Abigail Hardwick is putting her passion for advocacy and experience in Model United Nations to work in a new role.

The Missouri State University Master of International Affairs student was appointed to the National Parent Teacher Association’s Resolutions Committee. Her three-year term began in August.

National PTA President Dr. William Datema, a Missouri State alumnus, nominated Hardwick to serve. Although she is neither a parent nor a teacher, she was recognized as a young voice who can bring a valuable perspective to the organization’s important work.

From Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Hardwick’s mother inspired her to get involved in her local PTA as a high schooler. By the time she met Datema at an Oklahoma State PTA conference, she had already served as a conference volunteer for six years.

“It means the world to have my passion and effort recognized and to be considered for a position like this,” she said.

The Resolutions Committee reviews National PTA’s resolutions on a seven-year schedule and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding their rescission, retention or amendment. The committee also reviews new resolutions submitted by any PTA unit, region or state before recommending them to the PTA board.

As a public-school student from pre-K through college, the PTA has been a constant presence in Hardwick’s life.

“My passion lies in advocacy. Being able to take my resolution-writing skills from the Missouri State Model UN and apply them to this committee is a dream,” Hardwick said. “I hope to bring a young voice to the PTA mission and focus my time on bringing those resolutions to a national level for every public-school child.”

Connecting with PTA leaders

In September, Hardwick spent a weekend in Washington, D.C., attending the National Governance Retreat, held every three years when a new National PTA president takes office.

The retreat focused on PTA’s 2026-31 strategic plan and goals, including membership growth and collaboration among committees.

According to Hardwick, the only member from Missouri and Oklahoma on her committee, being in D.C. helped her to better understand her role.

“We have monthly meetings and do a lot of the work independently and in our subgroups, so it was great to connect with everyone in person,” she said.

Gaining valuable skills

Hardwick came to Missouri State as an undergraduate in 2023 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

She joined the Model UN on campus that year to explore her interests in international politics and public speaking. Her older brother and twin sister, both Missouri State alumni and former Model UN members, also inspired her to join the organization.

“I’ve loved the experience,” said Hardwick, who became president in August.

Since writing resolutions is central to Model UN and the conferences she has attended, she has become familiar with the language.

“It’s a lot of wordsmithing, a lot of workshopping,” Hardwick said. “I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned to the real world.”

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