Welcome
Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Maria Haley speaks to state university presidents and chancellors.
State Economic Leaders Discuss Importance of Higher Education
MORRILTON, Ark. – Education and economic development are dually joined at the hip, Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Maria Haley told state university presidents and chancellors last weekend.
“Your role as universities is absolutely essential to grow the state’s economy,” said Haley in her challenge to the group of 11 state higher education leaders assembled Friday at the third annual Arkansas Association of Public Universities (AAPU) presidents and chancellors meeting.
Haley was among several presenters at the Friday luncheon who were invited to discuss the role higher education plays in economic development.
Welcome to AAPU
Welcome to the Arkansas Association of Public Universities. The AAPU was created by a group of visionary leaders who realized that the future of our state 
depends on a knowledge based economy and that elevating higher education in the minds of Arkansans is critical to the future economic success of our state.
Presidents and Chancellors of member institutions understand cooperation and collaboration are imperative in delivering the quality of academics, research, community service, and economic development our students deserve.
As Executive Director of the AAPU, my task is to ensure that state leaders and those in public policy positions are acutely aware of the integral role public universities play in higher learning and in the overall betterment of the state.
We must all come together and take whatever action is necessary so that Arkansas no longer educates and trains its young people only to have them relocate to other states to gain the experience they need to be successful. It is vital to the future of Arkansas that those opportunities are available to them here in Arkansas.
On behalf of all of our member institutions, I thank you for seeking out the AAPU. We want to be your first step through the door of higher education and to a prosperous future in Arkansas.
Sincerely,
Tim Wooldridge
Executive Director
Arkansas Association of Public Universities
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