A sixth-generation Cleburne County native with more than 35 years of experience in education has been appointed to help guide education policy across Arkansas.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the appointment of Dr. Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education. Stark will replace Adrienne Woods and serve a term scheduled to expire June 30, 2033.
Stark is a lifelong educator, military veteran and nonprofit executive whose career has included work as a classroom teacher, Arkansas principal, national education organization leader, philanthropic adviser and special assistant with the United States Department of Education.
Sanders said Stark’s extensive work with teachers, students and schools gives him an understanding of what is required to build successful schools and improve student achievement.
The governor said Stark’s experience aligns with the goals of Arkansas LEARNS, particularly its emphasis on teacher effectiveness and improved outcomes for students.
“Few people understand what it takes to build great schools better than Gary Stark,” Sanders said in announcing the appointment.
The governor credited Stark’s work with strengthening thousands of schools and supporting educators and students across the country. She said he will bring leadership and vision to the State Board of Education as Arkansas continues implementing major changes to its education system.
STARK ACCEPTS APPOINTMENT
Stark said he was honored to accept the appointment and looks forward to working with state leaders, educators and families.
“I look forward to working with the Governor, my fellow board members, parents, and educators across Arkansas,” Stark said.
He said his goal will be to help advance an education system that supports every Arkansas student.
Stark also credited teachers and school administrators for their work to improve student outcomes and said education policies implemented under Sanders are making a difference in the lives of students and the future of the state.
SIXTH-GENERATION CLEBURNE COUNTY NATIVE
Stark is a sixth-generation native of Cleburne County, giving the longtime educator deep family and community roots in north-central Arkansas.
Although Stark and his family have lived in Northwest Arkansas for approximately 30 years, his career has taken him into classrooms, schools, government agencies and national education organizations across the country.
His appointment gives a Cleburne County native a direct role in helping shape education policy affecting students, teachers and school districts throughout Arkansas.
MORE THAN 35 YEARS IN EDUCATION
Stark began his education career as a classroom teacher in Tennessee before returning to Arkansas and becoming a school principal.
His work as a principal earned him national recognition in 2001 when he received the Milken Educator Award for leadership and commitment to student success.
The Milken Educator Awards program recognizes outstanding educators for their achievements in the classroom and school leadership.
Stark later became vice president of the Milken Family Foundation, expanding his work from local school leadership to national education policy and support.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Stark later served as president and chief executive officer of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, commonly known as NIET.
The organization works with schools, districts, states and universities to improve educator effectiveness and student achievement.
During his leadership, Stark helped guide one of the country’s largest nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening teaching and improving schools.
He continues to support the organization as its chairman and as a member of its board.
WALTON PERSONAL PHILANTHROPY GROUP
Most recently, Stark served as senior adviser for K-12 education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group.
In that position, he supported education initiatives and partnerships across Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
His work included collaborating with state education agencies, nonprofit organizations and universities to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students and educators.
FEDERAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
Stark has also advised state and national education leaders throughout his career.
His experience includes serving as a special assistant with the United States Department of Education, giving him firsthand knowledge of federal education programs and national policymaking.
Stark’s professional background combines classroom experience, school administration, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and government service.
MILITARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
In addition to his education career, Stark is a military veteran.
He also serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, an organization that provides education, training and employment services to Arkansans.
His professional and volunteer work has focused on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening educators and improving outcomes for students and communities.
ARKANSAS EDUCATION
Stark earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas.
He also earned bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.
His wife is a retired educator. The couple has two daughters and two grandchildren.
The governor’s office said Stark’s experience at the local, state and national levels will help the Arkansas State Board of Education as it continues overseeing the implementation of education policies and reforms.
The appointment was announced Monday, July 27. Stark’s term is scheduled to continue through June 30, 2033, according to the official announcement from the governor’s office.
APPOINTMENT AT A GLANCE
Appointee: Dr. Gary Stark
Position: Arkansas State Board of Education
Appointed by: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Replaces: Adrienne Woods
Term expires: June 30, 2033
Hometown roots: Sixth-generation Cleburne County native
Experience: More than 35 years in education
Other service: Military veteran and nonprofit executive
Education: University of Arkansas and University of Central Arkansas
Most recent position: Senior adviser for K-12 education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Classroom teacher in Tennessee
School principal in Arkansas
Recipient of the 2001 Milken Educator Award
Vice president of the Milken Family Foundation
President and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
Special assistant with the United States Department of Education
Senior adviser with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group
Chairman and board member of NIET
Board member of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
More than 35 years serving students, educators and schools
Military veteran
Sixth-generation Cleburne County native
5-SECOND RADIO LEAD-IN
A Cleburne County native has been appointed to help guide education policy across Arkansas.
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