Colonel Gary Tidwell Endows Leadership Speaker Series

Col. Tidwell during deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Reporting for duty while traveling within the region.

Col. Tidwell in uniform with Afghan rank while working with Afghan soldiers.

Col. Tidwell's favorite and most meaningful time of the year in New York City.

A key to Reid Hall, 1977, a keepsake Col. Tidwell has held for 48 years, marking the moment he left campus for his first Army assignment at Fort Jackson.

Col. Tidwell with Mica Strother, who partnered with him to help bring the endowed leadership speaker series to life.

Photos courtesy of Col. Gary Tidwell

Col. Tidwell during deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Col. Gary L. Tidwell, USA retired, a University of Arkansas alumnus whose distinguished career has spanned military, academic and international leadership roles, has made a gift to establish two endowed speaker series that could help cultivate the next generation of ethical, service-minded leaders. 

Tidwell’s $250,000 commitment creates the Colonel Gary L. Tidwell, USA Retired, Military Science and Aerospace Studies Leadership Speaker Series Endowed Fund and the Colonel Gary L. Tidwell, USA Retired, Leadership Speaker Series Endowed Fund for Resident Assistants. The programs will bring accomplished speakers to campus to share practical lessons in leadership, resilience and integrity, qualities Tidwell credits to his formative experiences at the U of A. 

“Both the ROTC and R.A. programs were defining experiences in my life,” Tidwell said. “They played a significant role in my time as a student and ultimately helped shape the trajectory of my professional life. I’m grateful to Mica Strother and Tony Hilliard for professionally guiding this process to a successful conclusion. They’ve helped turn this idea into something that will truly serve students. Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the people who invested in me, and it’s an honor to give something back to help students develop their own leadership style and skills.”

"We are deeply grateful to Colonel Gary Tidwell for his generous commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Colonel Tidwell’s gift will provide students and cadets with the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished leaders, building skills, character and resilience that will prepare them to lead with integrity and purpose."

The Colonel Gary L. Tidwell, USA Retired, Military Science and Aerospace Studies Leadership Speaker Series Endowed Fund will provide meaningful, memorable experiences for cadets that emphasize ethical decision-making, adaptability and confidence under pressure. The Army ROTC program at the U of A offers real-world leadership training and a foundation to become innovative, agile officers.

The Leadership Speaker Series Endowed Fund for Resident Assistants will empower R.A.s to build community, strengthen their leadership skills and apply those lessons to their future professions. U of A resident assistant positions are peer-leadership roles in which upper-level students build community among residents, mentor peers and promote a positive, engaged living environment in the university’s residence halls.

Both programs aim to create lasting impact through speakers who challenge students to lead with character, discipline and a commitment to lifelong learning and service. Together, the two series reflect Tidwell’s belief that the university develops leaders for every arena from the military to the residence halls, grounded in the same values of integrity and service.

"Through his remarkable career and this thoughtful gift, Colonel Tidwell exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and conviction in helping U of A students," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "We are grateful for his generosity and the loyalty and pride he continues to show for his alma mater. His example and lifelong commitment to service and ethical leadership will continue to inspire and benefit future generations of students and leaders.”

Commissioned through Army ROTC, he went on to serve nine years on active duty and more than two decades in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a colonel. His first assignment required him to report immediately to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, so quickly, in fact, that he missed his own law school graduation. His active-duty career later included teaching and administrative leadership at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was named a Master Teacher and received the Legion of Merit for his contributions to military education.

Following his military career, Tidwell built a distinguished record in legal education and securities regulation. He served as an attorney in the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., and later as director of neutral management for NASD Regulation’s Office of Dispute Resolution in New York, where he led national arbitrator recruitment and training programs. Tidwell went on to serve as a vice president for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a senior adviser for the International Organization of Securities Commissions in Madrid, as a professor and center director at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a tenured professor at the College of Charleston. His work in global education and ethics has been recognized for advancing standards of professional conduct worldwide. Tidwell currently lives and works in New York City.

“Everyone wants to be successful,” Tidwell said, “and giving back should be a component of success. The university gave me so much, and I’m thankful to try to give something back.”

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

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.