Boyce Selected for Leadership Greater Little Rock Class 41
Derek Boyce, director of alumni, corporate, and foundation relations at the UA Little Rock, has been selected to join the 41st class of Leadership Greater Little Rock, a prestigious community leadership program designed to develop civic-minded leaders across central Arkansas.
Established by the Little Rock Regional Chamber in 1985, Leadership Greater Little Rock is a nine-month leadership development program that connects professionals from business, nonprofit, education, and government sectors. Through a series of immersive sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history, challenges, and opportunities while building relationships that strengthen the community.
Boyce, a Little Rock native and UA Little Rock alumnus, said being selected for the competitive program is both an honor and a humbling experience.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for Leadership Greater Little Rock Class 41 and grateful to UA Little Rock for supporting my participation,” Boyce said. “Being chosen to represent our university is something I don’t take lightly. It’s a highly competitive process, and I’m excited to learn, grow, and serve alongside so many talented leaders from across our region.”
Boyce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in human services from UA Little Rock, has served the university for 16 years. In his current role, Boyce oversees engagement strategies with alumni, corporate, and foundation partners, develops funding proposals, and aligns philanthropic support with the university’s strategic initiatives.
Throughout the program, Boyce and his classmates will participate in sessions that explore critical aspects of community leadership — from history and government to healthcare, education, and economic development. The program begins with a team-building retreat at the 4-H Center and will include immersive learning experiences at Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock Central High School, UAMS, Camp Robinson, and more. Boyce said one highlight he’s especially looking forward to is the opportunity to fly in a Blackhawk helicopter during the program’s military-focused session.
Another key component of the program is a community project, where participants collaborate to address real-world challenges. This year’s projects will focus on neighborhoods identified in Little Rock’s downtown master plan, with Boyce’s group working on the SoMa and Pettaway neighborhoods.
“I’m most excited about the group project because it’s a chance to step outside my comfort zone and learn more about a part of the city I don’t know as well,” Boyce said. “Although I’m a Hillcrestian, I’m eager to learn more about SoMa and Pettaway and how we can contribute to meaningful change in those neighborhoods. It’s a great way to make a tangible impact in Little Rock.”
Boyce said the experience will strengthen his ability to serve UA Little Rock by deepening his understanding of the city the university calls home.
“You can’t talk about UA Little Rock without talking about Little Rock,” he said. “They go hand in hand. Leadership Greater Little Rock will allow me to speak more effectively about our capital city and what it has to offer. It’s an opportunity to connect the university’s mission with the broader needs and strengths of our community.”
The program will also provide valuable opportunities to build relationships with community leaders and organizations across the city, relationships Boyce said are critical to advancing UA Little Rock’s mission and impact.
“Leadership Greater Little Rock is designed to create effective leaders,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with my classmates and community partners to see how we can work together for the greater good of both the university and the city.”
Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said Boyce’s selection is a testament to his leadership and commitment to UA Little Rock and the community.
“Derek has spent his career building meaningful relationships that benefit UA Little Rock, our students, and the city we serve,” O’Neal said. “Leadership Greater Little Rock is an ideal next step for him, and I’m confident he will bring back valuable insights and connections that strengthen both the university and our community.”
The new class, chaired by Molly McNulty, director of development and external relations at the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and Dr. Richard Moss, dean of fine arts, humanities, and social sciences at UA-Pulaski Technical College, includes 52 leaders from across central Arkansas. The cohort will present its community projects during a community presentation Dec. 11 at UA Little Rock’s School of Business.