Mark Funk
Director, School of Business, UA Little Rock
WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERY DAY
We change the lives of our students — everyone knows that — but what motivates me is how we change the lives of their families and our community. We make Little Rock a better place to live.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
I tell my students it was when I reverse-engineered the McDonald’s value menu. But really it was the first time a student asked for help with their business startup. That took it from fun problems with Quarter Pounders to fun problems that mattered.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MY CAREER
It sounds cliché, but the biggest challenge is looking past the day-to-day issues and staying focused on the five-year horizon. For us, that means future-forecasting the knowledge, skills and abilities our students will need to launch into their professional careers.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
From my dad, quoting Thoreau: “Have faith in a seed.” That’s why I started teaching. From my wife: “That’s the false summit.” She says it frequently while hiking to remind me there’s almost always another peak beyond the one you see.
ONE PRACTICE I USE TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH
I walk an hour-plus every night with my dog Moby. When times are good, I’ll listen to a podcast (“The Rational Reminder” or “Dwarkesh”), but sometimes I leave the earbuds at home.
IN THE DETAILS:
Hometown: Valley Falls, Kansas
Favorite Local Purchase: AMFA membership
Little Rock’s Hidden Gem: The often-overlooked Rattlesnake Ridge
Sunday Routine: Coffee and calling family
Favorite Local Dish: Mike’s Cafe B1 combination vermicelli noodle salad. Simple food done perfectly.
Hobbies: Backpacking in the Rockies
501.916.6735 | ualr.edu/business
2801 S. University Ave
LinkedIn: Mark Funk