A Lawrence volunteer coordinator has been selected for the inaugural class of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas.

David Morrissey, director of the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, will be one of 16 students in the master’s degree program associated with the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.

“I’m excited,” Morrissey said. “I’ve been on cloud nine.”

Morrissey, 35, has directed the volunteer center, a division of United Way of Douglas County, for two years. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from Washburn University.

Jo Bryant, United Way director, said the search was under way for a new volunteer director. She’d like to have the position filled by mid-May, when Morrissey plans to step down.

“I feel really sad, but that’s overwhelmed by my pride for his getting this opportunity,” Bryant said.

The Clinton School of Public Service offers a 36-hour master of public service degree. Students will study areas such as social work, public administration, political science and charity management before completing a summer internship and a “capstone” project.

6News video: Volunteer Center director to leave

Morrissey said he has interest in public health services and policies, and plans to be involved at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. Specifically, he’s interested in services for people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS work, health issues in the gay community and increasing services to the medically underserved.

Other students in the incoming class include a film director from Cameroon, a farm worker from Hawaii and a university lecturer from Tanzania. Classes begin in August.