For More Information:
Mark Goodman
CEcD, Director
Center for Economic Development Education
Institute for Economic Advancement
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204-1099
(501) 569-8519
FAX (501) 569-8538
Email: msgoodman@ualr.edu
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Meet the Center for Economic Development Education Staff
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Mr. Goodman serves as director of the Center for Economic Development Education with UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement. With the Institute, Mark’s focus centers around community economic development education programming assistance, as well as technical assistance for local leaders and economic development professionals. Over the fifteen years prior to his position with UALR, Mark has served extensively in applied economic development, both with local and state economic development organizations and with the university economic development community. Most recently, Mark served as director of the Business Retention and Expansion Division with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Mark received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Geography from the University of North Dakota before traveling to the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his Master’s Degree in Economic Development. Mark holds the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer designation and brings with him practical experience in economic development techniques and training. |
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Rita is an Assistant Research Specialist with UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement, focusing her energies and expertise on technical assistance in support of the Center for Economic Development Education’s training programs. A veteran of the Institute, Ms. DeLoney understands economic development education through her 20 years of service. In addition to her technical assistance, Rita aids in coordination of the IEDC Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course each year in Little Rock. Ms. DeLoney received her MBA degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009.
DeLoney’s Recent projects include the laborshed analyses for both the Garland County Economic Development Corporation and the Cross County Chamber of Commerce. |
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Tonya joined the Institute for Economic Advancement on July 1, 2008 as an Economic Development Liaison. She works directly with the Executive Director, James (Jim) L. Youngquist as well as with the Center for Economic Development Education. Her focus is on EDA, DRA and Community Outreach. In addition she works closely with the Center for Economic Development Education on coordinating Education programs and events for the Institute.
Tonya worked for U.S. Senator Mark Pryor for 3 years in Constituency Services and traveled the 25 southern counties in Arkansas. In addition, she has worked with Environmental Conservation, At Risk Youth, Arkansans for Drug Free Youth, and the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s office as a case manager for Victims of Adult Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
Tonya received her master’s in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2003. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1991. |
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Dr. Ron Swager is a Senior Research Professor in the Center for Economic Development Education. His focus is on training and practical research for community and regional economic development. Ron received his Ph.D. in geography and economic development from the University of Illinois in 1975.
As the Project Coordinator for the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute’s new online training program (OU/EDI-Online), Ron is responsible for development of courses in strategic planning, entrepreneurship, business retention and expansion, managing the EDO, real estate development, and economic development financing. He is the topic leader for the Orientation to Economic Development and Marketing for Economic Development courses. |
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Tina is an Assistant Research Extension Specialist with UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement, focusing her energies and expertise on research and analysis to support economic development related projects.
Prior to her tenure at IEA, Tina worked extensively in international business, and has a good understanding of business development in selected Asian Countries. Recently, Tina interned with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the William J. Clinton Foundation, and the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence, while completing her master’s degree program.
Tina was the first Chinese student to graduate from Clinton School of Public Service, and received her Master’s in Public Service in April, 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Business in English from University of International Business and Economics in 2003, in Beijing, China. |
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