Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – This week the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and representatives from all the University campuses will gather at a dinner honoring Stanley Reed, thanking him for his 10 years of service to the UofA Board. Dr. Alan Sugg and his wife, Jean, will host the occasion and pay tribute to Stanley and his wife, Charlene. Stanley, who was appointed by former Governor Mike Huckabee, has served for two years as the UofA board chairman.
Stanley and I were in college together at the University of Arkansas. It’s been almost four decades since we often walked together from Stadium Drive up the hill to “the hill.”
He has been an outstanding trustee–a voice of reason and, during controversial and divisive times, a bridge over troubled waters. No one could have given more generously of one’s time and talents. I’ve seen this firsthand, and I would encourage those who offer courses in effective leadership to make Stanley a case study.
While Stanley’s roots are and will forever be planted on the Fayetteville campus, he came to appreciate and advocate for all the UofA campuses–including the Clinton School. He understood the unique missions and strategic locations of the various schools. He valued “we” and “us” far more than he did “I” and “them.”
While he wanted to keep Arkansas’ best students in state and thought University campuses should be competing with every college and university in the country, he was equally determined to make Arkansas higher education accessible and affordable for all. He will long be remembered for both.
Thanks my friend. You have served with honor and distinction.
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