A native Arkansan with a global perspective, Caroline Sykes (’20) has built a career defined by entrepreneurial drive and a deep commitment to community.
After years of running a successful business abroad and leading operations in the nonprofit legal sector, Sykes has stepped into a historic role as the first Philanthropy Officer for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine.
Based in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood, she is now leveraging her Master of Public Service degree from the Clinton School to help build support for the state’s first dental program from the ground up, focusing on bridging healthcare gaps in rural Arkansas while being a dedicated mom to her two children, Oliver and Madi.
What do you most enjoy about your current role as the Philanthropy Officer at the new Lyon College School of Dental Medicine?
I find it incredibly rewarding to build genuine relationships with people who care deeply about improving access to dental care, especially in our rural areas. This role feels very much like a startup. There is a palpable sense of passion and excitement because this is the first dental school in the history of Arkansas.
Whether I am supporting student scholarships, helping expand community dental clinics, or strengthening programs that will benefit our state for years to come, the work is deeply meaningful. It directly shapes the next generation of dental professionals and improves health outcomes in communities that have historically lacked access. My biggest takeaway is that this isn’t just fundraising. It’s helping people invest in something much bigger than themselves.
What does public service mean to you?
To me, public service means showing up with the intention to make life better for others, especially those who may not have a voice or easy access to essential services. It is about stewardship, responsibility, and creating a long-term impact.
People often assume public service is limited to government work, but I believe it applies to any role where you are using your strengths and skills to strengthen your community. Most importantly, public service is about the people.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
While I was living in Oslo, Norway, in the 1990s, I happened to live in an apartment right next to the Norwegian Representation House during the negotiation of the Oslo Accords. One morning, we walked into our garden to find it filled with security details and snipers! They told us to go back inside and don’t stand by the window. We had no idea the peace agreements between Israel and Palestine were being negotiated in the building next to us.
Later, when the Norwegian Minister of Defense, who played a key role in the accords, passed away, his brother asked me to translate the funeral speech. I ended up attending the funeral alongside world leaders, heads of state, and royalty from across Europe. It was a true “Forrest Gump” moment in my life. I look back at that moment, and I think, ‘What an amazing historical moment I witnessed!’
What was your favorite class in your time as a Clinton School student?
Program Evaluation with Dr. Chul Hyun Park was my favorite academic class because it completely changed how I viewed project delivery. He made logic models fun and engaging, and he helped us feel very comfortable with data analysis. I am very big on effectiveness, and that class gave me the tools to ensure a program is delivering the outcomes that were intended.
What skills did you learn at the Clinton School that you still put to use in your job or life today?
The Clinton School taught me to approach every challenge with a service mindset and a practical lens. I learned that good intentions aren’t enough. Real impact requires strategy, partnership, and measurable outcomes.
Whether I am developing a fundraising strategy or meeting with a potential donor, I am constantly thinking about sustainability and how to align community resources with real needs. The ability to connect big, “blue sky” ideas with actionable, measurable steps is a skill set I use every single day.
I’m grateful to Dr. Walter Roettger, the late President Emeritus of Lyon College, and his wife Peggy for encouraging me to pursue this degree. I hadn’t been in school for 20 years when I pursued my MPS, and I was a little uncertain of going back. However, everyone at the Clinton School was so supportive. It provided the bona fide foundation I needed for this second chapter of my career.