Institute News in October 2024

Institute News in October 2024

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is pleased to announce Dr. Wendy Ward, associate provost for faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has accepted a three-year appointment to our board of directors. In her university role, Dr. Ward oversees the UAMS Faculty Center, a centralized resource for faculty affairs, development, and wellness.

“I look forward to the impact Dr. Wendy Ward will have in helping guide the Institute through the completion of our 2025 strategic plan and beyond,” Janet Harris, Institute executive director/CEO, said. “Dr. Ward’s proven leadership in both academic and professional settings, specifically her commitment to mentorship and professional growth, perfectly aligns with our mission to create transformational change.” (Read more)


New Incentives, Seasonal Treats for Groups Booking for January-March 2025

When you fill out our Conference Application Form, use the promo code COMP ROOM 24 to enjoy our lowest rates of the year! In addition, as the event planner, you'll stay in our premiere guest room — completely free! Yes, your stay is on us. 

New to this promotion are special seasonal menu items developed by Austin Bond, our executive chef, and Kristi Strain, our director of hospitality. We're thrilled to feature a festive Mardi Gras-style menu in February, complete with authentic beignets, pralines, King Cake, and rich gumbo. We're also offering special Lent meals, including Fish Fridays, and elevated boxed lunches that can be paired with a peaceful yoga session at the Studio Overlook or an invigorating trail walk around Lake Abby.  

Other new items include sweet-and-savory crepes, grazing table options, breakfast sundae bars, and new desserts! Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, workshop, or special gathering, this is your chance to experience services you won’t find anywhere else — and all atop Petit Jean Mountain.


In Service to the Changemakers

In this new four-part blog series, we’re diving deep into the Rockefeller Ethic — our guiding process inspired by the life and leadership of Winthrop Rockefeller. Each post will explore one of the essential principles that define this equation. First up is Collaborative Problem Solving. Sarah French, a member of our conference services team, reveals how the power of collective input fuels meaningful change, transforming not just our workplaces but our communities and state as well.

"Carrying forward the legacy of a visionary philanthropist who dedicated himself to reforming state governance, advancing civil rights, attracting industry, and transforming agriculture is a monumental task, even for the entire Institute. Yet even a man as imposing, compelling, and connected as Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller knew he couldn’t move the needle on his passion projects alone. His funds and grit wouldn’t get it done; he needed collaboration." (Read more)


Making Space for Respectful Dialogue

Up next is Respectful Dialogue. Payton Christenberry, director of our facilitation services team, shares how his work embodies this aspect of the Rockefeller Ethic and the tools he uses to help participants overcome one of the most challenging barriers to meaningful collaboration.

"Facilitation and the Rockefeller Ethic go hand-in-hand. When we are designing or leading a meeting, we use the Ethic as our guidepost. And while the different aspects of the Ethic are all important, one of the trickiest and most crucial for me is Respectful Dialogue. These two simple words encompass complex and meaningful interactions, and when the right space is created for them, a group can progress further, faster." (Read more)


Arkansas PBS Debates

Civic Arkansas, an Institute program, was the presenting sponsor for this year's U.S. Congressional Debate series with Arkansas PBS . Our team was able to attend all four debates live as they were filmed at Arkansas PBS's studio at the University of Central Arkansas, but you can also watch them online! 

  • District 1: Rick Crawford (R), Rodney Govens (D), Steve Parsons (L)
  • District 2: French Hill (R), Marcus Jones (D)
  • District 3: Steve Womack (R), Caitlin Draper (D), Bobby Wilson (L)
  • District 4: Bruce Westerman (R), Risie Howard (D)


Arkansas Ballot Issues

The 2024 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide is OUT NOW! What will you find in the UA Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center's new guide?

  • How the proposals will appear on the ballot
  • Answers to basic questions about each issue
  • Reasons why people may support or oppose the proposals
  • A worksheet to record your voting plans

The report provides voters with neutral, research-based information on all statewide ballot proposals to raise awareness about the issues and increase voter participation. Early voting has already started in Arkansas, with Election Day happening on November 5, 2024.

*NOTE: On Oct. 21, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that votes cast on Issue 3 will NOT be counted. (Click here to read the 2024 Ballot Issues Guide)


Join Our Team!

Our employees make it a priority to help others succeed. They also look for opportunities and seize them, raise the bar of hospitality, and know how to have fun along the way! We are currently accepting applications for the following part-time and full-time positions: 

As a Conference Planner, your role would be to attract and secure business across all market segments. This includes booking rooms, catering, and conferences for the Institute and ensuring these events run smoothly and meet guest expectations. Additionally, the role involves coordinating programs, workshops, and events to maximize their contributions to the Institute.

As the Executive Assistant to the CEO, your role would be to provide executive support by maintaining the executive director/CEO's schedule, establishing professional relationships with external partners on behalf of our executive office, and serving as the Board appointing secretary of the corporation, among other similar responsibilities.


The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to continue Winthrop Rockefeller's collaborative approach to transformational change. We do this work by employing the "Rockefeller Ethic," which represents the belief that diversity of opinion, engaging in respectful dialogue, and practicing collaborative problem solving combine to create transformational change.


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