Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner has announced the appointment of Kristi Price as chief of staff, recognizing a longtime member of the Lyon community whose institutional knowledge, leadership experience and commitment to collaboration will help support the college’s continued growth.
Price has been part of the Lyon College community since 2017 and has served in a variety of roles supporting institutional initiatives, shared governance and the development of the college’s professional schools.
“Kristi has been an important part of the Lyon College community since 2017,” Dr. Taverner said. “Through her work with faculty, students, staff and senior leadership, she has developed a deep understanding of our institution, our mission and the opportunities ahead. Her thoughtful leadership and ability to bring people together have made her a trusted colleague across campus.”
NEW ROLE SUPPORTING LYON COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
As chief of staff, Price will serve as a strategic adviser to the president, helping coordinate institutional priorities, strengthen communication and support planning efforts across Lyon College’s Batesville, Little Rock and Cabot campuses.
Price most recently helped guide accreditation, strategic planning and integration efforts associated with Lyon College’s new professional schools.
Her leadership at Lyon has also included extensive involvement in shared governance. Price served four years as secretary of the Lyon College Staff Assembly before serving as president and later joining the President’s Cabinet.
“The chief of staff designation is an honor I take very seriously, and I am humbled by the recognition,” Price said.
Price said the new role reflects work she is already passionate about — bringing together people, plans and resources to help achieve the president’s strategic goals while creating a vibrant workplace for the Lyon College community.
HELPING SHAPE LYON’S PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
Price has played a role in major institutional initiatives, including development of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock and creation of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot.
Price said those projects demonstrate what can happen when people work together toward a common goal.
“The work requires committed people who keep showing up because they believe education can change the future of a life, a community, a profession and an entire state,” Price said.
She said one of Lyon College’s defining characteristics is its willingness to pursue ambitious opportunities regardless of the institution’s size.
“We have never allowed the limits of our size to determine the scale of our imagination,” Price said.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Price earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Education in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri.
Her community involvement extends beyond Lyon College. Price is a member of the WorkWired guiding team, an initiative of IMPACT Independence County powered by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The initiative works to connect schools, employers and community organizations to help young adults secure living-wage careers in the local area.
Price and her husband, Erin, have three young adult children, all graduates of Batesville High School.
Her appointment comes as Lyon College continues expanding its educational footprint beyond its historic Batesville campus through professional education initiatives in Little Rock and Cabot.
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