UA Little Rock, Rotary Club Honor Patrick Schueck as 2025 Business and Professional Leader of the Year
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Rotary Club 99 of Little Rock honored Patrick Schueck, president and CEO of Lexicon Inc., as the 2025 Rotary Business and Professional Leader of the Year during an Oct. 15 ceremony at the Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development.
The annual award recognizes an Arkansas business leader whose innovation, leadership, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the state. During the ceremony, university and community leaders joined Rotary Club members to unveil a portrait of Schueck that will hang in the Reynolds Center for the next year.
“It’s a pleasure to be with you today representing UA Little Rock at this celebration of leadership, innovation, and service,” said Dr. Christina S. Drale, chancellor of UA Little Rock. “On behalf of our university, I want to thank the Rotary Club of Little Rock for your ongoing partnership and commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. Rotary’s mission of service above self aligns beautifully with our work at UA Little Rock.”
Drale highlighted Schueck’s long history of innovation and leadership as CEO of Lexicon.
“Few companies embody that spirit of innovation and impact more clearly than Lexicon, and few leaders more fully than Patrick Schueck,” Drale said. “As CEO, Patrick has grown Lexicon into a billion-dollar enterprise that has not only reshaped skylines across the country but transformed the economic landscape of Arkansas. Under his leadership, Lexicon has led landmark projects, expanded into new markets, and pioneered advancements in automated steel fabrication, all while investing deeply in the people behind the work.”
Drale also recognized the Schueck family’s enduring legacy of philanthropy and support for UA Little Rock.
“Like your father, Tom, who was so generous to our campus, your own leadership continues that legacy of partnership and impact,” Drale said. “From the auditorium that proudly bears your family’s name to the opportunities you’re creating for future generations, the Schueck family’s contributions will be felt on this campus for decades to come.”
Schueck’s leadership extends well beyond construction and steel. Through initiatives like Lexicon University, launched in 2022, and Strong as Steel: Building Mental Might, introduced in 2024, he is redefining how companies support their workforce by providing educational opportunities, mental health resources, and wellness services. His company’s work has helped make Mississippi County the top steel-producing county in the nation, fueling regional economic growth and transforming Arkansas into a major force in the steel industry.
“Patrick, your leadership sets a powerful example — not only for business, but for all of us who care deeply about community and the future of Arkansas,” Drale said.
In his remarks, Schueck expressed deep gratitude to UA Little Rock, Rotary Club 99, and the many mentors and colleagues who have supported him throughout his career.
“I want to thank Dr. Christina Drale for those kind words and for everything UA Little Rock does to prepare the next generation of leaders,” Schueck said. “When I look around this room, I see partners, mentors, and friends who’ve been part of my journey and part of Lexicon’s story. This award may have my name on it, but it really belongs to the people who make our company and our community strong. At Lexicon, we like to say that steel builds our structures, but people build our success. I’ve learned that if you take care of your people, they will take care of everything else.”
Schueck’s belief in taking care of his people has guided the company’s investments in training, safety, and innovation.
“From our high school partnerships that introduce young people to the trades, to Lexicon University, where employees can keep growing their skills and their careers — the steel we build lasts for generations, and so does the impact of investing in people,” he said.
He also spoke about his family’s long-standing partnership with UA Little Rock and the importance of community leadership.
“My family has long believed in supporting this university because it’s an engine of opportunity for students, for businesses, and for our state,” Schueck said. “Rotary’s mission — Service Above Self — is something I try to live out every day. Whether it’s through our work, our mentorship, or our community engagement, I believe leadership is about lifting others up. That’s how we build not just great companies but great communities.”
Following Schueck’s remarks, Drale joined Jason Chacko, immediate past president of Rotary Club 99, to unveil the portrait commemorating Schueck’s recognition as the 2025 Business and Professional Leader of the Year.
As CEO of Lexicon, Schueck has overseen major strategic growth, including the acquisition of Steel Fabricators of Monroe and Universal and the transformation of Prospect Steel into a global leader in automated robotic fabrication. His leadership has guided the company’s involvement in some of the nation’s most significant construction projects, from Chicago’s McCormick Center expansion and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to NASA’s Stennis A3 Test Stand and Nucor Corporation sites.
Schueck’s influence also extends into civic and nonprofit leadership. He serves as chairman of the Clinton National Airport Commission, sits on the executive committee of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, and is a member of the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council. He also serves on the boards of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Easterseals Arkansas, Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering, American Institute of Steel Construction, and US Bank.
Chacko closed the ceremony by thanking Schueck for his leadership and inviting attendees to continue the celebration over lunch.
“Patrick Schueck’s vision, commitment, and leadership reflect the very best of Arkansas business and community spirit,” Chacko said. “We are proud to honor his contributions and celebrate the difference he continues to make for our state and beyond.”