UA Little Rock Graduate Owen Haynes Finds Global Passion on the Path to Civil Rights Law
Whether in the courtroom or the classroom, Owen Haynes has always been drawn to the fight for constitutional and civil rights. The White Hall native, who majored in political science with a concentration in international studies and a minor in Middle Eastern studies, will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17.
Haynes is an honors student in the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and an active member of UA Little Rock’s Young Democrats, International Diplomacy Association, and Student Government Association. He also participated in the Little Rock Congregations Study research team.
His interest in social studies began in elementary school, where he enjoyed learning about history and government. That passion continued to grow and evolve during his time at UA Little Rock.
“I came to UA Little Rock knowing I wanted to study political science and American law after graduation. I had no interest in international studies,” Haynes said. “But after my friends encouraged me to take Model Arab League, my interests changed.”
That experience sparked a deeper academic curiosity that led him down an unexpected path.
“I started studying the Middle East and its culture. Then, I was able to study Islamic migration in Spain. I declared a Middle Eastern studies minor, and have enjoyed the rest of my time studying this niche,” he said.
The summer of his junior year, Haynes studied abroad in Morocco, taking classes in Arabic and journalism while also teaching English to Moroccan children and their parents.
During his time at UA Little Rock, Haynes worked diligently on two major research projects. He co-authored a paper with Dr. Rebecca Glazier and Dr. Gerald Driskill on faith-based approaches to combating racism in Little Rock. He also completed an honors thesis examining how urban planning policies, such as Urban Growth Boundaries, could curb urban sprawl and help mitigate climate change.
He earned two individual and two team awards at the National University Model Arab League conference, competing in a mock international tribunal. He was later selected by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations to chair a national conference, where he published his work.
When asked about his favorite professors, Haynes credits four faculty members for shaping his experience at UA Little Rock.
“Each independently had a huge impact on my experience at UA Little Rock,” he said.
He said Dr. Simon Hawkins and Dr. Jessica Scott served as mentors, advisors, and “amateur therapists,” always pushing him to think more critically. Glazier gave him the opportunity to travel across the United States and Spain through her classes and invited him to co-author a paper. Dr. Eric Wiebelhaus-Braham also mentored him through his independent research on urban planning policies.
“I have taken classes with all four of these professors, and I could not speak any more highly of these people. Our university is lucky to have these faculty members,” Haynes said.
Reflecting on his college journey, Haynes said:
“My experience at UA Little Rock has made me a better citizen, student, and all-around person. I have learned what works and what doesn’t when leading a meeting, gathering volunteers for a project, or scheduling a study group.
My opportunities abroad have widened my worldview more than I could have ever imagined. My professors, above all else, are the ones that have led me through this journey and deserve the most credit.”
After graduation, Haynes plans to spend a year studying for the LSAT and then go to law school.
“More school will prepare me to litigate constitutional and civil rights issues—my ultimate career goal,” he said.
His advice for current students is simple: get involved.
“There is no better way to make friends outside of your classmates than joining a club,” Haynes said. “Even when in class, start talking to the people before and after class. It can be hard to find your social footing when starting college. Meet people, and say yes to invitations.”
Written by: Sydney Ambrus