University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.
Board of Directors
Mike AkinBoard of Trustees
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Mike Akin
Mike Akin is a native Arkansan and is the CEO of Akin Holdings, Inc., of Monticello, Arkansas, an owner operator of multi-family housing, hotel, commercial and industrial real estate. From 1988 until its sale in 2008, Mr. Akin served as president and CEO of Akin Industries, a manufacturer of contract furniture catering to the university housing, health care, and hospitality markets with distribution across the U.S., Canada and South America. Mr. Akin is currently a member of the board of directors of Union Bank of Monticello as well as the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation. From 1997 to 2003 Mr. Akin served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and from 2003 to 2013, he was a member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He served as chairman of the UA Board of Trustees in 2012.
Mike Akin is a native Arkansan and is the CEO of Akin Holdings, Inc., of Monticello, Arkansas, an owner operator of multi-family housing, hotel, commercial and industrial real estate. From 1988 until its sale in 2008, Mr. Akin served as president and CEO of Akin Industries, a manufacturer of contract furniture catering to the university housing, health care, and hospitality markets with distribution across the U.S., Canada and South America. Mr. Akin is currently a member of the board of directors of Union Bank of Monticello as well as the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation. From 1997 to 2003 Mr. Akin served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and from 2003 to 2013, he was a member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He served as chairman of the UA Board of Trustees in 2012.
Patti Bailey
UA for Medical Sciences Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Patti Bailey
Patricia “Patti” Bailey has been involved in commercial and multifamily real estate ownership and management since the early 1980’s, initially in Chicago, before moving to Little Rock in 1991. Ms. Bailey served on the board of directors of Bailey Properties, then BSR Trust, LLC, “BSR”, an owner and operator of multifamily communities in the Sunbelt Region of the United States. BSR was created by a merger of Bailey Properties and Summit Housing Partners and recently embarked on a new chapter as a publically traded company. Ms. Bailey is an active community volunteer, particularly in the areas of education and health and serves as a volunteer for a number of non-profit, community and civic organizations. She is a Lifetime Member of the Museum of Discovery (Little Rock) and the UA Little Rock John A. Larson Society. She previously served on the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Fund Board, and the Psychiatric Research Institute Advisory Board. Ms. Bailey is a current member of UAMS Foundation’s board and executive committee, where she served as Chair from 2013-2016. She is a member of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute Director’s Club and the UAMS Chancellor’s Circle. Ms. Bailey earned her BSBA in Finance from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Patricia “Patti” Bailey has been involved in commercial and multifamily real estate ownership and management since the early 1980’s, initially in Chicago, before moving to Little Rock in 1991. Ms. Bailey served on the board of directors of Bailey Properties, then BSR Trust, LLC, “BSR”, an owner and operator of multifamily communities in the Sunbelt Region of the United States. BSR was created by a merger of Bailey Properties and Summit Housing Partners and recently embarked on a new chapter as a publically traded company. Ms. Bailey is an active community volunteer, particularly in the areas of education and health and serves as a volunteer for a number of non-profit, community and civic organizations. She is a Lifetime Member of the Museum of Discovery (Little Rock) and the UA Little Rock John A. Larson Society. She previously served on the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Fund Board, and the Psychiatric Research Institute Advisory Board. Ms. Bailey is a current member of UAMS Foundation’s board and executive committee, where she served as Chair from 2013-2016. She is a member of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute Director’s Club and the UAMS Chancellor’s Circle. Ms. Bailey earned her BSBA in Finance from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Freddie Black
At Large
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Freddie Black
Freddie Black is the AR/SW Missouri Region Chairman of Simmons Bank. Mr. Black is a graduate of Subiaco Academy and the University of Arkansas where he earned his BSBA degree in 1978 and his MBA degree in 1979. He joined Simmons Bank in 1980 and held several positions before being named Region Chairman. He and his family are also involved in a family farming operation in Pickens, Arkansas.
Freddie Black is the AR/SW Missouri Region Chairman of Simmons Bank. Mr. Black is a graduate of Subiaco Academy and the University of Arkansas where he earned his BSBA degree in 1978 and his MBA degree in 1979. He joined Simmons Bank in 1980 and held several positions before being named Region Chairman. He and his family are also involved in a family farming operation in Pickens, Arkansas.
Calvin Booker
UA at Pine Bluff Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Calvin Booker
Mr. Calvin E. Booker Sr. is the Corporate Vice President of Public Affairs for Waste Management, Inc. Prior to joining Waste Management in 1991, Mr. Booker served the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in a number of capacities, including as Assistant Football Coach, Assistant to the Dean of Education, staff member in the Alumni Affairs Office and as the Coordinator of Student Recruitment. Mr. Booker is a graduate of UAPB and holds a Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. He continues to be very active as a volunteer in a number of civic, community and non-profit organizations, having served as chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, a member of the Pine Bluff City Council and as President of the UAPB National Alumni Association. Mr. Booker currently is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, the Deacon Board of the Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta, and is the Chairman of the UAPB Foundation Fund Board of Directors.
Mr. Calvin E. Booker Sr. is the Corporate Vice President of Public Affairs for Waste Management, Inc. Prior to joining Waste Management in 1991, Mr. Booker served the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in a number of capacities, including as Assistant Football Coach, Assistant to the Dean of Education, staff member in the Alumni Affairs Office and as the Coordinator of Student Recruitment. Mr. Booker is a graduate of UAPB and holds a Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. He continues to be very active as a volunteer in a number of civic, community and non-profit organizations, having served as chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, a member of the Pine Bluff City Council and as President of the UAPB National Alumni Association. Mr. Booker currently is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, the Deacon Board of the Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta, and is the Chairman of the UAPB Foundation Fund Board of Directors.
Richard D. Chapman, Vice-Chairman
At Large
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Richard D. Chapman, Vice Chairman
Richard Chapman leads the Walton Family Office in Bentonville and serves as Chief Financial Officer of Walton Enterprises. He has held a variety of roles within the company and for the Walton family for more than 30 years advising business, philanthropic and personal activities. His work has spanned four generations of the Walton family. Mr. Chapman has been a Walton Family Foundation Board member since 1999 and currently serves on the Executive and Finance committees. He serves on the boards of directors of First Solar and Arvest Bank Group, Inc. the holding company for a diversified financial services company. Mr. Chapman also serves on the boards of directors of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation as well as on the board of directors of the University of Arkansas Razorback Foundation. He joined the Walton organization in 1983 after working for the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers in both London, England and Little Rock, Arkansas. A Certified Public Accountant (inactive), Mr. Chapman holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
Richard Chapman leads the Walton Family Office in Bentonville and serves as Chief Financial Officer of Walton Enterprises. He has held a variety of roles within the company and for the Walton family for more than 30 years advising business, philanthropic and personal activities. His work has spanned four generations of the Walton family. Mr. Chapman has been a Walton Family Foundation Board member since 1999 and currently serves on the Executive and Finance committees. He serves on the boards of directors of First Solar and Arvest Bank Group, Inc. the holding company for a diversified financial services company. Mr. Chapman also serves on the boards of directors of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation as well as on the board of directors of the University of Arkansas Razorback Foundation. He joined the Walton organization in 1983 after working for the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers in both London, England and Little Rock, Arkansas. A Certified Public Accountant (inactive), Mr. Chapman holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
Virginia 'Stuart' Cobb
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Virginia ‘Stuart’ Cobb
Virginia “Stuart” Cobb lives in Little Rock and is an active volunteer with a number of charitable and civic organizations, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she serves on the UAMS Foundation Fund Board, the Chancellor’s Circle, the UAMS Hospital Auxiliary, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary and the Cancer Institute’s Foundation Fund board. Mrs. Cobb also serves on the Multiple Myeloma Advisory Board. Mrs. Cobb is a member (and past president) of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Arkansas Arts Center Fine Arts Club and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (Little Rock) and she has received numerous awards recognizing her exceptional community service and volunteerism. She and her late husband, Jim Cobb, the former Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Commercial Corporation and Chairman of First Commercial Bank, have a son and a daughter and three grandchildren.
Virginia “Stuart” Cobb lives in Little Rock and is an active volunteer with a number of charitable and civic organizations, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she serves on the UAMS Foundation Fund Board, the Chancellor’s Circle, the UAMS Hospital Auxiliary, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary and the Cancer Institute’s Foundation Fund board. Mrs. Cobb also serves on the Multiple Myeloma Advisory Board. Mrs. Cobb is a member (and past president) of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Arkansas Arts Center Fine Arts Club and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (Little Rock) and she has received numerous awards recognizing her exceptional community service and volunteerism. She and her late husband, Jim Cobb, the former Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Commercial Corporation and Chairman of First Commercial Bank, have a son and a daughter and three grandchildren.
Cynthia Conger
UA at Little Rock Foundation Fund
Audit Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Cynthia Conger
Cynthia Conger manages the Little Rock office of Advisory Alpha d/b/a Conger Wealth Management, a comprehensive wealth management firm which provides advice on a fee-only basis. She has been named to Worth Magazine’s lists of “The Best Financial Advisers in America” since 1998 and their list of the “100 Top Wealth Advisors” for five years. Ms. Conger received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1981 and her MBA in 1983 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She holds the CPA/PFS and CFP professional designations. She was admitted to the Registry of Financial Planning Practitioners in 1987. She is listed in the current editions of Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World. Ms. Conger served as a Director on the International Association for Financial Planning’s (IAFP) Board of Directors from 1994 through 1998. She served as Chair of the task force for the IAFP’s 1994 Conference for Advanced Planning (CAP) in Washington, DC. and on the task forces for the 1996 and 1998 IAFP Success Forums, Investment Advisor Magazine Wealth Management Symposium for 2002, and the AICPA PFP Conference for 2005-2008 conferences. She has presented at numerous financial planning conferences around the nation. Ms. Conger currently serves on the UALR Friends of the Arts Board and the Pulaski Heights UMC Board of Stewards.
Cynthia Conger manages the Little Rock office of Advisory Alpha d/b/a Conger Wealth Management, a comprehensive wealth management firm which provides advice on a fee-only basis. She has been named to Worth Magazine’s lists of “The Best Financial Advisers in America” since 1998 and their list of the “100 Top Wealth Advisors” for five years. Ms. Conger received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1981 and her MBA in 1983 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She holds the CPA/PFS and CFP professional designations. She was admitted to the Registry of Financial Planning Practitioners in 1987. She is listed in the current editions of Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World. Ms. Conger served as a Director on the International Association for Financial Planning’s (IAFP) Board of Directors from 1994 through 1998. She served as Chair of the task force for the IAFP’s 1994 Conference for Advanced Planning (CAP) in Washington, DC. and on the task forces for the 1996 and 1998 IAFP Success Forums, Investment Advisor Magazine Wealth Management Symposium for 2002, and the AICPA PFP Conference for 2005-2008 conferences. She has presented at numerous financial planning conferences around the nation. Ms. Conger currently serves on the UALR Friends of the Arts Board and the Pulaski Heights UMC Board of Stewards.
Edgar W. Copeland III
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Edgar W. Copeland III
Ed Copeland is an Arkansas native who now resides in Hot Springs with his wife Charleen. He graduated with B.A. in Economics from Columbia University and went on to enjoy a 38-year career with Central Moloney, Inc. of Pine Bluff, a worldwide provider of distribution transformers to utility companies. Mr. Copeland retired in 2010 having served 18 years as chairman of the board of directors and 12 years as president and CEO. While in Pine Bluff, Mr. Copeland’s civic activities included serving as board Chairman of the Jefferson County Regional Medical Center and board chair of the Pine Bluff Convention Center Commission. In Hot Springs, he now serves on the board of directors of Mid-America Science Museum and the board of directors of the Caring Place. He also serves as the chairman of the Board of Ambassadors for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and Arts.
Ed Copeland is an Arkansas native who now resides in Hot Springs with his wife Charleen. He graduated with B.A. in Economics from Columbia University and went on to enjoy a 38-year career with Central Moloney, Inc. of Pine Bluff, a worldwide provider of distribution transformers to utility companies. Mr. Copeland retired in 2010 having served 18 years as chairman of the board of directors and 12 years as president and CEO. While in Pine Bluff, Mr. Copeland’s civic activities included serving as board Chairman of the Jefferson County Regional Medical Center and board chair of the Pine Bluff Convention Center Commission. In Hot Springs, he now serves on the board of directors of Mid-America Science Museum and the board of directors of the Caring Place. He also serves as the chairman of the Board of Ambassadors for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and Arts.
Lewis E. Epley, Jr.
Board of Trustees
Executive & HR Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Lewis E. Epley, Jr.
Lewis is a retired attorney, residing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A native Arkansan, he attended public schools in Springdale before entering the University of Arkansas in 1954, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and the Juris Doctor degree in 1961. In 2011 Mr. Epley was presented an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He practiced law in Eureka Springs for 40 years and was also involved in banking and business, before he and his wife, Donna, moved to Fayetteville in 2002. In the past he has served as Chairman of the Arkansas State Building Services Council, a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, and held a ten year term on the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas where he served two years as Chairman. He also served on the steering committee for the Campaign for the 21st Century and as Chairman of the Razorback Bands Committee of the 21st Century Campaign. He also formerly served as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chairman of the Bank of Eureka Springs\Cornerstone Bank. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Energy Company 1989-2013. Mr. Epley is currently serving on the UAMS-Northwest Advisory Board and the Fayetteville Rotary Club. He is also a current member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and is the Honorary Chair of the Campaign Arkansas Band Unit Committee.
Lewis is a retired attorney, residing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A native Arkansan, he attended public schools in Springdale before entering the University of Arkansas in 1954, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and the Juris Doctor degree in 1961. In 2011 Mr. Epley was presented an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He practiced law in Eureka Springs for 40 years and was also involved in banking and business, before he and his wife, Donna, moved to Fayetteville in 2002. In the past he has served as Chairman of the Arkansas State Building Services Council, a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, and held a ten year term on the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas where he served two years as Chairman. He also served on the steering committee for the Campaign for the 21st Century and as Chairman of the Razorback Bands Committee of the 21st Century Campaign. He also formerly served as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chairman of the Bank of Eureka Springs\Cornerstone Bank. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Energy Company 1989-2013. Mr. Epley is currently serving on the UAMS-Northwest Advisory Board and the Fayetteville Rotary Club. He is also a current member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and is the Honorary Chair of the Campaign Arkansas Band Unit Committee.
Don L. Gibson
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Fund
Executive & HR Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Don L. Gibson, Vice Chairman
Don L. Gibson is CEO Emeritus of Legacy National Bank headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas. Before the founding of Legacy National bank in 2005, he was Arkansas President for Bank of America. He has his bachelor degree from the University of Arkansas in Business Management in 1970 and a MBA from the U of A in 1973. He also has a graduate degree in Banking from Louisiana State University. Mr. Gibson serves on the Board of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Little Rock and the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute Board. He is past president of many organizations including the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. He is a past board member of the Community Care Foundation in Springdale. He was selected for the Springdale Civic Service Person of the Year in 1996. Mr. Gibson is a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas and he and his wife, Carol Lynn, currently reside in Springdale.
Don L. Gibson is CEO Emeritus of Legacy National Bank headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas. Before the founding of Legacy National bank in 2005, he was Arkansas President for Bank of America. He has his bachelor degree from the University of Arkansas in Business Management in 1970 and a MBA from the U of A in 1973. He also has a graduate degree in Banking from Louisiana State University. Mr. Gibson serves on the Board of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Little Rock and the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute Board. He is past president of many organizations including the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. He is a past board member of the Community Care Foundation in Springdale. He was selected for the Springdale Civic Service Person of the Year in 1996. Mr. Gibson is a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas and he and his wife, Carol Lynn, currently reside in Springdale.
Diane S. Gilleland
UA at Pine Bluff Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Diane S. Gilleland
Diane Gilleland currently teaches courses in finance, governance, law and academic policy in the higher education doctoral program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and serves on the boards of SLM Corporation, also known as “Sallie Mae”, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Foundation. Dr. Gilleland served as the State Higher Education Executive Officer for Arkansas from 1990-1997 and as the Chief Finance Officer from 1986-1990. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she served as Deputy Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Senior Fellow at the American Council on Education. Dr. Gilleland has also served in various positions of leadership at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also served as a consultant to several state coordinating boards, national higher education organizations, and to the ministries of higher education in South Africa and Mexico. Dr. Gilleland received her bachelors and masters degrees in education with a major in English from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and a Ph.D. in higher education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Diane Gilleland currently teaches courses in finance, governance, law and academic policy in the higher education doctoral program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and serves on the boards of SLM Corporation, also known as “Sallie Mae”, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Foundation. Dr. Gilleland served as the State Higher Education Executive Officer for Arkansas from 1990-1997 and as the Chief Finance Officer from 1986-1990. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she served as Deputy Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Senior Fellow at the American Council on Education. Dr. Gilleland has also served in various positions of leadership at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also served as a consultant to several state coordinating boards, national higher education organizations, and to the ministries of higher education in South Africa and Mexico. Dr. Gilleland received her bachelors and masters degrees in education with a major in English from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and a Ph.D. in higher education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Mary Ann Greenwood
Fayetteville Board of Advisors
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Mary Ann Greenwood
Mary Ann Greenwood is retired President and CEO of Greenwood Gearhart. Inc, a registered investment advisor, and President of Greenwood Group Ltd, a pension consulting firm. A native Arkansan, she earned a BSBA in Banking and Finance, a MA in Economics and a PhD in Economics and Finance from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter holder, and a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA). She serves on Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Walton College; a founding member of the Towers of Old Main; member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, the National Association for Business Economics, the Northwest Arkansas Council, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas advisory board, and a Kindred Spirit of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Previous service includes the Campaign for the 21st Century, UA Board of Advisors, Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Board, Cancer Challenge Board, investment subcommittee for NCAA, chair of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Walton Arts Center Foundation Board, Washington Regional Medical Foundation Board, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Board, and president of the Fayetteville Rotary Club.
Mary Ann Greenwood is retired President and CEO of Greenwood Gearhart. Inc, a registered investment advisor, and President of Greenwood Group Ltd, a pension consulting firm. A native Arkansan, she earned a BSBA in Banking and Finance, a MA in Economics and a PhD in Economics and Finance from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter holder, and a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA). She serves on Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Walton College; a founding member of the Towers of Old Main; member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, the National Association for Business Economics, the Northwest Arkansas Council, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas advisory board, and a Kindred Spirit of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Previous service includes the Campaign for the 21st Century, UA Board of Advisors, Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Board, Cancer Challenge Board, investment subcommittee for NCAA, chair of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Walton Arts Center Foundation Board, Washington Regional Medical Foundation Board, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Board, and president of the Fayetteville Rotary Club.
Peter G. Kumpe
UA Little Rock Foundation Fund
Executive, Real Estate and HR Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Peter G. Kumpe
Peter Kumpe is a founding partner in Williams & Anderson PLC, a law firm located in Little Rock. He attended Little Rock public schools, graduating from Hall High School. After two years at Duke University, he returned to complete his undergraduate education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he earned the Juris Doctor degree at the University of Texas at Austin. He is active in the Arkansas Bar Association and various civic organizations.
Peter Kumpe is a founding partner in Williams & Anderson PLC, a law firm located in Little Rock. He attended Little Rock public schools, graduating from Hall High School. After two years at Duke University, he returned to complete his undergraduate education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he earned the Juris Doctor degree at the University of Texas at Austin. He is active in the Arkansas Bar Association and various civic organizations.
Scott McKennon
UA Community College at Morrilton Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2022
Scott McKennon
Scott McKennon is Vice-President of the Morrilton, Mena, and Pocahontas branches of First Financial Bank. His extensive banking and finance experience includes twenty-seven years with Farm Credit and four years with Arvest Bank prior to joining First Financial Bank in 2015. Mr. McKennon serves on a number of civic and non-profit boards and currently chairs the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Foundation Board. He also serves on UACCM’s finance committee and the Links for Learning golf fundraiser committee and is a member of the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and the Conway County Farm Bureau Board.
Scott McKennon is Vice-President of the Morrilton, Mena, and Pocahontas branches of First Financial Bank. His extensive banking and finance experience includes twenty-seven years with Farm Credit and four years with Arvest Bank prior to joining First Financial Bank in 2015. Mr. McKennon serves on a number of civic and non-profit boards and currently chairs the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Foundation Board. He also serves on UACCM’s finance committee and the Links for Learning golf fundraiser committee and is a member of the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and the Conway County Farm Bureau Board.
Sean Rochelle
UA at Monticello Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2022
Sean Rochelle
Sean Rochelle, a native of Elkins, Arkansas, is the Senior Account Executive for IMG College/Razorback Sports Properties based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dr. Rochelle previously served as Executive Director of the Razorback Foundation which enjoyed record levels in membership and private gift support during his tenure. Dr. Rochelle holds a bachelor’s degree from UA-Monticello as well as a masters and doctorate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He has been involved in higher education for several years serving as Assistant Athletic Director for development in women’s athletics at the University of Arkansas and for the University of Arkansas Athletic department prior to joining the Razorback Foundation in 2008. Dr. Rochelle was a two-time academic All-American football player at UA-Monticello (UAM). He was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and was also recognized with the UAM Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit in 2010. In 2017 Dr. Rochelle was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Sean Rochelle, a native of Elkins, Arkansas, is the Senior Account Executive for IMG College/Razorback Sports Properties based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dr. Rochelle previously served as Executive Director of the Razorback Foundation which enjoyed record levels in membership and private gift support during his tenure. Dr. Rochelle holds a bachelor’s degree from UA-Monticello as well as a masters and doctorate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He has been involved in higher education for several years serving as Assistant Athletic Director for development in women’s athletics at the University of Arkansas and for the University of Arkansas Athletic department prior to joining the Razorback Foundation in 2008. Dr. Rochelle was a two-time academic All-American football player at UA-Monticello (UAM). He was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and was also recognized with the UAM Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit in 2010. In 2017 Dr. Rochelle was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Kevin Rose
UA Community College at Batesville Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Kevin Rose
Kevin S. Rose has served as the market president for Centennial Bank in Batesville, Arkansas since 2010. Mr. Rose spent the prior 13 years of his banking career working for banks in his native hometown of Pocahontas. A product of the two-year college system, Mr. Rose graduated from Black River Technical College in Pocahontas with his associate of arts degree in 1999 and in 2001 graduated with a bachelors in finance from Arkansas State University. Mr. Rose is actively engaged in many aspects of his community having served on various community and nonprofit boards. Currently he serves as a board of director and vice chairman of the Finance Committee for White River Health Systems and is on the board of directors for University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Foundation.
Kevin S. Rose has served as the market president for Centennial Bank in Batesville, Arkansas since 2010. Mr. Rose spent the prior 13 years of his banking career working for banks in his native hometown of Pocahontas. A product of the two-year college system, Mr. Rose graduated from Black River Technical College in Pocahontas with his associate of arts degree in 1999 and in 2001 graduated with a bachelors in finance from Arkansas State University. Mr. Rose is actively engaged in many aspects of his community having served on various community and nonprofit boards. Currently he serves as a board of director and vice chairman of the Finance Committee for White River Health Systems and is on the board of directors for University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Foundation.
Ann Rosso
Fayetteville Board of Advisors
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Ann Rosso
Ann Rosso lives in Fayetteville and is a former board member of the Bank of Fayetteville and Washington Regional Medical System. Ms. Rosso is currently involved as a volunteer with a number of charitable and civic organizations and has been extremely involved at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville where she serves on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and as chair of the Honor’s College capital campaign. She is also a current board member of Students Acquiring Knowledge through Enterprise (S.A.K.E.) in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Ms. Rosso also serves on the investment committee for Hope Cancer Resources (formerly NARTI) and as a board member of The Nature Conservancy – Arkansas Chapter. Ann attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and UAMS graduating from the UAMS College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Ms. Rosso most recently worked as a Destination Service Consultant helping international transferees recruited by NWA companies settle into life in U.S. and Arkansas.
Ann Rosso lives in Fayetteville and is a former board member of the Bank of Fayetteville and Washington Regional Medical System. Ms. Rosso is currently involved as a volunteer with a number of charitable and civic organizations and has been extremely involved at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville where she serves on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and as chair of the Honor’s College capital campaign. She is also a current board member of Students Acquiring Knowledge through Enterprise (S.A.K.E.) in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Ms. Rosso also serves on the investment committee for Hope Cancer Resources (formerly NARTI) and as a board member of The Nature Conservancy – Arkansas Chapter. Ann attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and UAMS graduating from the UAMS College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Ms. Rosso most recently worked as a Destination Service Consultant helping international transferees recruited by NWA companies settle into life in U.S. and Arkansas.
Scott Saffold
UA at Monticello Foundation Fund
Audit Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Scott Saffold
Scott Saffold of Monticello, Arkansas is the Executive Vice President/Senior Loan Officer for Union Bank & Trust in Monticello where he has been employed since 2005. Before joining the bank, Mr. Saffold worked for 13 years in public accounting locally and with Coopers and Lybrand. Mr. Saffold holds a B.S. in Accounting from UA-Monticello and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a graduate of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Mr. Saffold serves on a number of civic and non-profit boards and is currently a member of the Board of Visitors for UA-Monticello and UA-Monticello Foundation Fund board.
Scott Saffold of Monticello, Arkansas is the Executive Vice President/Senior Loan Officer for Union Bank & Trust in Monticello where he has been employed since 2005. Before joining the bank, Mr. Saffold worked for 13 years in public accounting locally and with Coopers and Lybrand. Mr. Saffold holds a B.S. in Accounting from UA-Monticello and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a graduate of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Mr. Saffold serves on a number of civic and non-profit boards and is currently a member of the Board of Visitors for UA-Monticello and UA-Monticello Foundation Fund board.
Archie Schaffer
Agricultural Development Council
Term Expires December 31, 2020
Archie Schaffer
Archie Schaffer, III, is a native Arkansan who was born in Fort Smith and raised in Charleston, Arkansas. Mr. Schaffer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and worked for Tyson Foods, Inc. of Springdale for over 21 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. Since 2012, Mr. Schaffer has served as a consultant for Tyson Foods, Inc. and continues to serve on the board of directors of a number of civic and philanthropic organizations, including the UA Agricultural Development Council, the Northwest Arkansas Council, the board of the Jones Trust and the Jones Center for Families in NWA. He also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas.
Archie Schaffer, III, is a native Arkansan who was born in Fort Smith and raised in Charleston, Arkansas. Mr. Schaffer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and worked for Tyson Foods, Inc. of Springdale for over 21 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. Since 2012, Mr. Schaffer has served as a consultant for Tyson Foods, Inc. and continues to serve on the board of directors of a number of civic and philanthropic organizations, including the UA Agricultural Development Council, the Northwest Arkansas Council, the board of the Jones Trust and the Jones Center for Families in NWA. He also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas.
Charles Scharlau
Board of Trustees
Executive & Audit Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2022
Charles Scharlau
Charles Scharlau, a native of Mountain Home, Arkansas, served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II , and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He began his legal career in 1951 with Arkansas Western Gas Co., the predecessor of publicly traded Southwestern Energy Company, where he rose to the position of president and CEO before his retirement in 1998. Mr. Scharlau continued to serve as chairman of the board of directors of Southwestern Energy Company until 2013 and currently serves as a director of Arvest Bank-Fayetteville. Mr. Scharlau is a former member and past chair of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. His service to the University of Arkansas also includes President of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Chairman of the National Development Council, vice chairman of the Campaign for the 21st Century, the 2010 Commission, member of the Board of Advisors and steering committee for Campaign Arkansas, and a member of the board and executive committee of the Razorback Foundation. He has been active in civic and business affairs throughout his career. Nationally, he has been on the Board of Directors of the American Gas Association, the Southern Gas Association and the National Association of Manufacturers. Mr. Scharlau served on the Energy Commission under Governor Dale Bumpers and as Chairman of the Energy Commission under Governor David Pryor. He has been a board member and three-term chairman of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce as well as a board member and President of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Charles Scharlau, a native of Mountain Home, Arkansas, served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II , and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He began his legal career in 1951 with Arkansas Western Gas Co., the predecessor of publicly traded Southwestern Energy Company, where he rose to the position of president and CEO before his retirement in 1998. Mr. Scharlau continued to serve as chairman of the board of directors of Southwestern Energy Company until 2013 and currently serves as a director of Arvest Bank-Fayetteville. Mr. Scharlau is a former member and past chair of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. His service to the University of Arkansas also includes President of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Chairman of the National Development Council, vice chairman of the Campaign for the 21st Century, the 2010 Commission, member of the Board of Advisors and steering committee for Campaign Arkansas, and a member of the board and executive committee of the Razorback Foundation. He has been active in civic and business affairs throughout his career. Nationally, he has been on the Board of Directors of the American Gas Association, the Southern Gas Association and the National Association of Manufacturers. Mr. Scharlau served on the Energy Commission under Governor Dale Bumpers and as Chairman of the Energy Commission under Governor David Pryor. He has been a board member and three-term chairman of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce as well as a board member and President of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Kevin Stephenson
At Large
Term Expires 2022
Kevin Stephenson
Kevin is currently the Co-Chief Investment Officer at WIT, LLC, a large family investment office. Prior to joining WIT in 2019, Kevin was a partner at Cambridge Associates, an investment advisory firm. Kevin spent 21 years at Cambridge Associates advising endowments, foundations, and family offices on investment matters. This included serving as the outsourced chief investment officer for several endowments, including 10 years with the University of Arkansas Foundation. While at Cambridge Associates, he formed the Mission-Related Investing Group in 2008 and served as its first director. He is the author of several published articles on investing and finance and has spoken at numerous industry conferences. He was twice nominated for Consultant of the Year by Institutional Investor. He currently serves on the investment committee for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Kevin is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with college and university students. He was an assistant professor of economics for five years at Middlebury College, a visiting professor at Cornell University and an adjunct professor at Marymount University. He has taught courses at the undergraduate and MBA levels on topics including investments, corporate finance and economics. He has an MA and PhD in economics from Cornell University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Kevin is currently the Co-Chief Investment Officer at WIT, LLC, a large family investment office. Prior to joining WIT in 2019, Kevin was a partner at Cambridge Associates, an investment advisory firm. Kevin spent 21 years at Cambridge Associates advising endowments, foundations, and family offices on investment matters. This included serving as the outsourced chief investment officer for several endowments, including 10 years with the University of Arkansas Foundation. While at Cambridge Associates, he formed the Mission-Related Investing Group in 2008 and served as its first director. He is the author of several published articles on investing and finance and has spoken at numerous industry conferences. He was twice nominated for Consultant of the Year by Institutional Investor. He currently serves on the investment committee for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Kevin is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with college and university students. He was an assistant professor of economics for five years at Middlebury College, a visiting professor at Cornell University and an adjunct professor at Marymount University. He has taught courses at the undergraduate and MBA levels on topics including investments, corporate finance and economics. He has an MA and PhD in economics from Cornell University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Dick Trammel
At Large
Real Estate Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2019
Dick Trammel
Dick Trammel is a native of Pocahontas, Arkansas and a 1960 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After several years in the cotton gin and grain elevator business in Pocahontas, Mr. Trammel became vice president and a founding director of Planters and Stockmen Bank. In 1973, Mr. Trammel relocated to Rogers to become a vice president of First National Bank & Trust Company, which later became Arvest Bank, Rogers. He currently serves as executive vice president and member of the board of directors of Arvest Bank, Benton County. Mr. Trammel is very active civically serving as a volunteer for a number of organizations including serving as past president and a current board member of the Rotary Club of Rogers and as past governor of Rotary International District 6110, a founding director of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County, a founding director and past chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (NARTI), a past member of the UAMS Foundation Fund board, a charter member of the Board of Trustees of Northwest Arkansas Community College, and is a member of the Mercy Health NW Arkansas board of directors. Mr. Trammel was appointed by Governor Huckabee to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and he served in that capacity until 2008. In January 2009, Governor Beebe appointed Mr. Trammel to the Arkansas Highway Commission to serve until January 2019. He and his wife Nancy live in Rogers, Arkansas.
Dick Trammel is a native of Pocahontas, Arkansas and a 1960 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After several years in the cotton gin and grain elevator business in Pocahontas, Mr. Trammel became vice president and a founding director of Planters and Stockmen Bank. In 1973, Mr. Trammel relocated to Rogers to become a vice president of First National Bank & Trust Company, which later became Arvest Bank, Rogers. He currently serves as executive vice president and member of the board of directors of Arvest Bank, Benton County. Mr. Trammel is very active civically serving as a volunteer for a number of organizations including serving as past president and a current board member of the Rotary Club of Rogers and as past governor of Rotary International District 6110, a founding director of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County, a founding director and past chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (NARTI), a past member of the UAMS Foundation Fund board, a charter member of the Board of Trustees of Northwest Arkansas Community College, and is a member of the Mercy Health NW Arkansas board of directors. Mr. Trammel was appointed by Governor Huckabee to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and he served in that capacity until 2008. In January 2009, Governor Beebe appointed Mr. Trammel to the Arkansas Highway Commission to serve until January 2019. He and his wife Nancy live in Rogers, Arkansas.
Mark Waldrip, Chairman
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2021
Mark Waldrip
Mark Waldrip is Founder and Chairman of the Board of Armor Bank and Chairman of Big Creek Bancshares, LLC. He also founded Armor Seed Company which subsequently grew into one of the nation’s largest licensees for Monsanto’s proprietary genetics and, in 2016, was acquired by Land O’ Lakes of Arden Hills, Minnesota. Mr. Waldrip continues to manage real estate investments for Waldrip Lands, LLC. Mr. Waldrip is currently chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He also is a member of the Arkansas Executive Forum of the Walton College of Business. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Arkansas and was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award 2017.
Mark Waldrip is Founder and Chairman of the Board of Armor Bank and Chairman of Big Creek Bancshares, LLC. He also founded Armor Seed Company which subsequently grew into one of the nation’s largest licensees for Monsanto’s proprietary genetics and, in 2016, was acquired by Land O’ Lakes of Arden Hills, Minnesota. Mr. Waldrip continues to manage real estate investments for Waldrip Lands, LLC. Mr. Waldrip is currently chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He also is a member of the Arkansas Executive Forum of the Walton College of Business. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Arkansas and was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award 2017.