A member of the Arkansas Alumni Association’s National Alumni Board of Directors, Ben Beaumont, 31, has worked hard to become so accomplished in less than a decade since he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in print/editorial journalism from the University of Arkansas in 2004. He believes in serving his community and treating others with kindness along the way.
Beaumont is the director of communications for the University of Arkansas System and the Clinton Schools. He was featured as a “40 Under 40” profile in Arkansas Business for his work as communications director both for the UA system and for the Clinton School of Public Service in 2008— two years after taking the job.
“I really enjoy working for the University,” Beaumont said. “It’s worthwhile and meaningful.”
One of his first duties after joining the UA System was helping coordinate the successful statewide campaign for the $250 million higher education bond initiative in 2006, which he considers among his most significant professional achievements, he said in Arkansas Business.
Beaumont was actively involved as a student at the University of Arkansas. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and worked for the Arkansas Traveler student-run newspaper for three years. He started writing as a sophomore as the sports editor and by his senior year was serving as editor-in-chief of the publication.
“Some of my favorite [UA] memories were working at the Traveler,” Beaumont said. “The newsroom was such a great atmosphere. I haven’t had a job that’s been more fun.”
He developed close relationships with co-workers at the publication and still stays in contact with his friends and former professors. One professor in particular, Gerald Jordan, the official adviser for the Traveler, had a great impact on Beaumont’s life as a journalism student and later recruited him to serve on the Alumni Board of Directors.
“We called him ‘Pro Jo,’” Beaumont said. “He recruited me because, at the time, he was on the Board of Directors and thought I would be a good fit.”
It seemed like a natural progression for Beaumont, whose parents were both members of the association and mother, Kathy Beaumont BA’68, MA’72, served on the National Board of Directors for six years.
Although he grew up in Alabama, he always knew that he would go to college at the University of Arkansas.
“My parents raised me to be a Razorback,” he said.
Beaumont received numerous scholarships to attend the university including the Jim Elder Good Sport Fund awarded to outstanding journalism students.
Nearly a decade after graduation, he still works with as much dedication as he did as a young journalism student, excited to tackle the adventures of life. Beaumont lives in Little Rock with his wife, Claire, 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, and 3-week-old son, Hank.
He is a dedicated member of the Arkansas Alumni Association and encourages the charitable work the association is doing. In reference to Hogs Care Week, dedicated to random acts of kindness, Beaumont thinks “it’s a great idea,” he said. “I applaud their efforts to give back.”
