Charles Zimmerman B.S.C.E.’85 joined the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors in July 2023 and serves on the internal relations and awards committees.
The National Alumni Board oversees the programs and policies that carry out the association’s mission — to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family.
Originally from Tulsa, Zimmerman began his college career as a music major at the University of Oklahoma. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas and switched his major to engineering. Zimmerman and his wife, Susan, were each the first people in their families to earn college degrees, and both financed much of their own education.
Their experiences fueled a passion for helping other first-generation college students. In 2016, they made a $250,000 gift to the College of Engineering, creating the Charles R. and Susan D. Zimmerman Scholarship in Engineering. The scholarship was created to provide support for first-generation students with financial need.
Zimmerman served as chair of the Engineering Deans Advisory Council from 2010-2020, joined the Campaign Arkansas Engineering Committee – Fundraising Council in 2017, and was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering in 2006. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Engineering in 2009.
“Charles has stepped onto the National Alumni Board with unparalleled passion and dedication,” said Brandy Cox Jackson M.A.’07, Ph.D.’23, associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. “We are so grateful for the expertise he brings and the commitment he has shown to the work we do.”
Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas. He is a member of Towers of Old Main and Thoroughreds. Zimmerman is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association.
Zimmerman’s commitment to the University of Arkansas and his passion for student success make him an excellent resource and a critical part of our mission to serve the U of A family. He is an invaluable member of the National Alumni Board.
