The Association includes: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; University of Central Arkansas; University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Southern Arkansas University; Henderson State University; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; University of Arkansas at Monticello; University of Arkansas at Fort Smith; University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture; University of Arkansas System and other nonformula entities which include the University of Arkansas System Office, Archeological Survey, Clinton School, and the Criminal Justice Institute.

“In terms of the AAPU specifically, I have long said that public universities play such an integral role in higher learning, economic development and the future of our state,” Wooldridge said.

Arkansas’ economy is at a crossroads and the state’s future will be based on a knowledgeable entrepreneurial work force, according to Wooldridge.

“Preparing that work force is where the role of the public universities will be elevated,” Wooldridge said. “My task as the director of the association is to elevate in the minds of lawmakers and those in public policy positions, the importance of public universities and also elevate the willingness of public universities to participate in that economic future.”

Wooldridge said each university leader’s participation in the AAPU shows their level of commitment to the overall betterment of the state.

Wooldridge’s legislative background includes serving Arkansas as Chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee; the Agriculture, Economic, and Industrial Development Committee, the Joint Committee on Energy, and the Joint Budget Committee.

During his last session in the Senate in 1995, his colleagues elected him to serve as Chair of the Legislative Council. Wooldridge served eight years in the Arkansas Senate and previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for eight years. Wooldridge is currently the Vice President for Institutional  Advancement/Legislative Affairs at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Foundation in Paragould, Arkansas.
In June 2004, Wooldridge was named Person of the Year by the Arkansas Municipal League; in 2003 he was named Outstanding Senator by the Arkansas State Employees Association; and in 2001 he received the Award of Merit from the Arkansas Environmental Federation. In 2005, Senator Wooldridge was presented the Arkansas Hospital Association’s Statesmanship Award. This award is given to the legislator or congressman who has worked diligently on healthcare issues.

According to the AAPU’s Chairman, Dr. David Rankin, President of Southern Arkansas University, “We are extremely pleased to have an individual with the experience of Tim Wooldridge in the position of Executive Director. He has a great deal of experience and ability and is very well respected. I believe that higher education in Arkansas will benefit greatly through his work with our Association.”