Grand Opening Set for Women’s Business Leadership Center
Updated: 11/17/2016
JONESBORO — The College of Business celebrated the founding of the Women’s Business Leadership Center at Arkansas State University at a “Lunch to Launch” on Thursday, Nov. 10. Dr. Shane Hunt, dean of the College of Business, said the center will be the only one of its type in the state of Arkansas and the Delta region.
The center is dedicated to promoting leadership and achievement among the young women of Arkansas. The “Step up and Reach Back” leadership initiative is at the core of numerous programs that will be offered through the center and across the state. It will house an incredible assortment of programs, including female business leaders mentoring female students, summer leadership academies in locations across the state to inspire and engage high school girls, and collaboration with STEM programs and other initiatives.
The mission of the center is commitment to cultivating confident and capable young girls and women setting and achieving high goals on their paths to college and careers.
The Founder’s Circle, a group of more than 30 successful professional women, has committed financial resources and time to serve as mentors and advisers to young women and develop a five-year vision for impacting young women.
Dr. Kathy White Loyd, an alumna and long-time supporter of A-State, has agreed to return to Arkansas as the executive director of the center. She has a diverse background as a business executive and entrepreneur recognized for contributions in the field of information technology and economic development.
She currently serves on the board of directors for Mattel, Inc., (MAT) and is retired from Cardinal Health, Inc., (CAH) as executive vice-president and chief information officer. Prior to her business career, she was a tenured associate professor of information technology at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
“Kathy brings a remarkable amount of experience, insight and passion for this project and her presence on campus interacting and mentoring our students will enhance every aspect of our students’ professional development,” stated Hunt. “Kathy knows first-hand the impact that the A-State College of Business can have on students’ lives and careers, and we could not be more excited or thankful that she has agreed to return here to lead this effort.”
