A shy kid from the Arkansas Delta walks onto the UCA campus and, years later, is steering freight to Hawaii and Alaska during port strikes, building partnerships that keep shelves stocked, and advising small businesses through global turbulence. That’s the arc of Kevin Parkerson—UCA alum, J.B. Hunt and Walmart veteran, and founder of KP Global Logistics Consulting—and it’s packed with lessons for anyone working in a fast-changing supply chain world.

We talk about the scrappy early days of intermodal at J.B. Hunt and the practical skills that matter more than jargon: running clean meetings, communicating under pressure, and treating carriers as true partners. Kevin shares how a leap to Walmart plunged him into maritime logistics under the Jones Act, what it was like managing ocean freight during labor disruptions, and why contingency planning isn’t a slide deck—it’s a mindset. He names the mentors who shaped his approach to strategy and people leadership, and reveals the everyday habits that separate resilient operations from those constantly in crisis.

Today, Kevin helps small and midsize brands navigate customs and tariffs, select the right 3PLs, and pilot AI where it saves time now—forecast tuning, appointment scheduling, and exception triage—without getting lost in hype. We also look at Northwest Arkansas’s rapid growth, where UCA can add value through events and talent pipelines, and what employers actually want from new grads: sharp communication, self-motivation, and comfort with ambiguity. If you’re a student aiming at supply chain, a leader building resilience, or a founder who needs a “phone-a-friend” for logistics, this conversation gives you a clear, workable playbook.

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What happens when a public university decides to act like a nimble problem-solver for its region? We sat down with UCA President Houston Davis to unpack how a 10,000-student campus can feel personal, deliver strong outcomes, and show up where Arkansas is growing the fastest. From daybreak planning sessions to late-night grading, Davis explains why he still teaches every term and how that keeps policy grounded in real student needs.

We trace the roots of his leadership—mentors, research on educational and economic trends across thousands of U.S. counties, and a process-driven approach that values clarity, application, and writing. That foundation shapes UCA’s strategy: build a residential experience that truly fits undergraduates, keep students from getting lost, and invest in programs that serve the state’s evolving workforce. Northwest Arkansas takes center stage as we talk alumni strength, employer partnerships, and the goal of becoming a go-to resource for innovation and talent. Think aviation pathways, STEM expansion, and a campus that travels through people, programs, and service.

Cost myths get a hard reset. Davis breaks down the difference between viral debt stories and the reality of regional public universities, then walks through the UCA Commitment—a debt-free pathway for qualifying Arkansas families that pairs financial support with hands-on help navigating FAFSA and scholarships. Coupled with disciplined fiscal stewardship, UCA is widening access without compromising health. The message to alumni and friends is simple: we’re not looking for a slogan in Northwest Arkansas; we’re building a presence that solves problems, lifts students, and strengthens the state.

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What turns a busy downtown into a true community? We sit down with Aaron Nolan, UCA alum, veteran broadcaster, and now communications director at Downtown Bentonville Inc., to unpack the playbook behind block parties, farmers markets, and a holiday season that lights up the square for thousands. From the outside, it looks effortless. Behind the scenes, it’s a masterclass in planning, partnerships, and storytelling.

Aaron takes us from a UCA bulletin board that launched his anchor career to the grind of early jobs, the leap to a national network, and the long runway required to cover the Olympics in Rio and Korea. He shares how in-depth research transforms interviews into genuine relationships, why a gold medal moment still gives him chills, and what curling has taught him about humility and preparation. Those lessons now inform how DBI programs free, family-friendly experiences that feel organic rather than manufactured, and why their Emmy-nominated show, Downtown Now, keeps the spotlight on the people behind the scenes.

We also acknowledge the challenges of growth. Parking perceptions, real traffic challenges, and constant construction are part of a fast-growing region. Aaron explains how DBI coordinates with City Hall, Visit Bentonville, and the chamber, and why the new A Street Promenade could become a regional destination if it’s programmed thoughtfully from day one. Alongside that, we talk about UCA’s expanding footprint in Northwest Arkansas, alumni engagement, talent pipelines, and telling the stories that connect Conway to Bentonville’s square.

If you care about placemaking, local events, and the mechanics of civic storytelling, this conversation delivers practical insight and a few great laughs. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves downtowns, and leave a review to tell us what you want to hear next.