A New Chapter for SJCA: Leadership Transition, Innovation Hub Relaunch, and a Growing Vision for Central Arkansas



Honoring Sandy DeCoursey: 18 Years of Dedicated Service

With this transition comes a heartfelt farewell and a grateful thank you to Sandy DeCoursey, who is retiring after 18 remarkable years of service to SJCA. Sandy's leadership, vision, and tireless dedication helped build the foundation that SJCA stands on today. From the earliest days of our agricultural programming to the development of community partnerships across central Arkansas, Sandy's fingerprints are on every part of this organization's story.

But don't worry — Sandy isn't going far. She will remain as Executive Director Emeritus until September then move on to the SJCA Board of Directors, continuing to lend her wisdom, institutional knowledge, and steady guidance as we navigate the exciting road ahead. We are deeply grateful for everything Sandy has given to SJCA, and we look forward to her continued involvement in shaping our future.

Scott Shellabarger Steps into Executive Director Role

We are excited to announce that Scott Shellabarger has been named the new Executive Director of SJCA. Scott brings a deep passion for community-driven agriculture, education, and cooperative development, and has been instrumental in guiding SJCA's mission and vision. His leadership will carry the organization forward as we enter one of the most ambitious periods in our history.  Scott possesses the skills needed to navigate this challenging transition. SJCA is in good hands.

"I'm honored to lead SJCA into this next chapter, and I'm committed to making sure our work continues to grow alongside the communities we serve."

The Innovation Hub Is Coming Back Bigger and Better

In one of the most exciting developments to come out of the February meeting, the SJCA Board voted unanimously to pursue leading the relaunch of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.

The Innovation Hub was the community resource that provided hands-on STEAM education, maker space access, and creative programming for people of all ages. Under SJCA's leadership, the relaunched Hub will keep all of the programming that made it a community cornerstone and expand it significantly.

Here's what's new:

• Expanded LEARNS Act-Eligible Classes — SJCA plans to offer an expanded catalog of classes that qualify under the Arkansas LEARNS Act, making high-quality education more accessible to families across the state. From coding and robotics to digital fabrication and beyond, the Hub will be a destination for students looking to build real-world skills.
• Farm and Garden Training — True to SJCA's roots, the relaunched Hub will integrate agriculture and horticulture education into its programming. Expect hands-on workshops covering everything from urban farming techniques and soil science to food forest design and sustainable growing practices.
• Arkansas Made & Grown Market — Perhaps most exciting of all, SJCA plans to establish an Arkansas Made & Grown market within the Hub space. This market will showcase products from local makers, artisans, farmers, and producers — creating a vibrant marketplace that supports Arkansas's creative and agricultural economies while giving the community a place to shop local and connect with the people behind the products.

The Innovation Hub relaunch represents SJCA's commitment to the "Living Bridge" philosophy connecting education, agriculture, and the arts under one roof, owned and operated by the community it serves.

The Search for a New Farm Continues

SJCA also reaffirmed its commitment to finding a permanent farm location in North Little Rock. The search for a 5–20 acre property in central Arkansas remains a top priority, and the board is actively pursuing opportunities that will allow SJCA to expand its Growing Urban Farmers program, host Field Days, and establish a working demonstration farm that serves as both an educational resource and a productive agricultural operation.

If you know of available land in the North Little Rock area that might be a fit, we'd love to hear from you.

Looking Ahead

This is an extraordinary moment for SJCA. With new leadership at the helm, a beloved community institution is preparing to reopen with a clear vision for connecting agriculture, education, and local commerce, the future has never looked brighter.