Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed Gary Stark, a sixth-generation Cleburne County native, to the Arkansas State Board of Education. Stark will replace Adrienne Woods and serve a term expiring June 30, 2033.
Experience and Background
Stark has worked as a classroom teacher, principal, nonprofit executive, and education adviser. He most recently served as senior adviser for K-12 education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group, supporting education initiatives and partnerships in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Stark began his career as a teacher in Tennessee before becoming a principal in Arkansas. He received the Milken Educator Award in 2001 and later served as vice president of the Milken Family Foundation and president and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.
A military veteran, Stark earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas. He also holds bachelor’s, master’s, and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.
Stark and his family have lived in Northwest Arkansas for the past 30 years. His wife is a retired educator, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
