Losing a good one

Turnover is inevitable in business and other aspects of life. We sometimes think that reliable folks will be in their roles forever.

Last week, we learned that Dr. Brendan Kelly, the new president of the Arkansas State University System would be leaving his post. He’s been hired as the president of his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, a place very dear to him.

Kelly — just the third president in the system’s history — had only been with Arkansas State University since Sept. 23, 2024. His 15-month tenure will close before any of the huge plans he may have been building for could take shape.

We are sorry to see him leave, but understand the circumstances and wish him nothing but the best. 

I interviewed Dr. Kelly several months ago and he reminded me of another ASU System President, Dr. Chuck Welch. That’s a big compliment.

I found Kelly (and Welch) to be engaging, conversational, visionary, and articulate in explaining directions for higher education and navigating the complex challenges of the landscape.

So, yes, Arkansas is a losing a good one in Dr. Kelly’s departure.

But the ASU System is also losing another good one. 

Steve Eddington, chairman of the board of trustees, is finishing his term. He’s been a great leader not just for the school, but in business and politics also.

For ASU, Eddington brought his calm demeanor and clear thinking to a board that has faced a labyrinth of hurdles during his time. Eddington, a 1984 Henderson State University graduate, was put on the board in 2021 when Henderson was absorbed by the ASU System.

There might not have been a better ambassador for the task than Eddington in understanding how to delicately walk a thin line of school pride, financial stewardship, and campus culture. Henderson’s incorporation into the ASU System has been a successful marriage.

Eddington was also on the board helping lead another major transformative initiative during his tenure. The ASU College of Veterinary Medicine has climbed many a mountain on its journey to opening in the fall of 2026.

One of the great assets Eddington brought to the boardroom is his knowledge of agriculture. This new school aims to help license more doctors to take care of dogs and cats. Just as importantly, the new veterinarian school will serve a tremendous need in rural Arkansas for doctors who need more people to treat our large animal agriculture economy: horses, cattle, chickens, hogs and more.

Who better to help guide the early stages of the vet school than one of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s top leaders, Steve Eddington? He’s been there for decades as vice president of public relations for the most influential farm advocacy group in the state and he understands all aspects of agriculture in Arkansas. Eddington announced he’ll be retiring from Farm Bureau at the end of this year.

Unfortunately, for two organizations — the ASU System Board of Trustees and Arkansas Farm Bureau — Eddington’s exit will leave a challenging hole to fill. Will they survive and thrive? Sure. But it would be a lot more comfortable if Eddington had another year or two with both groups.

We mourn the loss of potential in Dr. Kelly’s quick departure from ASU, but we’ll really be losing a good one when Steve Eddington rolls off the ASU board and simultaneously retires from Farm Bureau.

Steve, you’ve been a good friend for a long time. A trusted confidant. An astute business and political observer. Most of all, you’ve served your state with brilliance, kindness, and incredible talent. 

We know you’ll remain involved in important matters in the future, so we are confident the state will continue to benefit from your endeavors in retirement. For your work of the last decade (and more), your state thanks you for your service.

Editor’s note: Roby Brock is the Editor-in-Chief of Talk Business & Politics. He hosts “Talk Business & Politics” and “Capitol View” and a radio program three times a week on KASU.