James Youngquist, executive director of the Institute for Economic Advancement in the UALR College of Business, recently provided a guest commentary highlighting the institute’s 60th anniversary.

Youngquist recounted its history for the monthly magazine Talk Business and Politics.

From its conception during the Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus era to its current multiple partnerships with the business community, Youngquist said visionary leadership helped develop the institute into arguably the most comprehensive university-based economic development research and training institute in the U.S.

“It has been a remarkable 60-year adventure,” he said.

As a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center, the institute is charged with enhancing the work of Arkansas’ planning and economic development districts.

Currently, the institute is partnering with the federal government to provide technical assistance in the disaster recovery infrastructure effort for Vilonia and Mayflower. Both towns were devastated by tornadoes in 2014.

Youngquist is the recipient of the President’s Award from the National Association of Development Organizations at its annual conference in San Diego. He has worked at the institute since February 2008.