Thirty-six first-year Hendrix College students selected for the Murphy Scholars Program were formally inducted at a ceremony held the evening of March 31, 2026, in Cabe Theatre.
The Murphy Scholars Program in Literature and Language provides an opportunity for students, after going through a selective application process, from all majors, during their sophomore, junior, and senior years at Hendrix College, to deepen their knowledge of literature and language through a variety of enhanced experiences such as study-travel, research, internships, and more.
Hendrix College President Dr. Karen Petersen called the induction ceremony one of Hendrix College’s “most distinctive and enduring traditions of intellectual life.”
Petersen went on to say in her remarks, “Through the Hendrix-Murphy Program, students discover something essential about the liberal arts: that language and literature do more than tell stories. At Hendrix, we believe the study of language and literature is not confined to one department or one career path. It teaches students how to listen carefully, think critically, communicate clearly, and imagine possibilities beyond the present moment.”
This year’s cohort includes students majoring in twelve unique areas of study, including three who are double-majoring. They hail from eight different states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas; and one student is from Chattogram, Bangladesh. Twenty-five percent of the 2029 cohort are first-generation college students.
Dr. Tyrone Jaeger, interim Hendrix-Murphy Foundation director, professor of English-creative writing, and creative writing program director spoke words of challenge to the new Scholars. “Here [at Hendrix College], we place great value on the power of storytelling and the rich possibilities in being multi-lingual, and the power of a strong community focused on intellectual and creative pursuits.”
Jaeger encouraged them to use all the Hendrix-Murphy resources at their disposal over the next three years to build deep rooted connections in communities near and far.
The new cohort of Murphy Scholars also heard from current Murphy Scholar Michelle Leyva `26, a politics and interdisciplinary studies double major from Little Rock. She spoke of how the Scholars program has become “the bridge between my academic interests and my passion for social change.”
Leyva encouraged the incoming Scholars to “seek out experiences that scare you a little bit.... take advantage of the opportunities provided to you and remember that this journey is yours.”
The Class of 2029 Murphy Scholars in Literature and Language are:
Cory Breshears, undeclared major from Hot Springs, Arkansas
Sophia Bridgers, politics major from Batesville, Arkansas
Mary Buhler, politics major from Memphis, Tennessee
River Clair, biology and English double major from Russellville, Arkansas
Zaina Daaboul, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Al-Fadl Fadah, biochemistry/molecular biology major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Shayla Freeman, English-creative writing major from Little Rock, Arkansas
TC George, psychology major from Houston, Texas
Ryan Golden, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Preston Hardister, undeclared major from Cabot, Arkansas
Daniel Hernandez-Duarte, environmental studies major from San Diego, California
Ashley Hutto, psychology major from New Braunfels, Texas
Jamil Jackson, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Layne Joheim, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Jaylen Johnson, health science major from Denison, Texas
Royal Kirchner, English major from Yellville, Arkansas
Adrianna Lewis, undeclared major from Springdale, Arkansas
Vidhi Malhan, biochemistry/molecular biology and study of the mind double major from Sherwood, Arkansas
Megan Manuel, politics major from Oberlin, Louisiana
Momthahina Karim Meem, computer science major from Chattogram, Bangladesh
Luna Morales, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Bella Pflieger, health science major from Sparks, Nevada
Landon Queen, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Arianne Ricaurte, undeclared major from Maumelle, Arkansas
Kai Rogers, art: studio art major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Tully Roensch, biology major from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Maryam Sayyah, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Elise Singleton, undeclared major from Little Rock, Arkansas
Elysia Singleton, biology major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Sienna Smith Beckham, sociology major from Fayetteville, Arkansas
Rowan Stewart, undeclared major from Sherwood, Arkansas
June Stawser, English-creative writing and environmental studies double major from Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Reese Taylor, health science major from Conway, Arkansas
Lucas Tennyson, history major from Columbia, Missouri
Katherine Wright, undeclared major from Clarksville, Arkansas
Sam Zettner, undeclared major from Austin, Texas
All Murphy Scholars will graduate with distinction, having completed an Oxford-style tutorial course in language and literature and at least three of the Murphy Scholar Program’s approved co-curricular experiences in literature and language.
About the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language were founded in 1978 by a gift from Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, in memory of his mother Bertie Wilson Murphy. Their mission is to enhance and enrich the study of literature and language at Hendrix College. For more information, visit hendrixmurphy.org.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose