Richard Hudson Receives Top Government Relations Award

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas vice chancellor for government relations Richard Hudson was named the recipient of the Marvin D. “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award on Dec. 2 at an annual Higher Education Government Relations conference held in Austin, Texas.

The “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement, quality and effectiveness of state relations on behalf of a higher education institution or state system. Recipients have primary long-term responsibility for state relations at their institution or system and have a proven track record of accomplishment. The award is administered by the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

The award is named in honor of the late Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson, a longtime director of state government relations at the universities of Arizona and New Mexico.

Chancellor G. David Gearhart said it was fitting for Hudson to receive this recognition.

“I don’t think I have ever worked with anyone who has a greater grasp for the needs of university and the political climate in the state of Arkansas,” Gearhart said. “And he understands how important it is to stay in close contact with our legislators, the executive branch and the people who run the state of Arkansas.”

Hudson has been in government relations for 30 years. During this time, he has initiated numerous programs and services that have benefited higher education in Arkansas, including the University of Arkansas Legislative Advocacy Network featuring more than 500 alumni. He also established a consortium of government relations professionals in the Southeastern Conference that has enhanced the effectiveness of all SEC members.

Hudson said, “ I have always had a strong interest in politics and really enjoy working with legislators and other government officials.”

Hudson began working at the University of Arkansas in 1994. Prior to that, he was a vice president at what is now called the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. A native of Warren, Ark., he earned his bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and his master’s degree from Baylor University. He serves on the board of directors for the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and the Arkansas World Trade Center. In his career at the University of Arkansas, Hudson spends a great deal of time working with legislators, the governor’s office and various state agencies and in Washington, D.C., working with the state’s congressional delegation on behalf of the university.