Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement at UA Little Rock, has been selected for the highly regarded state leadership program, Leadership Arkansas.

O’Neal is one of 53 community and business leaders in the state who joins the 19th class of the exclusive leadership program, which is operated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. All of the class members are leaders within their communities and professions and are interested in expanding that involvement.

“I am honored to be selected for Leadership Arkansas to represent UA Little Rock,” O’Neal said. “This is an opportunity to connect with other leaders from across Arkansas, learn from their perspective, and contribute to the discussions that can shape the future of Arkansas. Equally important to me is that a dozen of my classmates are UA Little Rock graduates who are leaders in their respective fields, ranging from law to construction management, to business, and data science.”

This professional development opportunity will enable O’Neal to further refine his leadership skills and contribute fresh perspectives to the university community. From September 2024 to May 2025, Leadership Arkansas participants will engage in a series of sessions designed to deepen their understanding of leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, tourism, government, workforce development, and more. Each session is tailored to provide hands-on experiences and insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within these regions, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of the program.

“Before me, Vice Chancellor Cody Decker and Professor Elizabeth Small, Director of Business Networks, have made significant contributions to the Leadership Arkansas program,” O’Neal said. “They have helped to grow the relationships between the university and our many business partners. Their involvement underscores the university’s commitment to fostering strong connections within the business community and ensuring that UA Little Rock remains a valued contributor to the discussion, and a resource for helping to build Arkansas.”

O’Neal has been instrumental in advancing the university’s mission and fostering a culture of giving and support since first coming on board in 2003. His latest challenge is leading the Centennial Campaign, a capital campaign with a goal of raising $250 million by UA Little Rock’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.

This campaign focuses on securing funds for scholarships, student support programs, faculty excellence, and enhancing the living and learning environment on campus. Under O’Neal’s guidance, the Centennial Campaign has helped UA Little Rock invest in cutting-edge educational resources, attract and retain top-notch faculty, and provide students with transformative opportunities that prepare them for success. Learn more about the Centennial Campaign by visiting ualr.edu/centennial.

“The Centennial Campaign has been incredibly successful so far, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made,” O’Neal said. “We’ve raised significant funds that will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community. However, there’s still work to be done, and I’m confident that with continued support, we’ll reach our goals and set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.”