EDUCATION 

Hendrix College has announced new leadership for its board of trustees. Walter Pryor was elected chair, and Eric Jackson was elected vice chair. Kim Evans will continue in her role as secretary. 

Pryor joined the board in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hendrix College and a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. He received the Hendrix Odyssey Medal for Professional & Leadership Development in 2008 and has also received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Hendrix College Students for Black Culture.  

Jackson is senior vice president and a member of the board of directors for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. He has served numerous local and state chambers of commerce, economic development initiatives, and healthcare boards, and currently serves on the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission.  

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Hendrix. 

Evans joined the board in 2017. She is an experienced senior leader specializing in nonprofit management, governance, fundraising, and strategic initiatives. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a law degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

HEALTHCARE 

Steve Nixon has been named vice president of hospital operations for Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. He has more than 20 years of healthcare experience, including clinical and leadership roles. 

James C. Walker, M.D., has joined the Baptist Health Surgical and Specialty Clinic-Conway. He is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures and enjoys advanced endocrine surgery. 

He earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009 and completed both his surgical internship and residency at UAMS, where he also conducted research focused on the effects of diabetes on the nervous system. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.  

UTILITIES 

Joshua Martz recently earned his System Operator certificate from Northwest Lineman College. The certification provides advanced training in system operations, electrical systems, and utility coordination.  

Martz is a dispatcher and system operator apprentice at Conway Corp. He started at the company in 2022. 

Zach Gardner earned his Basic Industrial Wastewater Treatment license from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. Gardner is an environmental coordinator for Conway Corp. He started at the company in 2023. 

Darrell Yates recently earned his Key Accounts certification from the American Public Power Association.  

Yates serves as an account executive at Conway Corp. He started at the company in 2002.