Alan Sugg loves to walk down the halls of a university’s fine arts building and hear music pouring out of the classrooms, see artwork hanging from the walls and experience the creative energy that is so important to the university system and to humanity in general. “I am pleased that our universities all have excellent fine arts programs, which they offer to their students and to the public,” Sugg said. “I sincerely believe that people’s lives are truly enriched when they have an appreciation for the arts.”
Sugg has been the president of the University of Arkansas System for the past 20 years, and in that time he has dedicated his efforts and energy to growing and improving the UA System to include five community colleges, UA-Forth Smith and several specialty institutes and programs. “Our colleges and universities have expanded educational opportunities, healthcare services, research projects and many other programs that benefit Arkansas,” he said. His obvious passion for higher education has driven him, but he has never forgotten the arts, which have great significance in his family.
“Both [my wife] Jeannie and I have great appreciation for the arts,” said Sugg. “As a teenager she was a tap and ballet dancer, and she was in the high school and Razorback bands [as a majorette].” When Sugg was growing up in Helena, his mother played the organ and directed the youth choir at First Baptist Church. Sugg sang bass in the church choir and played the trombone in the concert band in high school. “My sister and my daughter, Katie, are accomplished pianists. Also our daughter Jenifer has excelled in dancing.” The Suggs also enjoy attending many of the recitals, art exhibitions and performances offered at UA colleges and universities.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is honoring Sugg and his wife at the 6th annual Finalé event for their support and appreciation of the arts. The event will not only honor the couple but also showcase the arts of UALR students, including performances and artwork. Finalé celebrates the arts in central Arkansas, but it is also the premier fundraising event for UALR’s arts program. “I’m very proud of the commitment UALR has made to its fine arts program,” Sugg said, “and I very much appreciate the support the central Arkansas community has provided to this effort.”
Sugg has had a long and impressive history of dedication to leading and advancing different university systems, as well as the arts. Before his current position, he was a part of Texas higher education for 22 years. Sugg recently announced that he will retire from his post this June. He said, “While it is a challenging job, it is also tremendously rewarding to see the pride and happiness when students walk across the stage to receive their degrees at graduations.”
Sugg has served as a university president for more than 33 years and said, “While that may seem like a long time, I have enjoyed every minute.” He has a great pride and appreciation for the time he has spent with the UA System, and the Finalé event will only skim the top of the great sacrifices and efforts he has made for the students and greater communities of Arkansas.
Join in UALR Finalé
Saturday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.,
Jack Stephens Center, UALR
Tickets – $150 per person
Contact – 569-3296