Director for Community, Professional and Economic Development

Dr. Stacey McCullough, Director for Community, Professional and Economic Development

Community, Professional and Economic Development (CPED) and the Extension family are an integral part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The department is a vital link connecting the resources of the university to citizens in all 75 counties across the Natural State. The mission of CPED is to strengthen Arkansas' resilient communities and businesses through research-based education. Programs include Leadership, Community, Business and Public Policy.

Leadership in Arkansas

Flagship programs such as LeadAR and local community leadership programs, help identify and train active and effective youth and adult leaders for community, county and statewide leadership roles. Education about parliamentary procedure and other tools to help organizations be more effective are also offered through a variety of teaching methods.

Community Development

CPED helps Arkansas communities and regions build local capacity to improve their social and economic well-being and create vibrant and resilient communities. Programs include strategic planning, visioning and strategies for effective economic development. Local government educational outreach helps government officials and community members identify causes of fiscal stress and develop effective strategies for providing community services. 

Business

CPED provides educational programs and technical assistance to strengthen Arkansas businesses. The Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides training, technical assistance and resources to help Arkansas businesses sell products and services to public agencies and their contractors. Annual Income Tax School provide updates on policies, procedures and new tax legislation for tax professionals that meet continuing education unit standards. Entrepreneurship and e-commerce programs teach youth and adult business operators how to enhance their competitive edge based on the latest research findings and technology.  

Public Policy

The Public Policy Center provides timely, credible, unbiased and research-based information and education about public issues. Our goals are to:

• increase citizen knowledge, awareness and understanding of public issues;
• enhance public participation in decisions regarding public issues and
• help citizens craft, evaluate and implement alternative solutions to public issues.

Products

CPED periodically publishes state, county and subject-matter profiles. Based on social and economic indicators, profiles provide community and state leaders with snapshots of current conditions and emerging trends. Other publications include newsletters, fact sheets, impact studies, best practices, policy briefs and curriculum guides.