Brian Berry Selected for Leadership Arkansas Class 20
Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School at UA Little Rock, has been selected for the prestigious state leadership program, Leadership Arkansas.
Berry is one of 53 community and business leaders across the state chosen for the 20th year of the exclusive program, which is operated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. Participants are selected for their leadership within their profession, their community, and for their commitment to expanding that impact.
“As a lifelong Arkansan, I have a deep-seated commitment to the future of our state,” Berry said. “Being selected for Leadership Arkansas is an incredible honor and an opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face. I am eager to bring the insights and connections from this program back to UA Little Rock to strengthen our university’s role as a catalyst for innovation and economic development across Arkansas.”
From September to May 26, 2026, Leadership Arkansas participants will engage in a series of sessions designed to deepen their understanding of leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, tourism, government, workforce development, and more. Each session provides hands-on experiences and insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within different regions of the state, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of the program.
A proud UA Little Rock alumnus, Berry earned both his B.A. and Ph.D. in chemistry at the university. He now oversees graduate education and research initiatives as vice provost and dean, leading offices such as Graduate Admissions, Research and Sponsored Programs, Tech Launch, the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, and the Emerging Analytics Center.
Under his leadership, UA Little Rock has nearly doubled its external research funding in the past five years, developed the university’s first-ever Strategic Research Plan, and worked to strengthen graduate enrollment.
Beyond campus, Berry serves the state through roles in the Arkansas Research Alliance Academy, the state’s Science Advisory Committee, and the Little Rock Tech Park board. These experiences give him a unique perspective on how higher education can drive economic growth and innovation.
“Leadership Arkansas offers a platform to learn from peers and collaborate on solutions that move our state forward,” Berry said. “I am proud to represent UA Little Rock in this important program and excited about the opportunities to contribute to Arkansas’s future.”