UCA among new members of the Northwest Arkansas Council
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The University of Central Arkansas in Conway is one of 12 new members to join Springdale-based nonprofit Northwest Arkansas Council this year.
Others include Scott Family Amazeum, Baldwin & Shell, Cromwell, Crossland Companies, Dozier Capital Partners, Garrett X, HFA, Hugg & Hall, Hutton, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Stone Ward.
Founded by Sam Walton, Don Tyson, J.B. Hunt and other area business leaders, the Northwest Arkansas Council has helped shape the region’s growth for more than 35 years. The nonprofit’s more than 100 members include the region’s top employers, such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Simmons Foods and George’s Inc.
The Northwest Arkansas Council brings together business, education, and civic leaders to advance economic opportunity, workforce development and quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. The council has advocated for infrastructure and economic development initiatives, including Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), the Interstate 49 corridor and regional water projects. The council is focused on housing, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
According to UCA, council membership aligns with its work to expand educational and economic partnerships throughout the state, especially in Northwest Arkansas.
“This is a meaningful step for the university’s visibility and influence in Northwest Arkansas,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “The council is where the region’s key decisions and collaborations take shape, and having UCA at that table strengthens our ability to serve the entire state.”
UCA recently established a Northwest Arkansas Advisory Council, comprising alumni who serve as strategic partners and advocates, connecting the university’s people, programs, and resources with the region.
“UCA’s involvement with the Northwest Arkansas Council opens new avenues for collaboration and innovation,” said Paul Gatling, senior director of Northwest Arkansas engagement at UCA. “We look forward to working alongside regional leaders to create opportunities that benefit both Northwest Arkansas and the entire state of Arkansas.”