The University of the Ozarks’ Board of Trustees elected four new members—all alumnus of the University— to the board during its annual fall board meeting, held Oct. 4, on campus.
The new members who will begin their three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2026, include (pictured, from left), Sue Ellen (Rail) Wilkerson ’82 of Little Rock, Ark.; Lee Whitaker ’93 of Orlando, Fla.; Dr. Mida (Figliulo) Milligan ’85 of Bentonville, Ark.; and Jerry Glidewell ’79 of Fort Smith, Ark.
Wilkerson has more than 38 years of experience as a pharmacist in both retail and academic pharmacy. She was the pharmacist-in-charge at The Center for Addiction Services and Treatment, Psychiatric Research Institute, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Wilkerson has a special interest in educating the public on the disease of substance abuse and was part of a joint project between UAMS and a national, non-profit organization to provide educational modules about the disease of addiction. She earned her pharmacy degree from UAMS.
Whitaker was a business administration major at Ozarks who was also a standout on the men’s basketball team. He has more than 30 years experience in supply chain solutions and distribution. He has worked in logistics and supply chain industry in areas of freight, warehouse operations, transportation management, and transportation. He is currently the regional distribution manager for Star Pipe Products in Orlando, Fla. He previously served as plant manager for Valvoline Inc., and as operations manager for UPS Supply Chain Solutions in Atlanta, Ga. He is a past recipient of the University’s Alumni Merit Award.
Milligan is a retired educator who has nearly 40 years of experience in public education in teaching, campus leadership and district leadership. She retired from public education in July 2020. She last served as the executive director for the Division of Communications and Public Relations for the Garland Independent School District in Texas. In addition to her communication skills, Milligan is also experienced in curriculum and instruction development and technology advancements in the classroom. She has a master’s degree in education from Dallas Baptist University and an Ed.D., in educational administration from Texas A&M University. Her family is a past reciepint of the University’s Pay it Forward Award.
Glidewell worked in the Boys & Girls Clubs movement for 43 years and was CEO of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs for 32 years. After retiring in 2022, he has served as a safety consultant for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, helping youth organizations throughout the country. During his tenure with the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Glidewell helped push club membership to over 3,000 and spearheaded the expansion of programs, volunteers, and sponsorship opportunities. In 2024, Glidewell was honored for his service when the newly renovated Jeffrey Unit of the Boys and Girls Club was renamed the Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit. Glidwell is also a BMI affiliated songwriter with songs performed by more than 20 recording artists, including Carrie Underwood, T. Graham Brown and Irish band Hurricane Highway. He is a past recipient of the University’s Alumni Achievement Award.
Also at the meeting, the board re-elected for a second three-year term the following: Rev. Tasha Blackburn, Chris Broadway, Allyn Donaubauer, Shannon Huggins ’91, Kendra Jones ’01, and Beth McGaw.
Those trustees rolling off the board at the end of December are Susan Pinson and Sue Tull.
Topics: About