The University of Arkansas welcomed the 2023-24 Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Arkansas class to campus on April 18.

As part of their visit to Northwest Arkansas, the Leadership Arkansas class met with Chancellor Charles Robinson, toured Razorback athletics facilities and met with coaches and administrators, and learned about the university's outreach and economic development.

The afternoon program included John Pijanowski, professor in the College of Education and Health Professions, who presented on the IMPACT program. Delia Garcia, director of strategic communications and engagement, shared news from the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. Toby Teeter of the Collaborative and Tara Dryer of Global Campus highlighted the university's Bentonville Collaborative and workforce development efforts.

Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development and a member of Leadership Arkansas' eight class, presented "The Economic Impact of the University of Arkansas." The day concluded with Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture, presenting on "The Arkansas Timber Project."

One of the 53 Leadership Arkansas class members is Donna Graham, who serves the U of A as director of industry and community engagement for Central Arkansas.

"I was thrilled to bring my Leadership Arkansas classmates to our campus to demonstrate how the state's flagship university plays a key role in supporting economic development initiatives across the state," Graham said. "The group enjoyed touring our facilities and hearing the many innovative ways the university helps make Arkansas an excellent place for businesses to thrive."

Leadership Arkansas members are leaders within their respective communities and industries who are interested in expanding that involvement across the state of Arkansas. Over the course of the nine month program, the class works together to become better acquainted with the issues facing Arkansas, experience the best that the region and communities offer, network with some of the best and brightest in the state, and hone their leadership capacities.

Their visit to Northwest Arkansas also included tours of the Walmart Home Office and the Tyson Foods World Headquarters, as well as learning sessions about the Alice Walton School of Medicine and the Heartland Whole Health Institute, and a regional development session with leaders of area Chambers of Commerce.