Four individuals with Arkansas Tech University ties are among the graduates of Leadership Arkansas Class XIX.
ATU President Dr. Russell Jones and ATU alumni Alyssa Carter of Russellville, Toni Cook of Fayetteville and Jacob Garrett of Vilonia completed the program during the 2024-25 cycle.
Leadership Arkansas is an Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas program designed to develop emerging and established business, civic and community leaders who have the desire and potential to create a better Arkansas.
The participants of Leadership Arkansas Class XIX engaged in nine scheduled sessions designed to deepen their understanding of leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, tourism, government, workforce development and more.
The mission of Leadership Arkansas is to challenge, inform, inspire and engage current and future business and civic leaders to enhance the economies of, and the communities within, the state of Arkansas. Since its inception in 2005, Leadership Arkansas has educated and engaged approximately 1,000 alumni representing almost every county in Arkansas.
Jones was elected the 13th president of ATU on June 20, 2024, and took office on July 1, 2024. He previously served as dean of the ATU College of Business and Economic Development from 2020-23 and was the interim president of Arkansas Tech during the 2023-24 academic year.
Carter is chief operating officer for the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Arkansas Tech and has given back to her alma mater through service on the ATU Alumni Association Board of Directors and as a student organization advisor.
Cook is a senior manager on the global procurement team for Walmart. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology from Arkansas Tech. Her work focuses on driving sustainable and innovative energy solutions for the No. 1-ranked retailer by revenue in the United States and on Earth.
Garrett serves as director of external affairs for AT&T. He holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from Arkansas Tech. Garrett has remained connected to ATU through advisory board service.
Learn more about Leadership Arkansas at https://arkansasstatechamber.com/leadership-arkansas.
