Led by Dr. Stephanie Gardner, the Institute’s board of directors is appointed by Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System.

Dr. Stephanie Gardner
ChairProvost, Chief Academic Officer, Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Dr. Deborah Baldwin
Vice-ChairAssociate Provost at UA Little Rock, and Director of the UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture.

Lisenne Rockefeller
SecretaryPresident of The Winrock Group, Inc.

Freddie Black
Board MemberChief Community Banking Officer at Simmons Bank

Dr. Deacue Fields
Board MemberVice President of Agriculture for the University of Arkansas System

Dr. Carla Martin
Board MemberVice Chancellor of Finance & Administration at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Bob McKuin
Board MemberRetired, telecommunications and technology industries, including AT&T and Alltel

Dr. Matt Waller
Board MemberDean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas