Gov. Beebe appoints local businessman Dan Pierce to Board of Trustees

Jan. 18, 2010 -- Dan Pierce, a Jonesboro businessman, has been appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees for Arkansas State University, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe announced Monday morning in Little Rock.

“ I want to thank Governor Beebe for the honor and privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees for Arkansas State University,” said Pierce. “I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of my good friend, the late Mike Medlock.  Mike possessed a unique set of skills and talents that will not be easily replaced. 

“I look forward to working with the other trustees; Dr. Wyatt; and the chancellors, students, faculty, and staff at all the ASU campuses to help ASU to continue to improve and prosper.”

Pierce joins current members Mrs. Florine Tousant Milligan (chair) of Forrest City, Howard Slinkard of Rogers, Ron Rhodes of Cherokee Village, and Mike Gibson of Osceola.

"Dan Pierce has built a strong bond with Arkansas State University and with Jonesboro," Beebe said. "The combination of Dan's calm, level-headed personality and his business experience will serve him well on the Board and make him a good representative for ASU."

Pierce, 61, is the chief operations officer at NAI Halsey commercial real estate services, worldwide, headquartered in Jonesboro, and has over 40 years of experience in real estate, banking, property management and outdoor advertising. He is a former candidate for mayor of Jonesboro.

While a student at Arkansas State, Pierce was president of the Student Government Association, and graduated in 1972. He would later become president of the ASU Alumni Association.

In 1983, Governor Bill Clinton appointed Pierce to the State Board of Higher Education, where he served for 11 years. A longtime real-estate businessman in Jonesboro, Pierce also earned the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Pierce and his wife Donna have three children—Jennifer Pierce, Matt Pierce and Chase
 

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