Dr. Gary Stark is a lifelong educator, military veteran, and nonprofit executive who has spent more than 35 years serving students, teachers, schools and communities. A sixth-generation native of Cleburne County, he has dedicated his career to improving educational opportunities across Arkansas and beyond through leadership in classrooms, schools, philanthropy and national education organizations.
Most recently, Dr. Stark served as senior advisor for K-12 Education with Walton Personal Philanthropy Group, where he supported education initiatives and partnerships across Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. In this role, he worked alongside state education agencies, nonprofits and universities to help strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students and educators.
Dr. Stark began his career as a classroom teacher in Tennessee before becoming a principal in Arkansas. In 2001, he received the prestigious Milken Educator Award for his leadership and commitment to student success. He later served as vice president of the Milken Family Foundation and president and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), helping lead one of the nation’s largest nonprofits focused on educator effectiveness and school improvement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Stark has advised state and national education leaders, including service with the U.S. Department of Education as a special assistant in 2004. He continues to support education initiatives nationwide as chairman and board member of NIET and serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.
Dr. Stark earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas and holds bachelor’s, master’s, and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Gary and his family have called Northwest Arkansas home for the past 30 years. He is a proud husband, father of two daughters, and grandfather.
Career Highlights & Leadership
1990 University of Central Arkansas, B.S.
