Member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Education and Health Professions.
pride. dedication. partnership. future. opportunity. Connection. community.
These are just some of the words members of the Executive Advisory Board of the Dean of Education and Health Professions used to describe last week’s fall meeting.
Thirty of the 37 board members, made up of university alumni, community partners, and other stakeholders, met on October 20 to provide advice and work to expand the university’s success. The second meeting of the Dean’s Founding Board of Directors focused on idea generation and progress related to the three priorities of the university’s WE CARE strategic plan: service to Arkansas, impactful research, and a culture of caring. focused on sharing.
The day was punctuated by laughs, hugs, meaningful connections, discoveries, friendships, and riddles related to Arkansas cities (most of us wondered if there was one named after college president Kate). I did not notice). One board member moved the audience to tears as he expressed his pride and gratitude for the university’s impact across the state.
Perhaps the most moving session was one in which board members heard directly from students and faculty and shared substantive research, projects, and progress related to the university’s three priorities. For example, Associate Professor Elizabeth Loller discussed her research on AI-enabled devices that allow people with limited speech to communicate more effectively. Hayley Thomas, a graduate student in counselor education and supervision, said children in Arkansas are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than in other states, which is why the number of play therapists in the state has increased. told the group about a movement to increase . Michelle Kilmer, an assistant professor at the university’s Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, is the first dog to be trained in both therapy and service dog techniques to help children with autism, a 2-year-old black Labrador. – Introduced Griffin, a retriever, to executives.
“Board members are so impressed with all we are accomplishing at the university to advance impactful research, expand service to Arkansas, and foster a culture of caring. I was humbled to see this,” said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili. “I am grateful to each member of the Board of Directors for their unwavering support, insight, and shared enthusiasm for the university’s vision. All members of the Board of Directors are extremely committed and passionate about education and health care. Together, we care. It was a great first year with this.”
The board provided input and advice as Mamiseishvili developed the university’s strategic plan. The completed plan was made public over the summer and announced on his new website, wecare.uark.edu.
Ashley Hilbun, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, served as the first board chair. Hilbun received an Ed.D. She has received higher education from university. When the board reconvenes in March 2024, it will be chaired by Judd Seminson, a nursing graduate and CEO of Community Clinic. John L. Colbert, a three-time college graduate who recently retired from his longtime position as superintendent of the Fayetteville School District, was announced as the next chair.
University President Charles Robinson opened the event’s evening reception with a short speech, praising the university’s commitment to the state of Arkansas and noting the wise decision to appoint Mamiseishvili as university president in February.
Each member was presented with a medallion recognizing their accomplishments on the inaugural Dean’s Executive Advisory Board. Mamiseishvili said partnership and engagement with board members will continue to drive the university’s success.
The six academic departments in the College of Education and Health Professions prepare students for a variety of careers in education and health professions. In addition to its longstanding role of training educators and educational leaders, the university also trains nurses, speech therapists, public health professionals, recreation and sports professionals, counselors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and human performance researchers. We are training people.
