U of A Staff Member Recounts Memorable Projects Through Leadership Fayetteville Program

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Josh Raney, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, recently completed the XXXII Leadership Fayetteville class.

The program's mission is to "produce a continuous stream of concerned, motivated, and educated individuals of diverse talents and interests eager to pursue and assume leadership roles and volunteer opportunities within the Fayetteville community."

Participants meet once a month from August through May, exploring Fayetteville as they develop and enhance their leadership skills.

"I would definitely recommend the program to others," Raney said. "I felt the program was a great way to really dig in and learn about the community in a variety of ways such as social services, quality of life, economic development, government, education, health and so on."

Raney appreciated meeting a variety of Arkansas leaders and the hands-on experiences his group participated in over the ten-month program.

"The opportunity to learn so much and hear from so many highly regarded people was really valuable," he said. "I especially enjoyed a trip to Little Rock to visit the state Capitol, Supreme Court, Clinton Museum and learn about so much at the state level. Our monthly meetings were really great and the outside group projects had a big impact on me personally. "

Raney said his group volunteered at Potter's House and the annual Chilirhea event, which benefits those affected by Alzheimer's.

"That was a lot of fun and a great way to give back, but cooking a meal for the people at the Ronald McDonald House and seeing their appreciation for the food while in a time of need was a really special moment," he noted.

Raney said his group helped him present at the COEHP Non-Classified Administrative Council monthly meeting on campus. NCAC was formed to represent the non-classified staff within the COEHP.

Jennifer Irwin, chief opportunities officer at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, said, "We had a fantastic Leadership Fayetteville year. This was the one of the largest classes we have had to date and everyone in the class brought a unique perspective to all that we saw learned and experienced over the past ten months."

Two other U of A staff members, Ryan Sheets and Amanda Jacobson from the Sam M. Walton College of Business, also graduated from the program in May. Sheets is director of the Business Communication Lab and Jacobson is an academic adviser in the Walton College.