About
Arkansas Coding Academy began in 2016 to address the skilled IT worker gap identified by Arkansas Governor Hutchinson’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Computer Science Education. We provide market-driven technical training, taught by industry experts, to help individuals find new careers.
Our Mission
Arkansas Coding academy provides expert-led, in-demand technology training to fuel a diverse, career-ready workforce in Arkansas.
Our Values
- Community
- Intellectual Excellence
- Diversity
- Integrity
Market-Driven Curriculum
We hire experts in the industry to teach our courses, and we work with Arkansas companies to ensure our curriculum aligns to market demands. These ensure you learn skills the market is looking for and you’re able to apply them quickly in your new career.
Career Development & Networking
Our Student Success team works with our students to help with resume writing, online profiles, interviews, and more with the goal of helping our students prepare for a new career.
Students leave our program with the technical skills, soft skills, and network to successfully begin a new career in tech.
Diversity and Inclusion
Students join our program from all walks of life all with the goal of building a new future. We are passionate about helping Arkansans learn new skills and build their new career.
Our Team
Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board consists of professionals in IT, government, and education fields. These professionals provide valuable input and guidance to our program to ensure our students stand out from the crowd.
Josh Smith
CEO, Metova
Stephen Addison, PhD
Professor and Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Central Arkansas
Sandra Swindle
Global Chief Operating Officer, Merkle / CXM
Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D.
Managing Partner, Cadron Capital Partners
Kenny Kinley
President & CEO, Edafio Technology Partners
Grace Rains
Executive Director, Conductor
Michael B. Hargis, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Management, College of Business, University of Central Arkansas
Shaneil Ealy, Ed.D., CPP
Associate Vice President, Division of Outreach and Community Engagement, University of Central Arkansas
GB Cazes
Founder & CEO, Emory Solutions LLC
Cody Waits
Director, Office of Skills Development, Arkansas Department of Commerce
Sonny Bradley
Vice President, Acxiom
Bill Yoder
Executive Director, Arkansas Center for Data Sciences
Corey Parks, MBA, PCED
Vice President of Economic Development, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
Jay Callaway
Vice President of Branded Communications, First Orion
Staff
Alison Wish
Director
Kristin Jetts
Program Coordinator of Student Success
Kaitlyn Sullivan
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Interns
Erik Stinnett
Computer Science Intern
Jackson Torregrossa
Computer Science Intern
Abby Bounds
Computer Science Intern
Harrison Bounds
Computer Science Intern
Lizzy Beck
Marketing Intern
Instructors
Daniel Lazenby
Full-Stack Instructor
Cameron Carper
Full-Stack Instructor
Jack Mulhollan
Full-Stack Instructor
Derrick Carruth
SQL Instructor
Skyler Austen
Python Instructor
