Exciting New Chapter for Gentry Public Schools: Mark Scott Named Director of Community Engagement
Gentry Public Schools is thrilled to announce the hiring of Mark Scott as our new Director of Community Engagement! With over 20 years of experience in public relations, executive communications, and public affairs, Mark brings a wealth of expertise that will elevate the district’s communication efforts, helping us stand out as a district of choice.
Mark, a graduate of Russellville High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. While in high school, he served as the Editor of the Red & Black (Student Newspaper) and was the captain of the marching band’s drumline, demonstrating his early leadership and community involvement.
Throughout his career, Mark has provided strategic communications and project management support for some of the most high-profile organizations in the world, including the World’s Largest Retailer, the Governor of Arkansas, a U.S. Congressman, a statewide Higher Education division, and a world-renowned children’s hospital. His extensive background includes executive communications, government relations, media strategy, journalism, and marketing, making him uniquely qualified for this role.
Most recently, Mark has been serving at Arkansas Children's Hospital, where he began in Patient Relations before transitioning to Executive Communications. In this role, he works with internal teams and key stakeholders to research and implement marketing tools and technologies that enhance patient, customer, and donor experiences. His dedication to exceeding productivity, accuracy, and confidentiality standards has contributed to the hospital’s success.
Prior to that, Mark served as Director of Communications and External Relations at Missouri Southern State University, where he led internal and external communication efforts and acted as the Public Information Officer. He worked closely with university leadership to implement communication strategies that strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.
As part of Walmart’s Corporate Communications team, Mark worked cross-functionally on media relations, local government affairs, and public relations for cities critical to Sam’s Club. He played a key role in the opening of over 40 Sam’s Club locations across the U.S., serving as the lead media and public relations professional for each club. His role involved building relationships with local media, political and community leaders, and non-profit organizations.
Mark’s career in public service is equally impressive. He contributed to developing and implementing public relations strategies for both Governor Mike Huckabee and Congressman Asa Hutchinson. As Chief Communications Officer for the University of Arkansas System, he led government relations, media strategy, and crisis communications while implementing a statewide branding strategy for their 16 research stations. Additionally, he served as a commissioner for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Commission, contributing to the oversight of scholarship funding that benefits students across the state.
Beyond his professional career, Mark has a long history of education and community leadership. He has been an Arkansas High School Certified Football Official since 2000 and has played an integral role in sports management as part of the game management, statistics, and field timing coordination team for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He is also widely recognized as The Voice of the Rogers High School Mounties for Men’s and Women’s Basketball, where he serves as their public address announcer. His service extends to government and higher education, as he was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Northwest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees in 2016. He was subsequently elected to the position in 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2024, with his current term expiring in 2030.
In addition to his professional roles, Mark has been active in mentorship and leadership development. He served as an on-call senior advisor to former Arkansas State Auditor Andrea Lea from 2019 to 2022 and is a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Arkansas Class XI, where he was voted class president by his peers. His commitment to his faith and community is evident in his role as a Sunday School Teacher and Life Group Leader at First Baptist Church in Rogers.
Mark’s personal connection to education extends beyond communications. As a former substitute teacher in Northwest Arkansas, he developed strong rapport with students across long-term assignments, including English/Language Arts, World Geography, and COVID Relief Aide roles in the Rogers and Bentonville School Districts. His background in English, Mathematics, Business, and Civics gives him a well-rounded understanding of key subject areas. His experience in both higher education and K-12 classrooms gives him a unique perspective, making him well-acquainted with the public education field and a strong fit for public relations in a school setting.
As Director of Community Engagement, Mark will spearhead efforts to build stronger connections between Gentry Public Schools and its community. He will oversee the district’s website and social media, elevate the district's brand through public relations and multimedia campaigns, and ensure that Gentry Public Schools is a highly sought-after district.
Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles emphasized,
“If Gentry Public Schools isn’t telling its own story, someone else will. Mark Scott is the perfect person to lead this effort. His leadership will help the district proactively address its growth with a forward-thinking approach. Mark will ensure families know why Gentry is the top choice for those moving to Northwest Arkansas, one of the country’s fastest-growing regions.”
This new position reflects the district’s commitment to effective communication, transparency, and community engagement. Many of these responsibilities were previously part of the assistant superintendent’s duties, but this new role will allow the assistant superintendent to focus more on academics and teacher support.
With his extensive background in media relations, strategic communications, and public service, Mark Scott is the ideal leader to guide Gentry Public Schools into a new era of growth and visibility. His expertise will strengthen community ties, highlight student achievements, and ensure continued success.
Mark and his wife Kelsey have been married for 20 years in April and they have three children — Anna (17), Emily (14), and Will (9).
Mark stated,
“It’s clear in his first year that Dr. Broyles has prioritized outstanding communication with students, parents, and the entire community, and I’m extremely thankful to join the Pioneer family and continue and expand those community engagement priorities,” Mark said. “There are many great stories to tell about Gentry Public Schools and many great students and teachers to spotlight, and I appreciate the Board’s commitment to strategic communications and community engagement.”
Mark is excited to spend many more years of his career in Northwest Arkansas, where he has found a setting in education that aligns with his passion for serving others, after years of dedicated service in communications and public relations. We’re excited to welcome Mark to the Pioneer family and look forward to the innovation and leadership he will bring to our district!