Assistant Vice President for Community, Professional and Economic Development

Dr. Stacey McCullough, Assistant Vice President  for Community, Professional and Economic Development

Community, Professional and Economic Development (CPED) and the Extension family are an integral part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The department is a vital link connecting the resources of the university to citizens in all 75 counties across the Natural State. 

Vision

We are committed to building resilient and inclusive communities while enhancing the wellbeing of Arkansans.

Mission

We strengthen the capacity of individuals, businesses, organizations, and UADA to build inclusive and sustainable communities through research-based resources and processes.

What do we mean by “strengthen the capacity” or capacity building?

When we talk about ways we strengthen capacity, we support a community or individual’s ability to grow and flourish. Capacity building is an investment in the future sustainability of a community or organization through the impact of its people.

Core programs center around leadership training, business development, public issues education, county government and taxes, community and organizational development, workforce and economic development, and e-learning and professional development.

Leadership Training

Programs such as LeadAR, skill-building workshop and customizes assistance in designing community-based leadership programs help identify and train active and effective youth and adult leaders for community, county and statewide leadership roles. Education about parliamentary procedure and other tools to help organizations be more effective are also offered through a variety of teaching methods.

Business Development

CPED programs help small businesses take advantage of new market opportunities and overcome challenges. The Arkansas APEX Accelerator (APEX) provides training, technical assistance and resources to help Arkansas businesses sell products and services to public agencies and their contractors. The Arkansas Business Navigator program assists businesses with access to capital, business development, contracting and procurement, marketing, operations and exporting

Public Issues Education

The Public Policy Center provides timely, credible, unbiased and research-based information and education about public issues. Our goals are to:

• increase citizen knowledge, awareness and understanding of public issues;
• enhance public participation in decisions regarding public issues and
• help citizens craft, evaluate and implement alternative solutions to public issues.

County Government and Taxes

CPED helps Arkansas communities and regions build local capacity to improve their social and economic well-being and create vibrant and resilient communities. Programs include strategic planning, visioning and strategies for effective economic development. Local government educational outreach helps government officials and community members identify causes of fiscal stress and develop effective strategies for providing community services. 

Community and Organizational Development

CPED helps Arkansas communities and regions build local capacity to improve their social and economic well-being and create vibrant and resilient communities. Programs include strategic planning, visioning and strategies for effective economic development. Local government educational outreach helps government officials and community members identify causes of fiscal stress and develop effective strategies for providing community services. 

Workforce and Economic Development

CPED helps Arkansas communities and regions build local capacity to improve their social and economic well-being and create vibrant and resilient communities. Programs include strategic planning, visioning and strategies for effective economic development. Local government educational outreach helps government officials and community members identify causes of fiscal stress and develop effective strategies for providing community services. 

E-learning and Professional Development

CPED helps Arkansas communities and regions build local capacity to improve their social and economic well-being and create vibrant and resilient communities. Programs include strategic planning, visioning and strategies for effective economic development. Local government educational outreach helps government officials and community members identify causes of fiscal stress and develop effective strategies for providing community services. Annual Income Tax School provide updates on policies, procedures and new tax legislation for tax professionals that meet continuing education unit standards.

Products

CPED periodically publishes state, county and subject-matter profiles. Based on social and economic indicators, profiles provide community and state leaders with snapshots of current conditions and emerging trends. Other publications include newsletters, fact sheets, impact studies, best practices, policy briefs and curriculum guides.