FALL 2014
Education Works A LINK BETWEEN AREA BUSINESSES AND THE UNIVERSITY
Warden Takes Helm in Workforce Development In a continuing effort to advance economic development in the Fort Smith region, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith recently hired Ken Warden, Ph.D., as its associate vice chancellor for workforce development. Warden, who joined the university July 1, will work with regional business and industry leaders to find ways to strengthen or introduce workforce development into the university’s curriculum and develop programs to meet the needs of business and industry. He came to UAFS after 17 years at the Ozark campus of Arkansas Tech University, where he served as chief business and community outreach officer since 2009. He began his career at the university in a key workforce development area, automotive service, and taught for nine years.
In his new role, Warden will help UAFS continue to respond to the needs of the local economy – as when the university created a robotics certification program to be introduced this fall. UAFS is the first university in Arkansas to offer robotics certification. The university also offers green energy courses, including an energy audit course to address the growing need for energy auditors. Warden noted a “great history of collaboration” between UAFS and the region. “I’m committed to continuing this collaborative spirit and to strengthening the university’s ties to our community, our workforce and a flourishing economy,” he said. Warden earned a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and a doctorate in workforce development education from the University of Arkansas. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas Tech. UAFS Chancellor Paul B. Beran, Ph.D., said Warden’s hiring reflects the university’s commitment to the postgraduate success of its students by maximizing academic opportunity in areas that lead directly to employment.
Robertson Named CBPD Director Dave Robertson has been named director of the Center for Business and Professional Development at UAFS. He replaces former director Pat Eller, who retired. The center provides business consulting as well as customized development and training programs in areas including finance, human resources and management. Robertson will supervise six instructors, two staff members and numerous adjunct faculty members. Describing the center as a “fabulous resource,” Robertson said he sees many opportunities for collaboration between the CBPD and the Family Enterprise Center, which he continues to direct. UAFS Chancellor Paul B. Beran, Ph.D., said Robertson is widely
respected and a “perfect fit” for CBPD director. Robertson earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and a master’s in business administration from Webster University. He has worked more than 25 years with local business and industry leaders.
Page 2 CBPD: Commitment to Business and Industry Page 2 New Majors at UAFS Page 4 UAFS Experiential Learning Participation
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