Governor names Judd Deere to University of Arkansas board of trustees
by March 12, 2025 9:07 pm 307 views
Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (March 12) named Judd Deere to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He is replacing Sheffield Nelson, whose term expired.
Deere’s term will expire on March 1, 2035. He will remain in his role as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office while serving on the board.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Judd on campaigns, at the White House, and now in his role as my Deputy Chief of Staff. He is one of the best hires I’ve ever made,” said Sanders. “Judd absolutely loves the state of Arkansas, and I know he will approach this appointment with the same leadership, passion, and loyalty that I have come to know and value. He will excel on the University of Arkansas’ Board of Trustees and help further my administration’s priorities to improve our K-12 and higher education system for every Arkansan.”
Deere has more than a decade of government management and communications experience at the national and state levels.
He was a White House aide to President Donald Trump in his first administration. Deere also twice worked on Capitol Hill (2011-2014 and 2021-2022) in Washington, D.C., including as deputy chief of staff for communications to U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., press secretary and digital director for U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and correspondence director for U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
“I am deeply honored by and grateful to Governor Sanders for her confidence in me to serve on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees,” said Deere. “I was raised to love our state and want nothing more than to see the University of Arkansas System succeed in preparing the next generation for the workforce—be it a four-year degree or certificate at a community college— because when it does, so does our state.”
Deere has also worked as communications director for then Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (2014-2017) and Northwest Arkansas field director for the Republican National Committee and Republican Party of Arkansas (2010).
Deere is a 2010 graduate of Lyon College in Batesville and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history.