Campus Talk

Does Arkansas Need A Workforce Czar?

Arkansas’ next Governor will face a daunting series of workforce challenges. Could a “special agent of change” slice through the bureaucracy and accelerate industry and state efforts?

Springdale’s iSchool To Quicken Learning

With help from a $25.9 million federal Race to the Top grant, the Springdale School District is creating a high school with a relaxed schedule and, if a waiver is…

Manufacturers, Business Reps Meet With Governor, Workforce Cabinet

Representatives from Arkansas’ manufacturers and other state business leaders met with Gov. Mike Beebe and his workforce cabinet on Tuesday (May 27) for what was described as a “candid” forum…

Arkansas Institutions: Venerable Subiaco Academy

Editor’s note: This article, written by Rex Nelson, appears in the latest magazine edition of Talk Business Arkansas, which you can read here. The complex rises suddenly and majestically from the…

LR Chamber Launches Nonprofit To Accelerate Local Startup And Small Business Growth

Announcing the launch of the new public-private partnership on Tuesday at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Mike Beebe touted Arkansas’ “paradox of extraordinary success” at closing big deals…

Hernandez One Of Four To Advance At Education Department

The Arkansas Department of Education today announced a new second in command and three new assistant commissioners. Mike Hernandez, currently the assistant commissioner for fiscal and administrative services, is the…

Speaker Carter Opposes Impeachment Pursuit, Will Ask For Insurance Special Session (UPDATED)

Speaker of the House Davy Carter discusses calls for impeachment in the wake of a controversial court ruling, a potential special session, the Private Option and his picks for the GOP primary.

Hometown, Arkansas: Jonesboro Has Room to Grow

Jonesboro’s diversified economy, including Arkansas State University and a thriving industrial park, offers a positive business environment.

UALR Receives $1 Million Endowment

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) has been selected for a $1 million endowment that will support scholarships for non-traditional college students who want to return to school…

Another School Insurance Special Session Possible

A special legislative session could be called to address rising school employee health insurance costs by the end of August, the chairman of a task force that is meeting about…

McLarty Global Fellows Partners With Women’s Empowerment Group

The McLarty Global Fellows Program, a philanthropic endeavor established by Mack and Donna McLarty, announced a five-year partnership with Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international non-governmental organization focused on women’s…

Sen. Key Lands Job With UA System After All

Two days after it was announced he was not selected as the University of Arkansas’ vice chancellor for governmental relations, State Sen. Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, was named Wednesday (May…

Tony Wood Recommended To Be Next Arkansas Education Commissioner

Gov. Mike Beebe has asked Tony Wood, the deputy commissioner of education, to be the next education commissioner, Wood confirmed in a phone interview today. “The governor has asked me…

Massanelli Named To UA Government Affairs Post

The University of Arkansas announced today that Randy Massanelli, state director for U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, has been named vice chancellor for governmental relations, effective July 1. The post is…

Report: Let Schools Connect To Fiber Optics Network; Industry Has Reservations (UPDATED)

Arkansas public schools should be allowed to connect to a statewide fiber optics system currently used by universities and medical providers, but telecom industry leaders worry about the price tag and how to pay for it.

Bentonville Economy Strongest Of 16 In Arkansas Tech Business Index

Among 16 cities in Arkansas, the strongest economic activity appears to be occurring in Bentonville, according to the new Arkansas Tech Business Index (ATBI). The index, launched earlier this month,…

Charter-like Concept Attracts 33 Schools So Far (UPDATED)

Thirty-three Arkansas schools have applied to become a “school of innovation,” which would offer charter school-like flexibility without making them charter schools. The deadline to apply is midnight Thursday. (Editor’s…

Pryor Gets Teachers Union Nod

Sen. Mark Pryor (D) received the endorsement of the state’s largest teachers’ union, the Arkansas Education Association, on Saturday. Brenda Robinson, president of the AEA, said Pryor was a “strong…

Timing Helped Lead To Job Move, Kimbrell Says

Timing played a role in Dr. Tom Kimbrell’s decision to leave his job as Arkansas commissioner of education and become Bryant superintendent. This is the time of year when school…

Gov. Beebe Defends Common Core In Weekly Address

Citing sliding national rankings, Gov. Mike Beebe (D) defended the Common Core standards movement, which has been assailed by conservative critics and progressive disbelievers in recent months. “The United States is…