Dr. Joe Felan, an associate professor of management at UA Little Rock, has been appointed to a five-year term on the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. The commission plays a significant role in fostering global relationships between Little Rock and its international sister and friendship cities, promoting collaboration in areas such as arts, culture, education, business, and community development.
Currently, Little Rock maintains sister city relationships with cities in Taiwan, Korea, China, England, and Brazil. The commission is also expanding its outreach efforts to include potential connections with cities in Ghana and Cameroon. Felan expressed enthusiasm for his role, noting, “I think they value having a university professor on the commission. We bring an educational component that can connect visiting delegations with UA Little Rock and possibly create opportunities for student exchanges and cultural engagement.”
Having joined the UA Little Rock faculty in 2002, Felan brings a wealth of international and educational experience to his new role. He has led five study abroad programs, including two consecutive trips to Argentina with Dr. Otmar Varela, a fellow professor of management. Additionally, Felan has taught in Austria as part of a summer program sponsored by the University of New Orleans. “My experience working with students abroad and my connections with the local business community put me in a unique position to contribute to all areas of the commission’s mission,” he stated.
Felan attended his first commission meeting in May 2023, participating via Zoom while on his trip in Argentina. His appointment continues UA Little Rock’s strong association with the commission, following the tenure of former member Dr. Ashvin Vibhakar, the Joe T. Ford Professor of Finance, whose term concluded earlier this year.
Exploring future opportunities, Felan and Varela are considering planning another study abroad trip, particularly to one of Little Rock’s sister cities. They are particularly interested in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, which has been a sister city since 2016. Felan highlighted the city’s potential, stating, “Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has a port and a university we’ve partnered with in the past. It could offer great opportunities for our students to learn about international business, trade, and culture.”
Beyond his academic contributions, Felan is dedicated to community service, focusing on education and youth development. He recently completed his term as president of the Small Business Institute, an organization composed of professors nationwide who teach small business and entrepreneurship. His previous roles include serving on the boards of Junior Achievement of Central Arkansas, the Benton School Board, and the Central High School Band Boosters.
“I want to be a good representative of Little Rock,” Felan remarked. “Whether it’s welcoming visiting delegations or helping our students connect globally, I’m excited to help build relationships that strengthen cultural understanding and community ties. I want to show them some good Southern hospitality.”
Felan’s appointment marks a significant step for both the commission and UA Little Rock, as they work together to enhance cultural exchange and foster international collaboration.
