Arkansas Alumni Association Announces New Board Members

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Six University of Arkansas graduates have begun their three-year term on the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors under the leadership of new president John C. Reap B.S.B.A.’70 of Dallas.

The 33-member board oversees the programs and policies that carry out the association’s mission – to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family. Four board members were elected to serve a second term: John L Colbert B.S.E.’76, M.Ed’75, Fayetteville; Rita Geiger B.A.’66, Oklahoma City, Okla.; H. Terry Rasco B.Arch.’72, Little Rock; and Stephanie Streett B.S.’91, Little Rock.

“I am pleased to be working with such a talented and engaged group of alumni leaders,” said Graham Stewart, executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. “I look forward to working with them to guide the direction of the association for the future.”

The new class of board members includes:

Kenneth Biesterveld

Kenneth B. Biesterveld B.S.B.A.’05, M.B.A.’10, Bentonville – Biesterveld graduated from the U of A with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with dual emphasis in financial management/investments and information systems. While working in the field of finance, he also completed his master’s degree in business administration. As a student, he served as captain of the Razorback cheerleading squad and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and the Walton College’s Dean’s Student Advisory Board. Biesterveld is on the Young Alumni Board, and is active in his community, working with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Northwest Arkansas and the American Diabetes Association.

John Cole

John W. Cole B.S.B.A.’76, M.B.A.’78, Springdale – Since 1977, Cole has owned Cole & Company Inc., doing business as Walker Brothers Dry Goods in Fayetteville. Cole also holds the position of instructor in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. His experience in the retail and real estate investment industries gives him a unique perspective that benefits students by using practical real-life situations to teach academic concepts. While a student at the U of A, Cole was a member of Sigma Chi. He is now known for his teaching skills: the Arkansas Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award for teaching in 2005.

Teena Gunter

Teena Gunter J.S.’92, L.L.M.’92, Oklahoma City, Okla. – Gunter attended the University of Arkansas School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian. She obtained a juris doctor degree as well as a post-graduate law degree in agricultural law. She now holds the position of general counsel for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. She is a past president of the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association and currently serves as treasurer. She is active in the American Agricultural Law Association, the Arkansas Bar Association and has served in leadership positions in the Oklahoma Bar Association. Gunter is a frequent public speaker at bar association events, community outreach meetings, regulatory educational events and informal gatherings.

Sharon Hunt

Sharon Hunt B.S.E.’73, M.Ed’75, Fayetteville – Hunt’s higher education career spans 34 years, and she now holds the position of professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. She is the first woman non-lawyer to hold the post of faculty athletics representative at the University of Arkansas. She also served her department in leadership positions including department head and director of graduate studies. As a student she was president of Kappa Delta Pi and a member of numerous organizations. She is active in the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.

Bill Kerr

William L. Kerr B.A.’88, Tampa, Fla. –During his undergraduate years, Kerr explored science through the Department of Chemistry, gained leadership and management experience through University Programs and worked with diverse groups through the Greek system. That experience provided a foundation for his current work as chief growth and medical officer of Care Centrex. Kerr has broad experience in developing and implementing comprehensive care management programs. Kerr was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, graduated magna cum laude, and was a Fulbright Scholar. He has been involved in various Arkansas Alumni Association chapters across the country, including work as a founding member of the Philadelphia alumni chapter.

Joel Wood

Joel G. Wood B.S.B.A.’74, Germantown, Tenn. – Wood recently retired from Johnson and Johnson, where he was a strategic market director responsible for managing commercial pharmaceutical business for some key healthcare companies in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. His work garnered him numerous awards including Southeast Region Strategic Market Director of the Year. A finance and real estate graduate, Wood was an officer in Sigma Nu Fraternity. While at the U of A, he was active as an Interfraternity Council Representative and worked as a reporter for the Arkansas Traveler. He has been active in the Arkansas Alumni Association, serving as president of the Mid-South Chapter.