented assigned countries in a simulation of the UN General Assembly, including several 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 a grant awarded to Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Associate Professor of Political Science, by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Ten individuals, mostly current or former UCA students, served on the summer camp staff as resident assistants and mentors. 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.