Submitted by: April Gunn, agunn@uca.edu on 07/17/2024
Reuel Shepherd, Director of Community Learning and Workforce Services, will be stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director for Outreach and Community Engagement at UCA, effective July 16, 2024. We are truly grateful for Reuel’s willingness to take on this important role. His leadership and vision will not only help us achieve our shared goals but also open up new opportunities for our team.
Reuel’s commitment to education runs deep, being the son of secondary school English and Science teachers. Born and raised in Conway, Arkansas, Reuel graduated from Conway High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Murray State University, where he was recognized as the Outstanding Senior Man of his graduating class.
After gaining valuable experience in various industries in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, Reuel returned to Conway and found his passion in the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement. He will continue his role as Director of the Community Learning and Workforce Services team, where he leads impactful programs such as CubsREAD, CAYLI (Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute), and the Faulkner County Imagination Library. Reuel is also a Certified Program Planner, a Certified Group Facilitator, and a recent graduate of the Conway Area Leadership Institute. He is the proud father of Ana Brandon, a sophomore at UCA.
We are confident that Reuel’s extensive experience and dedication will greatly benefit the Division of Academic Affairs and the university.