University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.
Board of Directors
Mike Akin
Board of Trustees
Term Expires December 31, 2024
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, 2025
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.
Beau Blair, Vice Chair
UA for Medical Sciences Foundation Fund
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2027
Beau Blair
Beau Blair has worked with the McLarty family for several years facilitating both new partnerships, the expansion of existing business units and operational management of business ventures. Mr. Blair is a Co-Founder and Director of CapRocq Core REIT and CapRocq Automotive LLC. Mr. Blair is a founding General Partner of McLarty Capital Partners’ Small Business Fund and sat on the investment committee. Mr. Blair was a Co-Founder and Director of GDV Imports Mexico S.A.P.I de C.V., the exclusive wholesale distributor of Jaguar Land Rover to Mexico. Previously, Mr. Blair was an Executive Director of global investment banking at J.P. Morgan in New York where he started as an Associate in mergers & acquisitions before becoming a senior member of the industrials group advising on a wide variety of corporate finance transactions. Mr. Blair began his professional career at Stephens Inc. in the bank broker dealer and corporate finance advisory groups prior to focusing on strategic and business development for Alltel Information Services. Mr. Blair earned a B.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and an M.B.A from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Blair has served on numerous profit and non-profit boards and was recently the Co-Chair of the Catholic High School for Boys steering committee. Mr. Blair currently serves as Chairman of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Foundation Fund Board.
Beau Blair has worked with the McLarty family for several years facilitating both new partnerships, the expansion of existing business units and operational management of business ventures. Mr. Blair is a Co-Founder and Director of CapRocq Core REIT and CapRocq Automotive LLC. Mr. Blair is a founding General Partner of McLarty Capital Partners’ Small Business Fund and sat on the investment committee. Mr. Blair was a Co-Founder and Director of GDV Imports Mexico S.A.P.I de C.V., the exclusive wholesale distributor of Jaguar Land Rover to Mexico. Previously, Mr. Blair was an Executive Director of global investment banking at J.P. Morgan in New York where he started as an Associate in mergers & acquisitions before becoming a senior member of the industrials group advising on a wide variety of corporate finance transactions. Mr. Blair began his professional career at Stephens Inc. in the bank broker dealer and corporate finance advisory groups prior to focusing on strategic and business development for Alltel Information Services. Mr. Blair earned a B.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and an M.B.A from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Blair has served on numerous profit and non-profit boards and was recently the Co-Chair of the Catholic High School for Boys steering committee. Mr. Blair currently serves as Chairman of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Foundation Fund Board.
Calvin Booker
UA at Pine Bluff Foundation Fund
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2024
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.
Cynthia Conger
UA Little Rock Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2025
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, 2025
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.
Ted Dickey
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2027
Ted Dickey
Ted Dickey is a real estate asset manager and principal broker with Lighthouse Asset Advisors. He is a member of the University of Board of Trustees and has served on the boards of the Metropolitan Housing Alliance, Our House Working Homeless Shelter, Little Rock Christian Academy, and was the former chairman of the Arkansas Ethics Commission. Ted was previously with Colliers International for 18 years as co-manager of three real estate funds. Prior to this, Ted spent more than six years at Stephens Inc. in the corporate finance department. During this time, he was responsible for placing debt and equity securities with institutional investors for public and private companies. Ted holds Bachelor of Arts and law degrees from the University of Arkansas, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1996. Ted was recently included as one of the top 250 most influential leaders by Arkansas Business.
Ted Dickey is a real estate asset manager and principal broker with Lighthouse Asset Advisors. He is a member of the University of Board of Trustees and has served on the boards of the Metropolitan Housing Alliance, Our House Working Homeless Shelter, Little Rock Christian Academy, and was the former chairman of the Arkansas Ethics Commission. Ted was previously with Colliers International for 18 years as co-manager of three real estate funds. Prior to this, Ted spent more than six years at Stephens Inc. in the corporate finance department. During this time, he was responsible for placing debt and equity securities with institutional investors for public and private companies. Ted holds Bachelor of Arts and law degrees from the University of Arkansas, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1996. Ted was recently included as one of the top 250 most influential leaders by Arkansas Business.
Rick Duffield
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2027
Rick Duffield
Rick Duffield of DeWitt, Arkansas is President of Black, Inc. Mr. Duffield has been with Black, Inc., an Arkansas County farm, timber, and retail ag business for over 20 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) and earned a BA degree in Economics and Business from Hendrix College. He is Chairman of the Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) Board of Visitors and serves on the PCCUA Foundation Board. Mr. Duffield is also a member of the DeWitt City Hospital Board of Directors.
Rick Duffield of DeWitt, Arkansas is President of Black, Inc. Mr. Duffield has been with Black, Inc., an Arkansas County farm, timber, and retail ag business for over 20 years. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) and earned a BA degree in Economics and Business from Hendrix College. He is Chairman of the Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) Board of Visitors and serves on the PCCUA Foundation Board. Mr. Duffield is also a member of the DeWitt City Hospital Board of Directors.
C.C. 'Cliff' Gibson
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2026
C.C. ‘Cliff’ Gibson
Arkansas lawyer Cliff Gibson founded the Monticello law firm of Gibson & Keith in 1981. During the ensuing 40 years he and the other lawyers of the firm have provided legal services to many of the people and businesses of Arkansas. In addition to an active law practice as a private attorney, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and County Attorney, Gibson has served five times as a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and has conducted legal education seminars for other attorneys and had his writings published in legal periodicals. He has also served in the House of Delegates of the Arkansas Bar Association and is the 2020 recipient of the James McKenzie Professionalism Award of the Arkansas Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Foundation. Gibson supports his community and state through his church and by his current service on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards of charitable and community organizations, and he continues to be active in business as a Director of Commercial Bank & Trust Company and through construction and farming interests.
Arkansas lawyer Cliff Gibson founded the Monticello law firm of Gibson & Keith in 1981. During the ensuing 40 years he and the other lawyers of the firm have provided legal services to many of the people and businesses of Arkansas. In addition to an active law practice as a private attorney, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and County Attorney, Gibson has served five times as a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and has conducted legal education seminars for other attorneys and had his writings published in legal periodicals. He has also served in the House of Delegates of the Arkansas Bar Association and is the 2020 recipient of the James McKenzie Professionalism Award of the Arkansas Bar Association and Arkansas Bar Foundation. Gibson supports his community and state through his church and by his current service on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards of charitable and community organizations, and he continues to be active in business as a Director of Commercial Bank & Trust Company and through construction and farming interests.
Diane S. Gilleland
UA at Pine Bluff Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2024
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.
Ned Hendrix
Cossotat Community College of the University of Arkansas Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2024
Ned Hendrix
Ned Hendrix is CEO of Horatio State Bank. He is Chairman of the UA Cossatot Foundation Board as well as Vice Chairman of the Arkansas State Troopers Retirement System. He serves as Vice President of the Little River Country Club. Mr. Hendrix is also a board member of both the Sevier County Hospital Foundation Board and the Economics Arkansas Board.
Ned Hendrix is CEO of Horatio State Bank. He is Chairman of the UA Cossatot Foundation Board as well as Vice Chairman of the Arkansas State Troopers Retirement System. He serves as Vice President of the Little River Country Club. Mr. Hendrix is also a board member of both the Sevier County Hospital Foundation Board and the Economics Arkansas Board.
Ashley Welch Hudson
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2027
Ashley Welch Hudson
Ms. Hudson, a partner in Kutak Rock’s Little Rock office, represents corporate clients and management professionals in commercial and employment disputes. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Hudson also represents and advises healthcare clients on operations and regulatory compliance. Ms. Hudson received her bachelor’s degree in English literature and political science from Vanderbilt University in 2001. She received a Master’s in Comparative Politics and her law degree from the University of Arkansas, Leflar School of Law in 2007. In 2020, Arkansas Money and Politics named Ms. Hudson one of its 100 “Legal Elite” and recognized her as one of the top healthcare lawyers in Arkansas. In 2015 and 2016 Ms. Hudson was named a “Rising Star” in the area of Employment Litigation by Mid-South Super Lawyers®, a distinction conferred upon no more than 2.5% of Arkansas attorneys who are under the age of 40 and have been practicing for 10 years or less. In 2009 Little Rock Soiree magazine named Ms. Hudson as one of the “Women to Watch” in central Arkansas in recognition of her accomplishments in the state’s legal community, her contributions to the community at large, and her potential for future success. Ms. Hudson was presented with the Maurice Cathey Award for valued contributions to The Arkansas Lawyer in June 2016, and serves on the journal’s editorial board. She also sits on the foundation board for the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, is the President of the Overton Inn of Court, and was the 2018-2020 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow for the State of Arkansas. She is married to Cliff Hudson, and they have four children – Lucy, 12, Sadie, 9, CJ, 7, and Abby, 5.
Ms. Hudson, a partner in Kutak Rock’s Little Rock office, represents corporate clients and management professionals in commercial and employment disputes. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Hudson also represents and advises healthcare clients on operations and regulatory compliance. Ms. Hudson received her bachelor’s degree in English literature and political science from Vanderbilt University in 2001. She received a Master’s in Comparative Politics and her law degree from the University of Arkansas, Leflar School of Law in 2007. In 2020, Arkansas Money and Politics named Ms. Hudson one of its 100 “Legal Elite” and recognized her as one of the top healthcare lawyers in Arkansas. In 2015 and 2016 Ms. Hudson was named a “Rising Star” in the area of Employment Litigation by Mid-South Super Lawyers®, a distinction conferred upon no more than 2.5% of Arkansas attorneys who are under the age of 40 and have been practicing for 10 years or less. In 2009 Little Rock Soiree magazine named Ms. Hudson as one of the “Women to Watch” in central Arkansas in recognition of her accomplishments in the state’s legal community, her contributions to the community at large, and her potential for future success. Ms. Hudson was presented with the Maurice Cathey Award for valued contributions to The Arkansas Lawyer in June 2016, and serves on the journal’s editorial board. She also sits on the foundation board for the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, is the President of the Overton Inn of Court, and was the 2018-2020 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow for the State of Arkansas. She is married to Cliff Hudson, and they have four children – Lucy, 12, Sadie, 9, CJ, 7, and Abby, 5.
Scott McKennon
UA Community College at Morrilton Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2026
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.
Tim O'Donnell
Fayetteville Board of Advisors
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2025
Tim O’Donnell
Tim O’Donnell has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Northwest Arkansas Airport Authority (“XNA”) since 2019. Previously, Mr. O’Donnell served as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Committee and had oversight of a total budget in excess of $800 million annually. UA business units reporting to Mr. O’Donnell included the Office of Financial Affairs (accounting, investment management, property accounting, and treasury), the Office of Business Affairs (procurement, transit/parking, insurance, and budget), Information Technology, Facilities Management, Human Resources, and UAPD. Prior to joining the UA in 2013, Mr. O’Donnell was Vice President and Treasurer of Southwestern Energy Company in Fayetteville until the company relocated to Houston. He spent 22 years at Southwestern and held numerous financial positions with the Company. Mr. O’Donnell has also worked in commercial real estate and public accounting in his career. He is a CPA (inactive) and a member of both the AICPA and the Arkansas Society of CPAs. Mr. O’Donnell was formerly on the board of the Walton Arts Center Foundation and the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation, and is currently on the board of the Washington County Historical Society. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Iowa.
Tim O’Donnell has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Northwest Arkansas Airport Authority (“XNA”) since 2019. Previously, Mr. O’Donnell served as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Committee and had oversight of a total budget in excess of $800 million annually. UA business units reporting to Mr. O’Donnell included the Office of Financial Affairs (accounting, investment management, property accounting, and treasury), the Office of Business Affairs (procurement, transit/parking, insurance, and budget), Information Technology, Facilities Management, Human Resources, and UAPD. Prior to joining the UA in 2013, Mr. O’Donnell was Vice President and Treasurer of Southwestern Energy Company in Fayetteville until the company relocated to Houston. He spent 22 years at Southwestern and held numerous financial positions with the Company. Mr. O’Donnell has also worked in commercial real estate and public accounting in his career. He is a CPA (inactive) and a member of both the AICPA and the Arkansas Society of CPAs. Mr. O’Donnell was formerly on the board of the Walton Arts Center Foundation and the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation, and is currently on the board of the Washington County Historical Society. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Iowa.
Randy Risher
UA at Monticello Foundation Fund
Term Expires December 31, 2026
Randy Risher
Randy Risher is the President of The Risher Companies (TRC) in Houston, Texas. TRC is a full-service company that offers all services and products needed to plan and operate a fitness center including facility design development, procurement of equipment and fixtures, fitness center management, staffing and tailored corporate wellness programs. The Houston Chronicle honored TRC as a Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022. As a native Arkansan, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Wellness Leadership at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Trustee for Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Texas State Chairman & Founder for Gear Up for Game Wardens, Advisor to Texas Operation Game Thief Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program, Life Member of Ducks Unlimited, former DU Houston Wetlands Sponsor of the Year, and a Houston Red & Blue Board Member. Currently, Randy serves as a member of the UAM Foundation Fund Board, and he was recently awarded the recipient of UAM’s 60th Distinguished Alumnus.
Randy Risher is the President of The Risher Companies (TRC) in Houston, Texas. TRC is a full-service company that offers all services and products needed to plan and operate a fitness center including facility design development, procurement of equipment and fixtures, fitness center management, staffing and tailored corporate wellness programs. The Houston Chronicle honored TRC as a Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022. As a native Arkansan, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Wellness Leadership at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Trustee for Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Texas State Chairman & Founder for Gear Up for Game Wardens, Advisor to Texas Operation Game Thief Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program, Life Member of Ducks Unlimited, former DU Houston Wetlands Sponsor of the Year, and a Houston Red & Blue Board Member. Currently, Randy serves as a member of the UAM Foundation Fund Board, and he was recently awarded the recipient of UAM’s 60th Distinguished Alumnus.
Natalie Rockefeller
At Large
Term Expires December 31, 2025
Natalie Rockefeller
Natalie Rockefeller, of Little Rock, has a long history of volunteering for causes that are close to her heart. She volunteered at her first political fundraiser when she was just seven-years-old. Her love of politics continued while at Arkansas State where she graduated with a degree in communications with an emphasis on public relations and political science. During her four years in Jonesboro she spent most of her summer breaks in Washington D.C. working on Capitol Hill. After graduation, she served in Congressman Vic Snyder’s campaign office and then spent three years working for the Arkansas House of Representatives. Natalie and her husband, Win, remain deeply committed to Arkansas. Natalie currently serves as vice chair of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Board of Advisors and the Thea Foundation Board. She previously served on the Arkansas Children’s Tumor Foundation Advisory Board, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Envoys Board, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre Board and several others. Natalie and Win co-chaired the 2013 RockStar Lounge benefiting the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and the 2018 and 2019 Woman of the Year Gala benefiting Women & Children First. The couple also developed and co-chaired the 2020 and 2021 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Be a Part of the Cure telethon. Natalie is currently chairing the “Women Helping Women Art Project,” which places art created by female Arkansas artists in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Breast Center. Natalie and Win are parents of twin boys who spent time in the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Since the boys’ birth, the couple has been actively involved in raising awareness about the critical work of the NICU.
Natalie Rockefeller, of Little Rock, has a long history of volunteering for causes that are close to her heart. She volunteered at her first political fundraiser when she was just seven-years-old. Her love of politics continued while at Arkansas State where she graduated with a degree in communications with an emphasis on public relations and political science. During her four years in Jonesboro she spent most of her summer breaks in Washington D.C. working on Capitol Hill. After graduation, she served in Congressman Vic Snyder’s campaign office and then spent three years working for the Arkansas House of Representatives. Natalie and her husband, Win, remain deeply committed to Arkansas. Natalie currently serves as vice chair of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Board of Advisors and the Thea Foundation Board. She previously served on the Arkansas Children’s Tumor Foundation Advisory Board, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Envoys Board, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre Board and several others. Natalie and Win co-chaired the 2013 RockStar Lounge benefiting the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and the 2018 and 2019 Woman of the Year Gala benefiting Women & Children First. The couple also developed and co-chaired the 2020 and 2021 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Be a Part of the Cure telethon. Natalie is currently chairing the “Women Helping Women Art Project,” which places art created by female Arkansas artists in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Breast Center. Natalie and Win are parents of twin boys who spent time in the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Since the boys’ birth, the couple has been actively involved in raising awareness about the critical work of the NICU.
Kevin Rose
UA Community College at Batesville Foundation Fund
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2027
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
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2024
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, Chair
UA at Monticello Foundation Fund
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2024
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, 2024
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.
Cheryl Shuffield
UA Little Rock Foundation Fund
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2027
Cheryl Shuffield
Cheryl Shuffield is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 40 years of experience with one of Arkansas’s leading accounting firms. Rising to a full partnership status in an age where females in leadership roles in public accounting were a rare species, she went on to serve on the Executive Committee of the Firm, and later, as its Managing Partner. During her career, she developed specialties in income, gift, and estate taxation, and in the latter half of her career, in business valuation and forensic accounting. During that time, she established and led the firm’s thriving Strategic Services division, an emerging specialty for CPAs at that time. Cheryl has two adult children, both with advanced degrees from member schools which benefit from the University of Arkansas Foundation Funds. Cheryl currently serves on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board of Directors, where she served as Chairman and leader of its funding-raising committee. She is also a member of the current UA Little Rock Campaign Committee. She has served as Chairman of the Board of the WPRCI and three terms on its Executive Committee. She first joined that board in 2004. In 2009, she and her husband, Elvin Shuffield, co-chaired the WPRCI’s annual Gala for Life where close to $1 million was raised for the benefit of the Cancer Institute. Cheryl previously served on the University of Arkansas Foundation Board from 2007 through 2017 as an appointee of UAMS.
Cheryl Shuffield is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 40 years of experience with one of Arkansas’s leading accounting firms. Rising to a full partnership status in an age where females in leadership roles in public accounting were a rare species, she went on to serve on the Executive Committee of the Firm, and later, as its Managing Partner. During her career, she developed specialties in income, gift, and estate taxation, and in the latter half of her career, in business valuation and forensic accounting. During that time, she established and led the firm’s thriving Strategic Services division, an emerging specialty for CPAs at that time. Cheryl has two adult children, both with advanced degrees from member schools which benefit from the University of Arkansas Foundation Funds. Cheryl currently serves on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board of Directors, where she served as Chairman and leader of its funding-raising committee. She is also a member of the current UA Little Rock Campaign Committee. She has served as Chairman of the Board of the WPRCI and three terms on its Executive Committee. She first joined that board in 2004. In 2009, she and her husband, Elvin Shuffield, co-chaired the WPRCI’s annual Gala for Life where close to $1 million was raised for the benefit of the Cancer Institute. Cheryl previously served on the University of Arkansas Foundation Board from 2007 through 2017 as an appointee of UAMS.
Kevin Stephenson
At Large
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 2026
Kevin Stephenson
Kevin is currently the President of 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 President of 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 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
Term Expires December 31, 2027
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
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Term Expires December 31, 2025
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.