Steldon Posey
Steldon H. Posey was raised in Branson, Missouri, and graduated from Branson High School in 2020. He began his academic journey at Ozarks Technical Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Sciences and graduated cum laude. In 2025, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Arkansas, concentrating on American political thought and the enduring American struggle to protect individual freedom and ensure equal opportunity under the law.
His academic work reflects a deep interest in how principled leadershipgrounded in faith, community, and personal responsibility, drives meaningful, lasting change. He has focused especially on the legacy of President Bill Clinton, a fellow native of the Ozarks, and how leaders from the region have shaped national and global affairs through practical governance and a strong sense of public duty.
Steldons' research has included studies on President Clinton's diplomacy with Russian President Boris Yeltsin during the Bosnian War and Senator Dale Bumpers' leadership in advancing civil rights in Arkansas during the 1970s. These projects reflect his broader commitment to promoting justice, defending civil liberties, and ensuring the government serves, not controls, the people.
Outside the classroom, Steldon has embraced civic leadership. He has taken on roles in student organizations and launched grassroots initiatives aimed at increasing civic literacy and public engagement. He is especially proud of co-founding the Junto Club at the University of Arkansas, a student-led forum for thoughtful, independent discussion on public affairs and policy challenges. Through these efforts, he has championed conversations about welfare reform, limited government, and how communities can empower individuals rather than foster dependency.
This summer, Steldon will intern in the Springfield, Missouri, office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, where he will gain hands-on experience in the legislative process, policy research, and constituent services experience, which he sees as critical to understanding how responsive, accountable governance can function effectively at every level.
Steldon has been accepted to the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law (beginning Fall 2025) and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service (beginning Fall 2026). He will pursue a concurrent JD/MPS degree to prepare for a career at the intersection of law and public service, one focused on protecting individual rights, ensuring access to justice, and restoring public trust in government.
His long-term goal is to use the law as a tool for empowering communities, advancing personal liberty, and building a more responsive system of public service, one that upholds responsibility, rewards initiative, and protects the dignity of every individual.
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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Arkansas
Ozarks Technical Community College
Branson High School
Posey Named to University of Arkansas Spring 2025 Dean's List
Steldon Posey was named to the University of Arkansas Dean's List for the 2025 Spring Semester. Posey joins a distinguished group of students recognized for this outstanding academic achievement. ...
June, 26 2025 - Verified by University of Arkansas
Posey of Branson named to Fall 2024 Dean's List in U of A's Fulbright College
Steldon Posey of Branson was named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Posey joins more than 1,100 additional Fulbright Colle...
January, 24 2025 - Verified by University of Arkansas
Steldon Posey was recognized for an accomplishment
William H. Bowen School of Law at University of Arkansas at Little Rock Scholarship for Fall 2025.
Fall 2025 - Fall 2026 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Dean's List
Spring 2025 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Chancellor;s List
Spring 2025 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Spring 2025 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Deans List
Fall 2024 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for graduating
Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Histories of Conflict, Justice and Peace, & Pre-Law.
GPA: 3.81
Spring 2023 - Spring 2025 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Chancellors List
Fall 2022 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Phi Theta Kappa
Honor Society
Spring 2022 -
Added by Steldon
Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Chancellor's List
Spring 2022 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Chancellor's List
Fall 2021 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a scholarship
CHANCELLOR'S LEADERSHIP BOOK SCHOLARSHIP
For the 2021-2022 Academic Year
Spring 2021 -
Added by Steldon
Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Dean's List
Spring 2021 Semester
Spring 2021 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning an academic award
Dean's List
Spring 2021 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a scholarship
Recipient of an A+ Scholarship.
The A+ Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides scholarship funds to graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend participating public community colleges or vocational/technical schools, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools. Two years of College Funded.
Fall 2016 - Spring 2020 -
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Steldon Posey was recognized for graduating
Degree of Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science
Cum Laude
December 16, 2022
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Steldon Posey was recognized for graduating
Graduation May 2020
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Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Added by Steldon
Steldon Posey was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
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Steldon Posey was recognized for an accomplishment
Steldon H. Posey will be pursuing his Juris Doctor at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in the fall, an institution known for producing practice-ready attorneys and public-minded legal professionals. Bowen stands out nationally for its excellence in legal writing, emphasis on real-world legal training, and a longstanding commitment to public service. Steldons coursework is grounded in rigorous legal analysis and sharpened by opportunities for applied learning in areas such as litigation, constitutional law, and access to justice. The schools philosophy lawyer as public citizen aligns with his core belief that the law should serve people first. As part of a concurrent degree path, Steldon is integrating his legal education with broader public leadership training to prepare for a career at the intersection of law, policy, and principled advocacy.
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Steldon Posey was recognized for an accomplishment
Steldon H. Posey will begin his Master of Public Service (MPS) studies in 2026 at the Clinton School of Public Service, a presidentially founded institution known for its selective admission of a small, highly qualified cohort each year. He will pursue the MPS concurrently with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The program emphasizes rigorous academics combined with nonpartisan problem-solving and practical engagement with real-world social challenges. Through immersive practicum experiences and collaborative learning, Steldon will hone leadership skills and develop innovative, effective solutions that create lasting impact in diverse communities. The concurrent JD further equips him with a strong legal foundation to advance ethical and impactful public leadership.
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Junto Club (Co-Founder/Membership Chair)
Junto Club at the University of Arkansas is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement, independent thought, and meaningful dialogue on the most pressing political, social, and legal issues of our time. Inspired by Benjamin Franklins original Junto society, the club serves as a forum for students across the political and ideological spectrum to engage in principled discussion, sharpen their ideas, and develop leadership grounded in curiosity, reason, and public service.
Junto promotes intellectual exploration and civic literacy by hosting roundtable discussions, guest speakers, and debates that encourage members to think critically, listen openly, and engage respectfully. The club values open inquiry and the honest exchange of perspectives, creating a space where students are empowered to challenge assumptions, learn from one another, and grow as thoughtful citizens and future leaders.
Its mission is to cultivate a culture of dialogue and civic responsibilitypreparing students to engage their communities with insight, empathy, and a commitment to the common good.
University of Arkansas
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The Ozarks Mercury at The Ozarks Mercury
Founded and lead The Ozarks Mercury, an independent conservative publication dedicated to rural values, constitutional integrity, and working-class populism. Write and publish original commentary on political reform, economic fairness, faith, freedom, and life in the American heartland. Manage all editorial operations, from content creation and guest contributor outreach to digital strategy and community engagement.
The Mercury provides plainspoken, principled analysis from Missouri and beyond unapologetically critical of both political parties when they abandon the people theyre supposed to serve. Built for readers who value faith, freedom, responsibility, and common sense.
January 2025 - Present
Sunday Special: Sweetheart, That Just Depends on the Day Keeping faith sacred in a world that wants to politicize it
In the article “Sweetheart, That Just Depends on the Day: Keeping Faith Sacred in a World That Wants to Politicize It,” published on June 1, 2025, Steldon H. Posey reflects on the personal nature of faith and warns against its increasing entanglement with politics. Drawing from his upbringing in the Ozarks, his time teaching Sunday school, and his early interest in the ministry, Posey shares a deeply personal narrative about the role of Christianity in his life—not as a political identity, but as a source of humility, grace, and moral guidance. He affirms the First Amendment’s protections of religious liberty and cautions against efforts by both politicians and activists to use faith as a tool for influence or control. Posey critiques recent attempts to blend church and state, such as Oklahoma’s failed attempt to publicly fund a religious charter school, arguing that government involvement in religion ultimately weakens the sacred by turning it into policy. Quoting both Scripture and the Constitution, Posey defends a vision of America where faith is freely chosen, not state-endorsed, and where spiritual conviction is lived out in service and compassion—not imposed from above. In doing so, he reaffirms his commitment to constitutional principle and spiritual sincerity, signaling a broader philosophy that values freedom of conscience as foundational to both American life and personal faith.
June 2025 -
Articles
You Don’t Have to Burn It Down to Make It Better We can’t save this country by giving up on what makes it worth saving
In the article “You Don’t Have to Burn It Down to Make It Better: We Can’t Save This Country by Giving Up on What Makes It Worth Saving,” published on June 11, 2025, Steldon H. Posey offers a passionate defense of principled patriotism and civil discourse in a time of national division. Acknowledging America’s imperfections, Posey argues that the country’s strength lies not in denying its flaws, but in its continued effort to improve through honest dialogue, compromise, and shared values. Drawing on a real-life debate event he hosted at the University of Arkansas—where two students with opposing views connected through respectful conversation—he highlights how progress comes not from outrage or destruction, but from empathy and engagement. Posey critiques political extremism on both the left and right, calling instead for leadership grounded in humility, responsibility, and a belief in the American experiment. He challenges the notion that patriotism belongs to one party or ideology, insisting that true love of country includes the courage to criticize and the will to reform. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Posey urges Americans to embrace complexity, reject division, and work together toward a more honest and hopeful future.
June 2025 -
Articles
Dr. King Would Not Have Stood for This
In the article “Dr. King Would Not Have Stood for This,” published on June 10, 2025, Steldon H. Posey delivers a sharp rebuke of violent protests in Los Angeles that have escalated beyond lawful dissent into chaos and destruction. While affirming the sacred right to peaceful protest, Posey draws a clear moral line between conscience-driven civil disobedience and mob violence. Referencing his own background as a student advocate for free speech, and invoking the moral clarity of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he argues that the path to justice must be rooted in discipline, integrity, and nonviolence—not rage and lawlessness. Posey condemns the vandalism of small businesses, attacks on police, and the burning of American flags, insisting that such acts only undermine the causes they claim to support. He critiques revisionist attempts to justify anarchy through distorted historical narratives, warning that disorder fuels division and damages democracy. While acknowledging President Trump’s forceful response, Posey emphasizes that restoring order must be paired with compassion and purpose. Ultimately, he calls on Americans to reject extremism and recommit to the ideals of lawful protest, civic dialogue, and moral courage—hallmarks of the legacy Dr. King left behind.
June 2025 -
Articles
Diplomacy and the Mirage of Influence: Bosnia, Yeltsin, and the Strategic Failure of the Clinton Doctrine
In the article “Diplomacy and the Mirage of Influence: Bosnia, Yeltsin, and the Strategic Failure of the Clinton Doctrine,” published on June 12, 2025, Steldon H. Posey offers a nuanced critique of President Bill Clinton’s diplomatic approach to the Bosnian War. Posey explores how the post–Cold War optimism that fueled hopes for a cooperative relationship with a fragile Russia under Boris Yeltsin shaped U.S. policy but ultimately constrained timely action. He details how Clinton’s reliance on Yeltsin’s influence over Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic delayed decisive intervention, allowing ethnic violence and atrocities to escalate. Posey acknowledges Clinton’s eventual pivot to NATO military action as necessary and effective but argues that earlier, firmer measures might have shortened the conflict and saved more lives. The article reflects on the broader lessons of Bosnia: the limits of soft power, the need to balance idealism with realism, and the risks of sidelining critical partners when realities shift. Posey highlights how these dynamics contributed to Russia’s later resentment and the rise of Vladimir Putin’s adversarial stance toward the West. Ultimately, the piece affirms the importance of American leadership that knows when to patiently build alliances—and when to act decisively to uphold peace and justice.
June 2025 -
Articles
The People vs. the Powerful: Why Culture Wars Distract Us from the Real Struggle: Class and Opportunity
In the article "The People vs. the Powerful: Why Culture Wars Distract Us from the Real Struggle: Class and Opportunity," published on May 27, 2025, Steldon H. Posey argues for a renewed focus on addressing class disparities and economic fairness in America, guided by constitutional principles. Posey critiques the political elite—both Republicans and Democrats—for prioritizing culture wars and corporate interests over the needs of working-class Americans. He acknowledges former President Donald Trump’s appeal to frustrated voters and his economic achievements but questions policies like Medicaid cuts that seem to undermine the very people Trump claims to represent. Similarly, he criticizes Democrats for their performative identity politics and failure to deliver practical solutions, accusing both parties of cozying up to corporate elites while neglecting issues like jobs, wages, and healthcare. Posey emphasizes fairness, opportunity, and adherence to the Constitution, advocating for a system that supports all Americans, not just the wealthy or well-connected. He expresses a vision of a united country that prioritizes economic justice and constitutional integrity over divisive distractions, hinting at his potential future in politics to champion these values. Quoting former President Bill Clinton, Posey underscores his commitment to a nation where everyone has a fair shot at the American dream.
May 2025 -
Articles
Clear Lakes & Clear Principles: Conservatism and Conservation Go Together
In "Clear Lakes & Clear Principles: Conservatism and Conservation Go Together," published on May 27, 2025, Steldon H. Posey argues that environmental conservation is a core conservative value, drawing from his upbringing in Branson, Missouri, amidst the Ozarks' natural beauty. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the region's lakes, forests, and ecosystems, which are central to local identity and economy. Posey critiques recent deregulations, such as rollbacks of the Clean Water Act and loosened restrictions on lakefront development, warning that they threaten rural communities by risking water quality and economic stability tied to tourism and agriculture. While supporting small government and free markets, he argues that unchecked corporate greed undermines true conservatism, which should prioritize long-term stewardship over short-term profits. Posey advocates for smarter, locally tailored environmental policies that balance development with preservation, support farmers, and maintain high standards. He frames conservation as a conservative duty rooted in responsibility and tradition, urging leadership that treats environmental protection as a pillar of principled governance rather than a partisan issue.
May 2025 -
Articles
The Conservative Case for Constitutional Patience How careful governance strengthens our movement and protects liberty
In the article “The Conservative Case for Constitutional Patience: How Careful Governance Strengthens Our Movement and Protects Liberty,” published on May 31, 2025, Steldon H. Posey makes a compelling argument for balancing the urgency of political action with the enduring strength of constitutional principle. Drawing from his upbringing in Branson, Missouri, and his conversations with fellow conservatives and Trump supporters, Posey offers a thoughtful reflection on why the conservative movement must remain anchored in process, not just passion. He defends many of Donald Trump’s instincts—on border security, foreign aid reform, and standing up to globalism—but warns against abandoning legal norms and constitutional safeguards in the name of expedience. Through examples like the travel ban and vaccine diplomacy, Posey illustrates how American conservatism is at its best when it wields power with restraint, not recklessness. He criticizes reactionary cuts and ideological overcorrections, urging Republicans to lead with intelligence, not impulse. Emphasizing the need for both courage and constitutional fidelity, Posey presents a vision of conservatism rooted in working-class values, institutional trust, and moral clarity. His argument is not just for stronger policy—it’s for a deeper kind of patriotism that protects liberty by respecting the guardrails designed to preserve it.
May 2025 -
Articles
Junto Day
Junto Day, a student-led event aimed at building bridges through conversation, leadership, and public service. The event featured open forums, student panels, and a high-energy debate between students of differing political views. The event’s organizers say the goal was to inspire honest dialogue and empower young voices to lead.
April 2025 -
Articles
University of Arkansas Traveler: NWA Citizens Speak Out Amid Trump Administration’s Crackdown on College Protests
In the featured Arkansas Traveler article by Landry Langford, University of Arkansas senior Steldon H. Posey weighs in on the Trump administration’s crackdown on campus protests, including the controversial arrest and detention of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Posey critically examines the constitutionality of Khalil’s arrest, questioning the limits of government action in suppressing free speech and peaceful protest. He expresses concern that the arrest was politically motivated, targeting dissenting voices under the guise of law enforcement. Posey asserts that free speech must remain free, even when the speech is unpopular or disagreeable, while also noting that this constitutional protection does not necessarily extend to green card holders. As a co-founder of the Junto Club, dedicated to fostering open dialogue among diverse viewpoints, Posey urges students to approach activism with knowledge and respect for the law. He exemplifies this balance, stating, “If you choose to speak out, be knowledgeable about the issue you represent and understand your rights as an American. Don’t be afraid to use your voice; that’s what it’s for.” Posey’s perspective highlights the critical need to protect free expression without sacrificing constitutional principles.
April 2025 -
Articles
University of Arkansas Traveler: Another Four Years: Donald Trump to Take Back Keys to the Oval Office
Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Steldon Posey, a senior history student at the University of Arkansas, shared his thoughts on what lies ahead. After casting his vote for Trump and JD Vance in Missouri, Posey reflected on the importance of finding community among those who share similar values. “It’s really nice to get together with like-minded people,” he said, praising groups like Turning Point USA for fostering that connection.
Posey identified immigration, foreign policy, and the struggling economy as key issues he hopes Trump will address. But he also pointed to a less-discussed concern that matters deeply to him: the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration. “I want to see regulation of the FDA from Trump first,” Posey said. “All those extra ingredients in our food that other countries don’t have—Trump said he will look at those unnecessary additives. I want to see Trump make our country healthier.”
Looking toward Trump’s upcoming presidency, Posey expressed a desire for healing political divides and a renewed commitment to constitutional values. “I hope to see that Trump upholds constitutional principles and the autonomy and freedoms that we all so desire and share,” he said. He added that focusing on internal improvements is essential before the country turns its attention outward: “I think that we would be better off if we worked on our internal improvements before we went to help other people.”
November 2024 -
Articles
What We Owe Each Other: Lessons from a Union Man, a Book, and a Country Worth Believing In
In the article “What We Owe Each Other: Lessons from a Union Man, a Book, and a Country Worth Believing In,” published on July 2, 2025, Steldon H. Posey reflects on the power of positivity, personal responsibility, and thoughtful engagement in an era marked by political cynicism and division. Drawing inspiration from a high school lesson on Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking and a meaningful conversation with Kirby, a veteran and union advocate, Posey highlights how trust and context have eroded in public discourse. He critiques the tribalism that reduces policy debates to partisan loyalty and calls for Americans to listen carefully, think independently, and evaluate legislation on its merits rather than its messenger. Posey advocates protecting essential social safety nets like Medicaid while emphasizing combating fraud and encouraging personal responsibility. He also supports tax relief for seniors as a recognition of their lifelong contributions. Balancing realism with optimism, Posey urges citizens to reject bitterness and disengagement and instead embrace steady, honest effort to move the country forward. Ultimately, he calls on Americans to believe in progress through civil dialogue, shared values, and a commitment to making their communities better, one honest conversation at a time.
July 2024 -
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