Funk named director of UA Little Rock School of Business

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Dr. Mark Funk as the new director of its School of Business. Funk has taken over for Dr. Robert Mitchell, who retired this year after a notable 45-year career with UA Little Rock.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role as director of the School of Business at such an exciting time,” Funk said. “With rising enrollment and the incredible momentum we’ve built, there’s a real sense of energy and possibility. I’m eager to continue our classroom to community efforts, connecting with the community and driving innovation, ensuring our students are prepared to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.”

The School of Business is home to about 1,000 students in its Master of Business Administration and Business Information Systems and Analytics graduate programs and eight undergraduate programs.

The School of Business is also home to multiple certificates and minors as well as the Center for Student and Career Services, State Farm Business Skills Lab, and the Kenneth Pat Wilson Center for Economic Education.

Funk has a bachelor’s degree in history and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity University as well as a doctorate in economics from the University of California-Davis. He served as an assistant professor of economics at St. Louis University before joining UA Little Rock in the same role in 2003.

Before becoming the director, Funk was the chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, interim associate dean, and interim chair of the Department of Marketing and Advertising. He teaches managerial economics in the MBA program at UA Little Rock.

“Dr. Mark Funk’s extensive career at UA Little Rock, coupled with his strong connections within the community, makes him an exciting choice as the new director of the School of Business,” said Thomas Clifton, interim dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services at UA Little Rock. “His deep institutional knowledge and dedication to the university will help lead the school forward. We’re eager to see the positive impact he’ll bring in this role and confident his leadership will be a great asset to both the university and the local business community.”