Reeves Named Vice Provost

Professor Carol Reeves has come to expect her student-led business teams and start-up companies to excel.

What she didn’t anticipate was the reward the University of Arkansas was willing to give for her efforts. Reeves recently was named the university office of research and economic development’s associate vice provost for entrepreneurship, effective Jan. 1.

“In a million years, I would not have expected this,” Reeves said.

Reeves’ promotion comes on the heels of a spring semester in which student teams under her tutelage won more than $900,000 in cash, awards and in-kind prizes.

“We all enjoy putting students first at the University of Arkansas, but Carol helps them place first as well,” UA chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a news release.

In her new role, Reeves will work with faculty and students in all UA colleges, encouraging the start-up of new companies based on university research. Reeves also will promote entrepreneurship and economic development throughout the state.

“This is not restricted to the U of A,” Reeves said. “I think the chancellor and provost are committed to the whole state, and I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s healthy.”

Reeves added her new position is in some ways the culmination of what she’s been doing in her “adopted home” for the last 10 years.

“I feel like we are finally starting to build up momentum with students and faculty around campus,” Reeves said. “I think people are starting to see themselves differently, like, ‘Hey, we’re good. We’re really good, and we can do even better.'”