To Advocate and Inform

On Friday, Sept. 21, Dean Robin Roberts hosted the Fulbright College Advisory Council for its inaugural meeting in Old Main. The 13-member group consists of professionals in the fields of education, health care, business, entertainment, media, the fine arts, writing and public affairs. As the college’s first advisory council in more than a decade, the members’ main task at this meeting was getting acquainted with Dean Roberts and the other members.

“We have a diverse group,” said Roberts. “Each person brings experiences and ideas that will help strengthen Fulbright College.”

An overview provided by the associate deans and senior staff led to discussion about how the college’s strategic priorities complement the University of Arkansas’s aspirations to become a top-50 national public university. Inspired by Chancellor Gearhart and Provost Gaber’s call for the University of Arkansas to move to this goal by our sesquicentennial, the Advisory Council focused on ways that Fulbright College can lead. Topics included: service to students, international studies, graduation and retention, expanding the use and profile of the University of Arkansas Rome Center and ways to promote and extend the Fulbright legacy.

“That the members volunteered their time and traveled from all over the country demonstrates their commitment to support the outstanding work of our Fulbright College faculty, students, and staff,” said Roberts. 

After a full day of  discussion and debate, the members determined that their primary goal is to serve as advocates for the college and provide information to the dean as she administers the programs and other responsibilities with which she is charged.

In addition to Roberts, the council includes David Allen of Pasadena, Calif.; Kahren Jones Arbitman of Austin, Texas; Calvin Colbert of Dallas, Texas; Jenny Dougherty of Dallas, Texas; Guillermo Ferreyra of Baton Rouge, La.; Hershey Garner of Fayetteville; Trish Brown Joyner of Westminster, Colo.; Janis F. Kearney of Little Rock; Jerry Kelley of Fayetteville; David Lambert of Washington, D.C.; Edith Newton Wilson of Tulsa, Okla.; and David Woolly of Alma. Read the members’ bios to learn more about this outstanding group.