Batesville, Arkansas – Lyon College will welcome U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford to campus on Thursday, October 2, for a public convocation presentation at 4 p.m. in the Nucor Auditorium of the Lyon Business and Economics Building. The event, hosted by the college’s Convocation Committee, offers students and community members a chance to hear directly from a seasoned national policymaker.
Crawford, a Republican representing Arkansas’s First Congressional District, was first elected to Congress in 2010 and is now serving his seventh term. In January 2025, he assumed the role of chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, after eight years of service on the panel, including a tenure as chair of the CIA Subcommittee. His leadership on intelligence matters positions him at the center of discussions that shape national security policy.
In addition to his work in intelligence, Crawford is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. He played a key role in passing the 2014 and 2018 farm bills and has led several subcommittees, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a critical element of national security. Crawford also serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he has advocated for projects including the I-555 interstate designation and has chaired several important subcommittees to advance infrastructure priorities.
Patrick Lynch, assistant professor of business, entrepreneurship, and marketing at Lyon College, emphasized the significance of the congressman’s visit. “Congressman Crawford brings a wealth of experience on issues that affect Arkansas and the nation,” Lynch said. “His insights on agriculture, infrastructure, and intelligence will help our students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the real-world policy decisions shaping their future.”
Crawford’s presentation is part of Lyon College’s ongoing convocation series, which is designed to connect students with leaders in government, education, business, industry, and public service. The series reflects the college’s commitment to preparing students for civic engagement, professional success, and an understanding of how public policy shapes communities at both local and national levels.
The convocation provides an opportunity for attendees to engage with the congressman’s perspective on current issues affecting Arkansas and the nation, offering insight into legislative priorities, policy-making processes, and the intersection of federal decisions with local communities.
For Lyon College students, the event represents a practical extension of their academic studies, connecting classroom learning to the experiences of a national policymaker who has influenced legislation in agriculture, infrastructure, and intelligence. For community members, it is a chance to gain a closer understanding of the work their elected representatives undertake in Washington, D.C.
The convocation is open to the public, and all interested attendees are encouraged to participate. With Crawford’s extensive experience and leadership roles in Congress, his visit promises to offer both informative discussion and meaningful engagement for students, faculty, and community members alike.
