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. This commission is dedicated to fostering global relationships between Little Rock and its international sister cities, promoting collaboration across various sectors including arts, culture, youth education, business, and community development.
Little Rock currently maintains sister city relationships with cities in Taiwan, Korea, China, England, and Brazil, as well as friendship cities in Italy and China. New outreach efforts are also in progress for potential partnerships with cities in Ghana and Cameroon. Felan expressed appreciation for the value placed on having a university professor on the commission, stating, “We bring an educational component that can connect visiting delegations with UA Little Rock and possibly create opportunities for student exchanges and cultural engagement.”
Felan joined the UA Little Rock faculty in 2002 and brings a wealth of international, educational, and business experience to his new role. He has successfully led five study abroad programs, notably two consecutive trips to Argentina alongside Dr. Otmar Varela, a fellow professor of management. Additionally, he has contributed to a summer program in Austria, highlighting his dedication to global education.
His inaugural meeting with the commission occurred in May, conducted via Zoom from Argentina during a study abroad trip. Felan’s appointment continues the strong connection between UA Little Rock and the commission, succeeding Dr. Ashvin Vibhakar, Joe T. Ford Professor of Finance, whose term concluded earlier this year.
Exploring Future Opportunities in International Relations
Felan and Varela are currently considering planning a future study abroad trip to one of Little Rock’s sister cities. They are particularly interested in visiting Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, which has been a sister city since 2016. Felan highlighted the potential for business and educational opportunities, 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 a committed community volunteer with a passion for education and youth development. He recently completed his term as president of the Small Business Institute, an organization comprising professors nationwide who teach small business and entrepreneurship. His past board memberships include Junior Achievement of Central Arkansas, the Benton School Board, and the Central High School Band Boosters.
Felan expressed his enthusiasm for representing Little Rock on the commission. “I want to be a good representative of Little Rock,” he said. “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.”
As Felan prepares for his role on the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission, his extensive experience and commitment to global engagement promise to enrich the city’s international relationships.