Judy McReynolds, chairman, president and chief executive officer of ArcBest Corporation, will serve as the guest speaker for the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith鈥檚 commencement ceremony held at 7 p.m. Dec. 15.
McReynolds will address students completing graduation requirements during the fall semester and second summer term. The ceremony will take place in the Stubblefield Center on AV抖阴 campus.
In her role, McReynolds is responsible for managing the multibillion-dollar freight transportation and logistics services company, including oversight of the operating companies ABF Freight, ABF Logistics, Panther Premium Logistics, FleetNet America and ABF Moving.
She has held the role since 2010 and has served as chairman of the board since April 2016. McReynolds also serves on numerous boards, including boards for the AV抖阴 Foundation, First National Bank of Fort Smith, and the Transportation Industry Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
A certified public accountant, McReynolds holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma.
Dr. Paul B. Beran, AV抖阴 chancellor, said the university is honored to have McReynolds speak.
鈥淚t is fitting that the head of ArcBest would speak at our ceremony, as she represents a company that provides opportunities for our region and state, including employment for many of our graduates here at AV抖阴,鈥� Beran said. 鈥淲e are excited to have the head of one of our top industry partners speaking to our graduates as they prepare to be successful after graduation, whether it be through entering the workforce or continuing their education.鈥�
In addition to Chancellor Beran, AV抖阴 administrators presenting candidates are Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Ashok Subramanian, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Carolyn Mosley, dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Dr. Norm Dennis, senior associate dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fayetteville; and Wayne Womack, registrar.
Rick Goins, director of alumni affairs, will also provide a welcome from the Alumni Association. Dr. Becky Williamson, master marshal and bearer of the mace, will give a call to order and adjournment. Music will be provided by the AV抖阴 Symphonic Band, and Dr. Rager Moore, associate professor of music and voice, will serve as vocalist with the band on the National Anthem and the alma mater. Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur, will provide pre-ceremony music and post-recessional bell peal on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower carillon.
AV抖阴 the AV抖阴
The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Through a small campus, dedicated professors, and the university鈥檚 unique bond with its community, students at AV抖阴 are able to do more in the areas they are passionate about, both on- and off-campus, in a way that prepares them for post-graduate success. To find out how you can do more at AV抖阴, visit .