Thursday, 25 August 2011

A Small Arkansas College with Some Big Differences

By Daniel Z. Kane


The leaders of Hendrix College seem to know what they want it to be. And, they don't seem to want it to be like all of their peer colleges.

In an era when many private colleges in the South are becoming increasingly homogeneous and doctrinaire, Hendrix encourages students to be open to new ideas. You might think that lots of college take that position, but a surprising number still do not teach students to employ healthy skepticism. Hendrix, however, really is different.

One of the most telling items on the Hendrix website is a statement saying, "...if you think some things just shouldn't be questioned, you might not be happy at Hendrix". As lots of faculty and even entire academic institutions seek academic conformity, that is a pretty bold statement in some circles...a very refreshing statement for a college to make.

Hendrix also separates itself from other colleges through its Odyssey Program, which allows (and requires) students to complete three active learning experiences in a choice of areas which include artistic creativity, global awareness, professional & leadership development, service to the world, undergraduate research, and special projects.

Hendrix draws students from 9 countries and nearly 35 states. Minority enrollment is about 12%. Total enrollment is a little under 1,100.

Hendrix is probably the most selective college or university in Arkansas. About half it's students ranked in the top ten percent of their high school classes, three quarters were in the top quarter, and their midrange ACT composite scores were 25-31.

Both the Hendrix student faculty ratio and average class size are low, and virtually every Hendrix instructor has earned the highest degree offered in his/her field.

Hendrix's endowment of more than $190 million is the envy of many colleges its size. Not only does an endowment that size enable Hendrix to attract good faculty and offer innovative programming, it enables the college to offer generous financial aid packages.

Hendrix is priced below many comparable institutions. Further good news is the fact that the average Hendrix student receives a financial aid package equivalent to about half the cost of tuition, room, board, and fees.

If you're looking for hands-on learning experiences, a college where an exchange of ideas and lively discussion are the norm, and a college with a strong graduate school placement record, Hendrix may just be for you. Take a look.




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