Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed longtime educator and nonprofit leader Gary Stark to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Education, bringing decades of experience in classrooms, school leadership and education policy to the board.
The appointment was announced in Little Rock and fills the position previously held by Adrienne Woods. Stark’s term on the board will continue through June 30, 2033.
Governor Sanders said Stark’s extensive background in education makes him a strong addition to the state board as Arkansas continues working on education initiatives and reforms.
“Few people understand what it takes to build great schools better than Gary Stark,” said Governor Sanders. “Spending more than three decades serving students and teachers at every level of education, from the classroom to national leadership, Gary knows that student success starts with great teachers equipped with the tools they need to help every kid reach their full potential. His work has strengthened thousands of schools, supporting hundreds of thousands of educators and millions of students across the country, bringing the same focus on teacher effectiveness and student achievement that’s at the heart of Arkansas LEARNS. I know Gary will bring that same leadership and vision to the State Board of Education as we continue to shape the next chapter of education in Arkansas.”
Stark said he was honored by the appointment and expressed his support for continuing efforts to improve education opportunities for students across the state.
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“I am honored to be appointed byGovernor Sanders to serve on the State Board of Education,” said Gary Stark. “Governor Sanders has launched some of the boldest education reforms in the nation and we are seeing improved outcomes for students. These policies, along with the hard work of our educators and school leaders, are making a difference in the lives of our kids and the future of our state. I look forward to working with the Governor, my fellow board members, parents, and educators across Arkansas to advance an education system that supports all students.
Stark’s career in education spans more than 35 years and includes work as a teacher, school administrator, education executive and national leader. He is also a military veteran and a sixth-generation native of Cleburne County, Arkansas.
Throughout his career, Stark has focused on expanding educational opportunities and improving support for teachers and students. His experience includes leadership roles in schools, nonprofit organizations and education-focused initiatives across Arkansas and the country.
Most recently, Stark served as Senior Advisor for K–12 Education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group. In that role, he supported education programs and partnerships across Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. He worked with state education agencies, nonprofit groups and universities on efforts aimed at strengthening schools and creating more opportunities for students and educators.
Stark began his professional journey as a classroom teacher in Tennessee before moving into school leadership as a principal in Arkansas. His work as an educator earned him national recognition when he received the Milken Educator Award in 2001 for his leadership and commitment to student achievement.
He later served as Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation and became President and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations focused on improving teaching quality and helping schools succeed.
Over the years, Stark has also advised education leaders at both the state and federal levels. He previously served with the United States Department of Education as a Special Assistant and continues to participate in education efforts nationwide. He currently serves as chairman and board member of NIET and is also a board member of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.
Stark holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas. He also earned bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.
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After three decades in education, Stark and his family continue to call Northwest Arkansas home. His wife is also a retired educator, and the couple has two daughters and two grandchildren.
With his appointment to the Arkansas State Board of Education, Stark will now help guide decisions affecting schools, teachers and students throughout the state. Officials said his experience in education leadership will provide valuable perspective as Arkansas continues shaping its education system and addressing the needs of students and educators.
