Twelve Arkansas Tech University students participated in The Washington Center National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester.
Alyssa Carrington of Fayetteville, Hayden Danielian of Fort Smith, Fernando Flores of Clarksville, Charlotte Hahn of Barboursville, Va., Eden Lusk of Dover, Jasmin McBride of Greenwood, Kaitlyn McGuire of Bono, Charlie Mock of Mena, Ethan Price of Morrilton, Drake Riggs of Dover, Brock Snider of Clarksville and Randi Stripling of Clinton represented ATU at the study away program in the nation’s capital.
Stripling is an ATU senior studying emergency management and homeland security. She said the most beneficial aspect of The Washington Center Natural Security Seminar was the opportunity to learn directly from intelligence and cybersecurity professionals from the public and private sectors.
“Their real‑world insight made everything we learn in class at Arkansas Tech feel immediate and relevant,” said Stripling, who is pursuing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously through an accelerated bachelor-to-master program. “I also valued our site visits, including the CATO Institute, the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol, the Defense Intelligence Agency and a meeting with Sen. John Boozman…each one revealing a different side of how national security decisions are made.
“This seminar allowed me to better understand how quickly global issues, technology and politics shape national security,” continued Stripling. “Hearing experts break down current domestic and global tensions, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity made me more aware of how interconnected everything is. It broadened my perspective and helped me recognize career paths I had not yet considered. Being in D.C., surrounded by the people who shape policy and respond to global challenges, made me more aware of the world’s complexity and the responsibility we all share to understand it.”
The seminar is described by The Washington Center as “an intensive, one-week academic program in Washington, D.C., designed for college students to explore the protection of U.S. interests at home and abroad.”
Dr. Bethany Swindell, ATU associate professor of emergency management, led the Arkansas Tech delegation to Washington.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was watching students engage with complex national security issues and grow more confident in their ability to analyze and discuss them,” said Swindell. “Programs like this provide valuable opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world issues while building relationships with peers and professionals from across the country. I left inspired by the talent, passion and potential of these students and excited about the future leaders they are becoming.”
Opportunities through The Washington Center are among numerous study away and study abroad programs offered to Arkansas Tech students each year. The programs typically carry with them an opportunity to earn college credit toward graduation.
“Study away and study abroad programs push students beyond the classroom and into real‑world learning,” said Stripling. “These experiences build confidence, broaden worldviews and expose students to opportunities they might not otherwise encounter. Opportunities like this allow Arkansas Tech students to grow academically, professionally and personally. I am truly grateful to Arkansas Tech for providing me with experiences that broaden my perspective and support my future.”
Learn more at www.atu.edu/studyabroad.
