Reid Pinckard, a junior double majoring in political science and journalism, from Mount Pleasant, Texas, began his journey as a freshman at the University of Arkansas who “desperately needed community,” he says.  

Pinckard knew he wanted to make a difference in the world, specifically by preventing sexual violence. Naturally, this led to his involvement with the national Sexual Violence Prevention Association.

From there, Pinckard took the lead in creating SVPA UArk, the U of A's student chapter of SVPA and the organization’s first student chapter ever established. SVPA UArk fights for the systemic prevention of sexual violence on campus and throughout the state of Arkansas, which ranks at the top for rates of sexual violence across the country. 

“While I initially set up this group to help me find a space I felt comfortable in,” he says, he also helped cultivate a group “where survivors feel comfortable being themselves.”

“Whether that be with our Speak Out Initiative, the many events we hold or just talking to us while we table,” he says, “it has become immensely clear that our group, created by survivors, for survivors, has provided a space that has never existed at the University of Arkansas.”

Besides his work on campus, Pinckard has also lobbied the Arkansas Legislature, trying to pass policy that would define consent within the state penal codes.

Following his lead, student chapters of the SVPA have sprung up at Boston and Columbia universities. Reid’s organizing and leadership efforts have also been recognized by national organizations such as the Clinton Global Initiative University and "It's On Us," the nation’s largest nonprofit program dedicated to college sexual assault prevention and survivor support. 

Pinckard says this recognition “has reassured me that I am making waves in the way I need to be.”

“The most fulfilling thing about being a part of the SVPA is getting to see the impact we are having on campus and beyond,” he says.

Besides being his “home away from home,” Pinckard says that the community the U of A is what has made him want to stay here. “Being embraced by the University of Arkansas has been a blessing that I would not trade for the world,” he says.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and every day, the U of A truly wishes wellness for the entire community. We recognize that people who have experienced sexual violence are at different points in their healing processes, and SAAM events can be difficult for some. So, for anyone who may be struggling, confidential campus support resources are available. 

The U of A’s Sexual & Relationship Violence Center can connect you to an advocate to help you find resources, explore your reporting options and provide support throughout the reporting, investigating and adjudicating processes. To arrange for an appointment, please email survivor@uark.edu or call 479-575-4000. The U of A’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers 24-hour emergency mental health services for students, faculty, and staff at 479-575-5276. Assistance may also be sought through U of A Cares and the Title IX Office.

As a reminder, incidents of sexual harassment, misconduct, assault and discrimination may be reported through report.uark.edu.

For more student success stories like Reid’s, check out some of our previous #MyPathToSeniorWalk features, such as, Lizbeth Hernandez, Nathanael Martin-Nelson, Abby Goldsmith, Markese Mullins, Gerson Fajardo-Bruhl, Angel Williams and others at our #MyPathToSeniorWalk website. If you have a story that you’d like told or know someone who has an inspiring story, please check out our nomination form.