Tara Dryer, whose work at the U of A has helped bring in more than $17 million in economic development grants, has been named assistant vice chancellor for workforce development.

Dryer will report to Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development ,and coordinate with Provost Terry Martin and Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education, to lead the university's strategic planning and execution of workforce development programs and initiatives.

"The U of A expands economic impact throughout Arkansas through workforce development, and Tara Dryer will take those efforts to the next level," said Malone. "Tara has an impressive track record of success securing grants, fostering industry partnerships and developing innovative training programs. She's the ideal person to lead our efforts to meet the growing needs of employers and provide workforce training to Arkansans."

Dryer brings a wealth of experience to the newly created role of assistant vice chancellor for workforce development. She served as director of training for corporate development and academic outreach at the University of Arkansas from 2008 to 2021, managing a diverse student body of 2,500 annually while overseeing customized training programs for several Arkansas companies. She also led the acquisition of three Arkansas Department of Higher Education grants totaling more than $1.8 million to help establish regional IT training programs.

Most recently, Dryer served as senior managing director of professional and workforce development at the U of A, collaborating with business and industry leaders to develop tailored training curriculum for high-demand fields, ensuring alignment with market needs and industry standards. As senior managing director, she successfully secured funding grants in excess of $15.7 million.

"I am extremely excited about this new role, both for the institution and for Dr. Dryer. As workforce needs across the country shift, the University of Arkansas is responding," said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education. "Tara has consistently demonstrated a deep knowledge and understanding of workforce needs, and she is the perfect person to lead workforce related efforts for the campus." 

"Tara has done a tremendous job leading workforce development programs for the university," said Martin.  "She has worked in collaboration with units across campus on initiatives to evaluate and enhance workforce development offerings at the U of A. I know she will excel in her new role and continue to grow workforce development programs the university offers throughout the state."

A recognized expert in the field, Dryer has presented widely on workforce development to organizations such as the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the State of Arkansas Workforce Development Board, Arkansas Association of Colleges and Employers, the NWA Workforce Summit, National Electrical Contractors Association, among others. She has been honored by Talk Business and Politics in its "40 Under 40 NWA" class of 2017 and with the Arkansas Association of Colleges and Employers STAR Award. She holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas, a master's degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a bachelor's degree in business education from Winona State University.

"The university is committed to expanding economic opportunity throughout Arkansas, and workforce development is key to reaching every corner of the state," said Dryer. "I am excited to lead our efforts in meeting the growing needs of employers and providing workforce training for Arkansans."