Dr. Sonya Premeaux, associate dean for graduate studies in the UALR College of Business, has been selected to join the upcoming class of Leadership Greater Little Rock.

Each year, around 50 class members are selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in the nine-month program. The class meets one day a month from October to June to explore topics through expert speakers, panels, tours, and group presentations.

Prior to joining UALR last year, Premeaux was associate dean of the Nicholls State University College of Business in Thibodaux, La. She has held faculty positions at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La.

Since joining the UALR College of Business, she has undertaken a major review of the MBA program and is leading efforts to update and expand the program. She is also guiding the College of Business reaffirmation of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation efforts.

Premeaux has been an active member in various civic organizations for many years, including service as the 2010 board chairman of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce.

She earned a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and human resource management from Louisiana State University and a B.S. in management and an MBA from McNeese.

Since 1985, Leadership Greater Little Rock has graduated more than 1,300 community leaders, including a future secretary of state, president pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate, the adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, two university presidents, and three chamber of commerce chairmen.