Cody Burkham Receives SAU Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Cody Burkham who grew up in Hope was named a “Distinguished Young Alumni” last Thursday at SAU in Magnolia. Cody is shown here with his family and the other photo is of Cody and his wife Jessica. Here’s what was written about him by SAU honoring his award…our congratulations go to Cody on his award!
Cody Burkham, ’14 (Little Rock, AR) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award Cody Burkham grew up in Hope, Arkansas. He is a 2014 graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a degree in Political Science and History. He served on the Student Activities E-Board, Upward Bound, Political Action Committee, Phi Sigma Alpha Honor Society (Political Science), Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society (History), Student Government Association, and was a Becoming a Mulerider (BAM) Leader and President’s Ambassador. During his time at SAU, Burkham was the first student recipient of the William C. Nolan Public Affairs Endowed-Internship, where he worked with Rep. Rick Crawford from the First Congressional District.
After graduation, Burkham returned to Washington, D.C., and served as the Field Director, Director of Legislative Communications, Agriculture Liaison, and Legislative Assistant for Congressman Bruce Westerman from 2014-2018.
In 2018, his passion for agriculture led him back to Arkansas to become the Executive Vice President of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association. The Arkansas Cattleman’s Association is focused on leading the cattle industry in the State of Arkansas toward continued improvement through legislation, education, advocacy, and development.
Burkham is active in the Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists, Arkansas Society of Association Executives, and the University of Arkansas Agriculture Development Council. As an advocate for agricultural youth, Burkham also serves on the Arkansas Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation Board of Directors, responsible for managing funds to help stimulate and promote the best interests of students of agricultural education on a local, district, or state basis. Burkham is also a board member for the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, whose mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children.