The University of Arkansas recently hosted the 2024–2025 Leadership Arkansas Class XIX, a program of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. This year’s class comprises 53 leaders from various industries across the state, all committed to advancing Arkansas’s future.

Chancellor Charles Robinson opened the day with a welcome and remarks that emphasized the university’s focus on accessibility and student success. He highlighted the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which embraces our land-grant mission by supporting Arkansans with the greatest financial need.

Participants then heard from Toby Teeter, director of the Collaborative, who discussed the rapid growth of Northwest Arkansas and how the university is playing a vital role in supporting regional economic development. Tara Dryer, assistant vice chancellor for workforce development, spoke about how the U of A is preparing students to meet the evolving needs of employers in Arkansas through innovative workforce training and partnerships.

The visit also included behind-the-scenes tours of several Razorback athletic facilities:

• Baum-Walker Stadium – Jeff Barnett, facility operations coordinator, led a private tour of one of the nation’s premier collegiate baseball stadiums.
• Marsha and Marty Martin Basketball Development Center – The group continued their tour at the state-of-the-art training facility for Razorback basketball.
• Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center – Over lunch, class members heard from Ryan White, executive director of the Razorback Foundation, and Hunter Yurachek, vice chancellor and director of athletics, who spoke about the evolving landscape of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in college sports.

Two members of Class XIX are U of A staff: Catherine Beasley, director for industry and community engagement, and Grant Brewer, director of professional and workforce development.

“It was a privilege to welcome my classmates to the University of Arkansas and share the incredible work happening across campus,” said Catherine Beasley, director for industry and community engagement. “So many people know the U of A, but seeing it in person—our facilities, our leadership, our commitment to students and the state—really brings it to life. I’m proud to be part of a place that’s shaping Arkansas’s future in so many meaningful ways.”

Leadership Arkansas is a nine-month program that brings together professionals from across the state for in-depth sessions on key issues impacting Arkansas. This year’s sessions have covered leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, tourism, government and workforce development, with stops in Fairfield Bay, Fort Smith, Stuttgart, Little Rock, South Arkansas, Blytheville, Jonesboro, Hot Springs and Northwest Arkansas.

The Northwest Arkansas session also included visits to the Walmart Home Office, Tyson Foods World Headquarters, Don Tyson School of Innovation and a regional development panel with leaders from area chambers of commerce.

---

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.