University of Arkansas mourns death of Stanley Reed

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Stanley Reed

Stanley E. Reed, former chairman of the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees died Friday morning, July 15, following a car accident near Augusta.

“Jane and I are shocked and heartbroken about the tragic loss of Stanley Reed,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “He served our state so well, for so long, and in so many ways. Whether it was in business, higher education, at the Capitol, or in civic and community life, Stanley got things done. He loved our state and committed himself, in numerous ways, to its continued betterment. Jane and I treasure our friendship with the Reed family and offer our most sincere condolences to Charlene, their children, and the other family members at this extremely difficult time.”

Stanley Reed was founder of Reed Farms of Marianna and served four terms as president of Arkansas Farm Bureau. He was appointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees in 1998, and served as chairman for the last two years of his 10-year term.

Reed attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural engineering in 1973. While a junior at the university he met his future wife, Charlene (B.S.H.E., 1969, M.S., 1977). The couple was married after his graduation and had three children. He later attended the University of Arkansas School of Law and received his juris doctorate degree in 1976. The Reeds have three children, all of whom are University of Arkansas alumni.

The Reeds moved back to Marianna where he practiced law for two years before devoting his life to farming. He remained a strong supporter of the University of Arkansas, serving as a member of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee. He and his wife are members of the Towers of Old Main, a philanthropic society, and he served on the university Board of Advisors and the Razorback Foundation Board.

“Today we have lost one of the most supportive and respected members of the Razorback Family,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “Stanley Reed was chairman of the board of trustees when I was offered the opportunity to come to the University of Arkansas. He was a long-time advocate of our state, the University of Arkansas and Razorback Athletics. His friendship, support and commitment to service will be greatly missed. All Razorbacks are deeply saddened by this tragic loss; our prayers are with his wife Charlene and the entire Reed family.”

Reed was a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, belonged to the Arkansas Academy of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, was a member of the Arkansas Academy for Agricultural Engineers and was honored as a Distinguished Alumni of the College of Engineering.

Reed was also past chairman of the state Soybean Promotion Board and served on the State Support Committee for Cotton Research.