Sanders Appoints Former Auditor Andrea Lea to Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed former Arkansas Auditor of State Andrea Lea to a five-year term on the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees, placing a longtime public servant and Tech alumna in a key role at a fast-growing regional university, according to an official university announcement.
Lea, a Russellville native and 2004 graduate of Arkansas Tech University (ATU), will serve through January 14, 2031. She succeeds Bill Clary of Conway, who completed his five-year term earlier this month after serving as board chair in 2025.
Arkansas Tech President Dr. Russell Jones said Lea brings a “significant track record of commitment to and care for her alma mater” and described her as a “dedicated public servant.”
“I am honored to serve in this capacity at my alma mater. Besides being a good community partner, ATU’s footprint continues to grow outside of Russellville. I look forward to being a part of that,” Lea told the Arkansas Reporter.
A Record of Public Service
Lea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency administration and management from ATU in 2004. As a non-traditional student who completed her degree at age 47, she has frequently advocated for adult learners returning to higher education, a demographic that has grown increasingly important to regional universities like ATU.
In 2014, Lea was elected Arkansas’ 40th auditor of state and was re-elected in 2018, serving until January 2023. As auditor, she served as the state’s general accountant, administered the Arkansas Unclaimed Property Act, and oversaw payroll for more than 600 elected officials and their employees. During her tenure, the office implemented technological upgrades to improve the reporting and return of unclaimed property through the “Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt” program.
Before serving statewide, Lea served on the Pope County Quorum Court, the Russellville City Council, and represented her district for three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
She was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction in 2022 under the Distinguished Alumni Service category.
Arkansas Tech’s Growing Footprint
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech now enrolls approximately 10,000 students across its Russellville and Ozark campuses. The university reports consistently strong retention rates and offers more than 100 academic programs, including nationally recognized emergency management and nursing programs.
The Board of Trustees oversees university finances, capital projects, academic policy, and executive leadership. These responsibilities take on added importance as Arkansas institutions compete for enrollment and workforce development partnerships.
Lea joins a board that includes Chair Stephanie Duffield of Russellville, Vice Chair Cory Cox of Perryville, Secretary Jim Smith of Bentonville, and Len Cotton of Dardanelle.
With nearly two decades of experience in state and local government, Lea now assumes oversight responsibilities that will shape Arkansas Tech’s fiscal management and long-term direction at a pivotal moment for higher education in the state.