U of A Data Science Program Featured at NWA Tech Summit

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Karl Schubert, left, with other panelists at the 2022 Northwest Arkansas Tech Summit.

The U of A Data Science program was featured at the 2022 Northwest Arkansas Tech Summit.

Karl Schubert, professor of practice and associate director for data science, spoke in a panel discussion titled "Developing Our Nation's Tech Workforce." The panel consisted of Schubert and Lonnie Emard, apprenticeship director at Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, with Joe Rollins, workforce development for the Northwest Arkansas Council, serving as the panel moderator.

Topics discussed included the importance of developing our state's tech workforce for collaboration both in K-12 and through two- and four-year colleges and universities.

"The demand for tech talent, specifically as it relates to data, is growing exponentially," said G.B. Cazes of the Emory Group LLC for the NWA Council. "From data science to data engineering to data analytics and visualization … companies are struggling to truly understand and leverage their data. New programs and innovative partnerships are critical to developing talent and addressing the demands of employers today, tomorrow and well into the future."

As part of the Data Science Program National Science Foundation DART grant, the U of A has partnered with University of Central Arkansas' College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Stephen R. Addison and the Arkansas Economic Development Council's Jennifer Fowler to create a statewide data science education ecosystem with a "start anywhere, finish anywhere" approach to 2+2 data science programs and complementary concentrations.

The work being done on the statewide data science education ecosystem with the Arkansas Department of Education and the colleges and universities in the state reflects the U of A's status as a land grant and flagship institution for the state.

"It's a privilege to work with the University of Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Council and others to help solve the growing need for qualified tech talent," said Bill Yoder, executive director, Arkansas Center for Data Sciences.

The Northwest Arkansas Tech Summit was held Oct. 16-18 in Bentonville.

"The NWA Tech Summit saw community and business leaders unite from across the region, state and nation who are committed to building the tech workforce of today and tomorrow," Emard said.