Established by the Little Rock Regional Chamber in 1985, Leadership Greater Little Rock is a nine-month leadership development program that connects professionals from business, nonprofit, education, and government sectors. Through a series of immersive sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the region鈥檚 history, challenges, and opportunities while building relationships that strengthen the community.

Boyce, a Little Rock native and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus, said being selected for the competitive program is both an honor and a humbling experience.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to be selected for Class 41 and grateful to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for supporting my participation,鈥� Boyce said. 鈥淏eing chosen to represent our university is something I don鈥檛 take lightly. It鈥檚 a highly competitive process, and I鈥檓 excited to learn, grow, and serve alongside so many talented leaders from across our region.鈥�

Boyce, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in human services from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, has served the university for 16 years. In his current role, Boyce oversees engagement strategies with alumni, corporate, and foundation partners, develops funding proposals, and aligns philanthropic support with the university鈥檚 strategic initiatives.

Throughout the program, Boyce and his classmates will participate in sessions that explore critical aspects of community leadership 鈥� from history and government to healthcare, education, and economic development. The program begins with a team-building retreat at the 4-H Center and will include immersive learning experiences at Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock Central High School, 糖心Vlog传媒MS, Camp Robinson, and more. Boyce said one highlight he鈥檚 especially looking forward to is the opportunity to fly in a Blackhawk helicopter during the program鈥檚 military-focused session.

Another key component of the program is a community project, where participants collaborate to address real-world challenges. This year鈥檚 projects will focus on neighborhoods identified in Little Rock鈥檚 downtown master plan, with Boyce鈥檚 group working on the SoMa and Pettaway neighborhoods.

鈥淚鈥檓 most excited about the group project because it鈥檚 a chance to step outside my comfort zone and learn more about a part of the city I don鈥檛 know as well,鈥� Boyce said. 鈥淎lthough I鈥檓 a Hillcrestian, I鈥檓 eager to learn more about SoMa and Pettaway and how we can contribute to meaningful change in those neighborhoods. It鈥檚 a great way to make a tangible impact in Little Rock.鈥�

Boyce said the experience will strengthen his ability to serve 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock by deepening his understanding of the city the university calls home.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 talk about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock without talking about Little Rock,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey go hand in hand. Leadership Greater Little Rock will allow me to speak more effectively about our capital city and what it has to offer. It鈥檚 an opportunity to connect the university鈥檚 mission with the broader needs and strengths of our community.鈥�

The program will also provide valuable opportunities to build relationships with community leaders and organizations across the city, relationships Boyce said are critical to advancing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission and impact.

鈥淟eadership Greater Little Rock is designed to create effective leaders,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 look forward to collaborating with my classmates and community partners to see how we can work together for the greater good of both the university and the city.鈥�

Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said Boyce鈥檚 selection is a testament to his leadership and commitment to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the community.

鈥淒erek has spent his career building meaningful relationships that benefit 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, our students, and the city we serve,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淟eadership Greater Little Rock is an ideal next step for him, and I鈥檓 confident he will bring back valuable insights and connections that strengthen both the university and our community.鈥�

The new class, chaired by Molly McNulty, director of development and external relations at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and Dr. Richard Moss, dean of fine arts, humanities, and social sciences at 糖心Vlog传媒-Pulaski Technical College, includes 52 leaders from across central Arkansas. The cohort will present its community projects during a community presentation Dec. 11 at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business.

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