UAFS creates regional business leadership council

A leadership council has been named to serve as a conduit between the College of Business of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and the regional business community.

The Dean’s Leadership Council, announced Feb. 26, will consist of UAFS Chancellor Paul Beran, Steve Williams, dean of the College of Business and the following are business executives:

Leah Aikey, Ernst & Young LLP
Brenda Altman, Business Insurance Consultants Inc.
Doug Babb, Cooper Clinic
Rick Beauchamp, Norris Taylor & Co.
Cliff Beckham, USA Truck Inc.
Susan Grobmyer, Bank of the Ozarks
Bill Hanesworth, Rheem Manufacturing
Bill Hanna, Hanna Oil & Gas Co.
Jeffrey Johnston, St. Edward Health System
Judy McReynolds, Arkansas Best Corp.
Bob Meyers, retired, Arkansas Best Corp.
George Moschner, Baldor Electric Co.
Rusty Myers, Western Arkansas Planning and Development District Inc.
Doug Rogers III, Bruce-Rogers Co.
Mark Rumsey, Zero Mountain Inc.
Linda Schmidt, Southern Wholesale Inc.
Sam T. Sicard, First National Bank of Fort Smith
John Taylor of Sterne, Agee & Leech Inc.
Fred Williams, Williams/Crawford and Associates

"These are individuals who know business, who care about economic development in Fort Smith, and who enthusiastically support the (university),” Williams said.

The Dean’s Leadership Council will meet each fall and spring semester. Its next meeting will be in September 2009.

Responsibilities of the council include:
• Providing input, guidance and advice for current and proposed COB programs, curricula and activities.
• Establishing, maintaining and nurturing important linkages between the COB and the business community.
• Suggesting and identifying opportunities for students to enrich their education through internships and related service-learning experiences, and to aid COB students in their pursuit of their academic, professional and career goals.
• Identifying economic development needs within the business community and surrounding area and suggesting opportunities for engagement activities.

“A major part of our strategy has been to establish and develop a strong council to help us ensure that our programs are not only rigorous, but also relevant to employers in the region," Williams said.

Link here for the UAFS announcement of the council.