Sarah Henry
The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances has named Sarah Stanley Henry as its new director of Marketing & Finance. Henry brings to UCA Public Appearances a career built at the intersection of the arts, education and community — a foundation that has shaped both her professional path and her personal conviction that the arts are essential to a thriving community.
Most recently, Henry served as director of Community & Special Events for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, where she worked to connect local businesses with the community, building relationships and creating events that brought people together around shared purpose. Before that, her career carried a strong thread through music education. In addition to nonprofit work in arts and education and conducting student choirs in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas, she served as a music specialist for Fort Worth Independent School District and, more recently, as a middle school choral music educator for Conway Public Schools.
Henry’s deep love for fine arts and a passion to facilitate meaningful encounters with live performances for audiences of all ages is what she hopes to bring to her new role at UCA.
“Fine arts opportunities and experiences essentially raised me and paved the way to create connections within my community,” Henry said. “The arts shaped my career path, and ultimately my interactions with the world around me.”
For Henry, the arts are more than entertainment — they are a common language and shared experience.
“Promoting fine arts opportunities in a shared space where our community connects not only with the performance, but also with one another, gives us all a seat at the same table,” Henry said. “Perspectives are broadened, imaginations are ignited.
“And, for just a moment in time, we are given permission to escape into a different story.”
In her new role, Henry will oversee marketing and finance for UCA Public Appearances, helping guide the initiatives that bring world-class performances, speakers, and cultural experiences to the university and the greater Central Arkansas community. Her experience connecting businesses, educators and audiences positions her to expand the reach and impact of the program for years to come.
UCA Public Appearances welcomes Henry and looks forward to the vision, heart and community spirit she brings to the team.