Chancellor Steinmetz Joins Arkansas Research Alliance Board

CONWAY, Ark. – University of Arkansas chancellor Joe Steinmetz is among the newest members of the Arkansas Research Alliance board of trustees. The Alliance is focused on strengthening economic opportunity in Arkansas by investing in university-based research. The board is made up of 17 Arkansas business executives and the chancellors of the state’s five research universities.

Sonja Hubbard, CEO of E-Z Mart Stores, Inc. was named chair of the board.

The Arkansas Research Alliance’s partnerships with University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Arkansas at Little Rock helps fund research for seven ARA Scholars and nine ARA Fellows. Research conducted by these nationally and internationally recognized researchers is broad, with focus areas ranging from experimental cardiovascular surgery and stem cell research to energy storage and advanced membrane-based separation processes for applications in water treatment and biofuel production.

“ARA is an incredible asset to Arkansas that helps facilitate and support work that ultimately gives us a competitive advantage,” said Hubbard. “The impact this organization has, especially its focus on science and technology research, will have far reaching impact for many years to come.”

Also serving on the Arkansas Research Alliance board:     

• Laurence Alexander, chancellor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• Joel Anderson, chancellor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Ritter Arnold, president, E. Ritter and Company
• Hal Carper, group VP R&D, Logistics, Technical Services, Tyson Foods
• R. Andrew Clyde, president and CEO, Murphy USA Inc.
• Ray C. Dillon, president and CEO, Deltic Timber Corporation 
• Ed Drilling, president, AT&T
• Todd Hillman, VP, MISO South,
• Tim Hudson, chancellor, Arkansas State University 
• Roger W. Jenkins, president and CEO, Murphy Oil Corp.
• Gaylon M. Lawrence, Jr., partner, The Lawrence Group
• Tommy May, chairman and CEO, Simmons First Foundation
• Hugh T. McDonald, president and CEO, Entergy
• Charles Nabholz, president and CEO, The Nabholz Group
• Dan Rahn, M.D., chancellor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• John Roberts, president and CEO, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
• Reynie Rutledge, president, First Security Bank
• Robert L. Shoptaw, (treasurer) retired CEO, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dan Williams, CEO, Garver
• Michelle Hargis Wolfe, VP, Human Resources – Walmart Leverage Division

About Arkansas Research Alliance: ARA was founded in 2008 and is a 501(c)3 organization governed by a board of trustees comprised of chancellors from Arkansas research universities and CEOs from across the state. ARA is dedicated to elevating the fundamental belief that research matters. Operating as a public-private partnership, ARA invests in research that stimulates innovation, encourages collaboration and strengthens economic opportunity in areas in which Arkansas possesses core competency.