UCA administration has worked to establish the Northwest Arkansas Advisory Council – a group of advisors who will work to strengthen the university’s connection to the fast-growing region.
“Northwest Arkansas is one of the most influential regions in the south, and UCA needs to be part of that story,” UCA’s Senior Director of Northwest Arkansas Engagement Paul Gatling said. “This council is how we start treating it like a partner in shaping the university’s future.”
The council’s mission is to strengthen UCA’s presence and impact in the region by unlocking untapped potential and deepening alumni engagement.
The NWAAB had its first meeting on Sept. 22 at the Hunt Tower in Rogers. At the meeting, UCA President Houston Davis met with members to discuss what the board’s vision was for northwest Arkansas, ways to create partnerships and community engagement and ways to grow UCA’s influence in the ever-growing region.
“UCA has more than 4,000 alumni in Benton and Washington counties, but we haven’t fully tapped into the opportunity that represents,” Davis said. “This council is how we begin to change that – by building stronger relationships, opening new doors and ensuring UCA plays a visible, lasting role in this region’s future.”
In order to work on this goal, the council will meet twice a year.
At these meetings, they will share insights, provide feedback on engagement strategies and assist in identifying potential partners.
The focus of the council is on influence rather than fundraising. The goal is to create a steady relationship between the university and the region in order to draw more potential students to UCA.
“We were very intentional about who we asked to be part of this founding group,” Gatling said. “Each member is a proud UCA alum and has a real stake in the region. They’re here because they believe the university should have a stronger presence in northwest Arkansas.”
The council is made up of seven members – all of which are UCA alumni and live in northwest Arkansas.
Members include Jennifer Martinez Belt of Bentonville, Jonathan Bricker of Rogers, Chris Brown of Bentonville, Jeff Clifton of Rogers, Kristin Daniel of Bentonville, Ben Maddox of Fayetteville and Michael McCullough of Rogers.
Each member works across a variety of fields, from banking to real estate to technology. Members are also in leadership or executive positions in their respective fields – emphasizing Gatling’s point of having a “real stake” in northwest Arkansas.
“This is just the beginning,” Gatling said. “There are many Bears in northwest Arkansas whose voices belong in this effort.”
Gatling is encouraging other former UCA Bears living in northwest Arkansas to reach out to the council to aid in building UCA’s relationship with the region.
The council’s work is expected to continue into 2026 and beyond, with the goal of cultivating and sustaining a relationship based on local partnerships and community engagement.
“Northwest Arkansas is moving fast, and UCA is ready to move with it,” Davis said. “The momentum is here, and this council will help make sure the university is part of the region’s next chapter.”
