Board of Directors

Board membership works to engage their individual communities across Arkansas of every age and background to become immersed in the culture, history, and stories that are rooted in our state. Each of the members is actively involved in grant review and decision-making and works collaboratively with HumanitiesAR staff through strategic planning and development.

Interested in joining our Board of Directors?

If you or someone you know is passionate about the humanities and immersing the community in our mission, submit a nomination using our online form.

Board Members

* Denotes gubernatorial appointees

Leatrice Russ-Glenns*

Board Chair
Adjunct Professor Philander Smith College Little Rock

Dr. Mel Zabecki

Vice Board Chair
State Archeologist Arkansas Archeological Survey Fayetteville

Jillian Hartley

Board Secretary
Professor of History Arkansas Northeast College Blytheville

Judy Costello

Board Treasurer
Education Manager Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Springdale

Kathy Anderson

Board Member
Library Director Philander Smith College Redfield

Dr. Cristine R. Busser

Board Member
Assistant Professor, School of Communication College of Arts University of Central Arkansas Conway

Larry Foley

Board Member
Professor and Chair, School of Journalism & Strategic Media University of Arkansas  Fayetteville

Dr. Bettye Gragg

Board Member
Public School Administrator  Monticello School District Monticello

Dr. Brian Jones

Board Member
President/CEO SHARE Foundation El Dorado

Dr. Joseph Key

Professor of History Arkansas State University Jonesboro

Tippi McCullough

Board Member
State Representative District 33 State of Arkansas  Little Rock

Dr. James Metzger*

Board Member
Economist  HISTECON Associates, Inc.  Little Rock

Tim Nutt

Board Member
Director UAMS Historical Research Center Little Rock

Elizabeth Findley Shores

Board Member
Independent Scholar Maumelle

Leita Spears

Board Member
Chief Interpreter (Retired) Waldron

Dr. Lisa Speer

Board Member
Professor and University Archivist, Coordinator of the Public History Program Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia

Dr. Tricia Starks

Professor of History University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis

Board Member
Flight Attendant American Airlines Little Rock

Catherine Wallack

Archivist University of Arkansas Libraries Fayetteville