Students Attend National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C.
JONESBORO – A group of political science students from Arkansas State University have recently returned from a seminar in Washington, D.C.
“Ten students attended a week-long program with The Washington Center dedicated to learning more about national security,” said Dr. Jordan Butcher, assistant professor of political science.
Students listened to expert speakers and traveled to sites such as the U.S. Secret Service Headquarters, the Arlington Police Department, and Cato Institute.
“These short seminar trips are amazing for the students to gain insight into all sorts of careers, hear from prestigious speakers, and really interact with all different components of government, all while experiencing D.C. and getting course credit,” added Butcher.
Students applied to participate in the trip and were supported by special funding and support through the Berry Scholarship Foundation.
The Berry Scholarship was created by former longtime House of Representatives member Marion Berry and his wife Carolyn as a way to help A-State students who want to live in or visit Washington, D.C., for short periods of time. Funds are awarded at the discretion of a scholarship committee to help those who would otherwise not be able to afford to visit the nation's capital.
Butcher said in addition to the seminars, students attended a networking event hosted by The Washington Center where they were able to interact with professionals in their areas of interest.
The seminar trips are held in January or May. Those interested in future programs may reach out to Butcher at jbutcher@AState.edu. 
Seminar attendees included (left to right) Houston Swan of Crossett, Tyler Camp of Paragould, Will Gist of Benton, George Vaughan of Paragould, Jimmy Dye of Trumann, Luke Coleman of Memphis, Jada Sumpter of West Helena, Casen May of Paragould, Kesley Pearson of Salem, faculty lead Dr. Jordan Butcher, and Sarai Stubblefield of Little Rock.
