O’Donnell, a senior program and project manager, brings over 50 years of experience in information technology and a passion for service to the role.

“I’ve always stepped forward to take on leadership when needed,” O’Donnell said. “I’m excited to continue the successful programs Staff Senate has developed, like Helping Hands and the Blood Drive, and to represent the interests of our university staff. I also want to foster more volunteerism and strengthen collaboration with the Faculty Senate and the Chancellor’s office.”

O’Donnell joined ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock in December 2015 after working as a consultant for the university. His extensive career spans industries ranging from finance and airlines to food and semiconductors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College and an MBA from Drake University. A Conway resident since 2010, O’Donnell and his wife Linda have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

O’Donnell has been a member of the Staff Senate since 2023 and has served as chair of the Blood Drive and Helping Hands Committees. Outside of the university, he is active in the Conway Senior Softball League and has served on the Board of Directors for the Project Management Institute (PMI). A certified Project Management Professional since 2002, he also mentors aspiring project managers.

“Staff Senate is an opportunity to give back beyond the 8-to-5 workday,” O’Donnell said. “I believe my management and leadership skills can make a difference in advocating for the staff and enhancing our campus community.”

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A native of India, Modi moved to Arkansas with her family at age 15, noting that the “big move has been good for my family and me.”

She graduated from ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in web design and development and a minor in information technology and digital graphics. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in information science.

“As a student with English as my second language, who can only work 40 hours per week full-time, the Staff Senate Scholarship will be tremendously helpful in covering my tuition and other school needs,” Modi said. “I reside with my parents, including my two siblings who are also attending college. Because my parents cannot finance our education, the scholarship would help greatly as I work toward my goal.”

Bud Tilman, deputy chief information officer and director of enterprise applications, said Modi, who has worked at ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock for three years, is responsible for leading several Information Technology Services projects that have improved the quality of the university’s website and web applications.

“Vruti possesses the ultimate can-do attitude while taking on all tasks with positive energy and a smile,” Tilman said. “Her upbeat personality and engaging style enables her to interact effectively with all parties. Vruti has excelled in her role exhibiting one of the highest levels of productivity. I am confident she has the intelligence, work ethic, and communications skills to add value to whatever she does.”

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