Harrison native Craig Campbell will be honored with the 2026 Pioneer Impact Award for his longstanding contributions to North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas (UA Northark) and his vision for strengthening workforce development and economic growth in the region.
Established in 2018, the Pioneer Impact Award recognizes an individual from the area whose notable service has made an impact on UA Northark and the community it serves.
Campbell will receive the award during the Northark Foundation’s annual Evening on the Plaza dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Signature Bank Community Room. A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the atrium.
Campbells’ support of UA Northark’s workforce mission is evident in his involvement in the development of the college’s Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI).
When UA Northark began exploring the possibility of constructing a facility to house its robotics and automation programs, Campbell recognized the project as a natural extension of a vision he had championed for decades: preparing a skilled workforce to support local business and industry.
Campbell served on the board of directors of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) for 25 years, where he and the BCEDC were involved in efforts to promote economic development and establish an industrial park in Harrison.
“We will always need cutting-edge technology and a skilled workforce to boost business for our local economy,” Campbell said.
The development of the CRMI became a collaborative community effort. The BCEDC contributed the first $750,000 toward the project, which helped initiate efforts to secure additional state and federal funding.
Additional funding efforts resulted in a $3 million grant from the State of Arkansas, facilitated by Don Sugg and Scott Miller, as well as a $2.2 million grant secured through the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District with assistance from Joe Willis and Jeremy Ragland. UA Northark provided the remaining funding needed to complete the project.
Campbell said the partners shared a common belief that the CRMI would provide an important resource for students, employers and the region.
“This facility can be a great resource to our existing industries,” Campbell said. “By collaborating with the resources from UA Northark and local business and industry, we can build a pipeline of customized skilled workers to fit each industry’s technological employment positions. The CRMI trains the student who then is hired at a local industry. It’s a win for everyone.”
“With the college working directly with industry, this will allow for a better employment experience and an employee with skills that fit the job,” Campbell said. “This relationship is vital for our local industry to prosper and plan for the future, including possible expansions.”
Campbell believes the CRMI will help UA Northark and the region prepare for the changing demands of technology and manufacturing.
“With the introduction of AI, it is very important for our community and surrounding area to keep up with new technology and utilize the CRMI to educate and develop a skilled workforce for our local industries and small businesses,” Campbell said.
He said workforce development has become increasingly important as manufacturers consider where to locate and expand.
“New and existing manufacturers will move and relocate to areas of the U.S., but only where workforce development and training is already in place,” Campbell said. “They are no longer looking for free land, water, etc. They are looking for a skilled workforce first, and the rest has become secondary.”
Through his years of service to economic development and his support of UA Northark’s workforce mission, Campbell has helped advance a vision that connects education, industry and economic development.
The Pioneer Impact Award recognizes those who have made a meaningful difference in the college and the communities it serves, and Campbell’s work exemplifies the importance of partnerships in preparing the region for its future workforce needs.
Craig and his wife, Vallory, have five children: Morgan, 38; Carson, 35; Cordell, 29; Makayla, 26; and Collette, 23.
Other awardees to be recognized are Mike Mills who will receive the Ozarks Ambassador Award. Jennifer Leatherman will be presented with the Distinguished Alumna award.
Tickets are $60 each or a table of six for $360 and can be purchased online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eveningontheplaza/event/aneveningontheplaza/
Guests should RSVP before October 8, 2026. For more information contact Micki Somers at (870) 391-3242.