The Conductor is a driver of multidisciplinary collaboration, thinking, and creating through world-class programming and events that support the University of Central Arkansas campus and local communities. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members benefit from the work of the Conductor, such as the , launched in 2022. The map serves as a framework to advocate for policies that support entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers across Arkansas. The Conductor also hosts an annual that allows a cohort of college students to engage in a week of activities geared toward the entrepreneurial process of starting and funding health sciences ventures. Students come from universities in Arkansas and beyond can attend.

• Over 600 citizens participated in a community-wide survey that identified strengths and opportunities
• Development of a new community brand and logo (the first official brand and logo the City of Magnolia has adopted) in partnership with Thrive, Inc., UCA, and Entergy
• Creation of a mobile mural featuring an adaptation of the new community logo painted by Magnolia High School students
• Community leaders participated in a Strategic Doing workshop to identify Community Catalyst projects and learn a new organizing tool
• String lights have been hung in The Square Park in downtown Magnolia (outcome of completing one of the Community Catalyst projects)

You can learn more about the Magnolia branding process and view the new logo and mural HERE.

Partnership story within the Alliance:

To create more accessible training opportunities, the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development, in partnership with Entergy Arkansas, Arkansas Economic Development Commission Community Development Division, and the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development, launched a virtual training series called Community Conversations to explore relevant community and economic development topics and develop new connections across the state of Arkansas. During Community Conversations sessions, Arkansas leaders also had meaningful discussions about what’s going on in their communities.

The Community Conversations partners recognized as we continue to move into the 21st century, cybersecurity is an increasingly important consideration for organizations and governments. Being aware of the potential cybersecurity threats is a crucial step in ensuring data is safe and protected from potential threats. It’s also more important than ever for organizations and communities to have an online presence in our ever-expanding digital economy. In September 2021, the Community Conversations session focused on “Cybersecurity” with BTĚěĚĂAlliance for Economic Impact partner Dr. Stephen Addison, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Addison shared best practices and had an open Q&A with more than 50 community leaders. You can view the recording .

Nato Silue (’20)

Information Systems Student of the Year 2020, Business in Technology (BIT) Club Student of the Year, a Career Services Merit Fellow, and the Acxiom Information Systems Student of the Year

“Growing up, I had limited access to technology, and this ignited in me a dream to have a technical career,” said Silue, who says she chose Information Systems because of how well it combines technology and business.

More about Nato Silue

Elian Mackey
Senior Earning a BS in Information Systems
Information Systems Outstanding Student 2022

“In my Database Management Systems class, I had the opportunity to develop a full database with my project team to exercise real life critical thinking processes that I can use in my future workplace. I gained experience using SQL in this class. Other classes in the CISA department have given me a wide skill set with experience in Java, Python, C++ and HTML. I will forever be grateful for my time here.”

Aubrie Sinclair
Senior Earning a BBA in Computer Information Systems
College of Business Student Ambassador

“I have a summer internship at Acxiom as a Database Tester to get some hands-on experience. When I graduate, I want to be a Data Analyst, so I can’t wait to grow within an innovative company that will push me to be my best self.”

Joyti Lal (‘14)
MBA candidate earning a Data Analytics graduate certificate
Named as an Arkansas Business 2021 “20 In Their Twenties” Honoree

“Businesses are working towards solving complex problems through the lens of analytics. As technology is evolving, analytics is being used to make informed decisions to help reduce risks and increase ROI of an organization. I chose to earn this graduate certificate because I believe data analytics is the future.”