Lyon College has announced the appointment of Samuel McLelland as General Counsel, bringing extensive experience in law, government and higher education to the institution during a period of significant growth across Arkansas.
McLelland will serve as chief legal officer for the Lyon College System, which includes the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Batesville, the School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock, and the future School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot, which is expected to open in 2027 pending accreditation.
A native of North Little Rock, McLelland earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, magna cum laude, from the University of Arkansas before working for U.S. Senator Mark Pryor and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He later earned his law degree from Emory University School of Law and served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall Jr.
Following his clerkship, McLelland built a legal career focused on complex federal litigation, employment law and corporate matters.
Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner praised McLelland’s leadership and expertise.
“Sam has seamlessly stepped into this role and has already made an immediate impact,” Taverner said. “His legal expertise, sound judgment and commitment to our mission will be invaluable as Lyon College continues to expand through the development of our dental and veterinary schools while strengthening our undergraduate and graduate programs.”
McLelland said he is excited to join Lyon College during one of the most transformative periods in the institution’s history.
“I am honored and energized to join Lyon College at such a pivotal moment,” McLelland said. “Lyon is boldly charting new territory in Arkansas higher education, and the opportunity to serve as general counsel as the college launches Arkansas’s first dental school and veterinary school is truly extraordinary.”
In his new role, McLelland will provide legal guidance and strategic counsel throughout the Lyon College System, supporting governance, compliance, risk management and continued academic growth.
Founded in 1872, Lyon College is Arkansas’ oldest college operating under its original charter and continues to expand educational opportunities through undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across the state.
