Dr. Ron Rainey serves as Assistant Vice President and Professor forthe University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He provides collaborative leadership to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; broadband expansion; value-added entrepreneurship; and enhanced collaboration across research, teaching and extension mission areas as well as the Center for Agriculture and Rural Sustainability and the Southern Risk Management Education Center (SRMEC). An Extension economist, Dr. Rainey focuses on enhancing farm and ranch value-added entrepreneurship,risk management and marketing throughout the agricultural sector. Over his almost 30-year career, he has worked across disciplines and state lines engaging with public and private partners. His programs have secured more than $25 million in grants and contracts. He currently serves as Past President of the University of Arkansas’ National Alumni Board of Directors and continues to be active with alumni chapters and societies in Arkansas. Dr. Rainey lives in Little Rock with his wife, Jenel, and their daughter.