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Rocco Hicks to Attend 2023 Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference

10/03/2023

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University student Rocco Hicks will attend the 2023 Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) this month.

Hicks, a sophomore political science major from Prattsville, is the recipient of a scholarship to attend the conference.“I am honored and blessed to receive the opportunity to represent Arkansas State University at such a prestigious conference. I am thankful to the Emerging Scholars staff for helping me with my application over the summer, and to the entire A-State community for supporting me,” said Hicks.The Harvard PPLC is designed to inspire talented and driven undergraduate students to pursue careers in public policy and become future leaders in government, nonprofits, international institutions and social enterprises.

“The A-State Department of Political Science is proud to have Rocco attending this prestigious leadership conference. His list of accomplishments is amazing already and we only expect that trend to continue,” said Cameron Wimpy, chair of the Department of Political Science.

Hicks has served as part of the 2022-23 Chancellor’s Leadership Class, is a member of the A-State Debate Team, is active in the Student Government Association, and is philanthropy chair of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity."He is an outstanding student and has aspirations of running for president in 2056. Our goal as a department is to help get him there,” said Natasha Neal, academic adviser and instructor in political science.

To qualify for this opportunity, students had to meet several requirements including being enrolled in a two or four-year U.S. undergraduate institution, having a 3.0 or higher GPA, and demonstrating a commitment to public service through being active on campus or in the community.

The 23rd annual PPLC will be held at the Harvard Kennedy School campus. The award will cover all costs for Hicks including conference costs, transportation, accommodation and meals.“I am thrilled to make lifelong connections at this conference and help A-State leave a mark at Harvard,” said Hicks.
Following graduation, Hicks plans to attend law school and have a career in public service.

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Rocco Hicks