Paul Gatling

Paul has spent more than two decades telling the story of Northwest Arkansas. Today, he helps write its next chapter. 

As senior director of Northwest Arkansas engagement at the University of Central Arkansas, Paul works to strengthen the university’s relationships with alumni while building visibility and partnerships with businesses, civic leaders and community organizations across one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. He also hosts Central to NWA: A UCA Podcast, featuring conversations with alumni, entrepreneurs and community leaders about the people and ideas shaping Arkansas. 

Since joining UCA in 2024, Paul has helped expand the university’s presence in Northwest Arkansas. In 2025, he helped plan and execute UCA Blitz, a week of events that brought together alumni, incoming students, parents, employers and community partners across the region. During his first full year in Northwest Arkansas, UCA’s Alumni Engagement Score in Benton and Washington counties increased by 37%, reflecting stronger connections with graduates through events, volunteerism and philanthropy. 

Before joining higher education, Paul spent 13 years at the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, serving as editor and associate publisher after previously covering the region as sports editor of the Benton County Daily Record. His reporting gave him a front-row seat to Northwest Arkansas’ remarkable growth and allowed him to build lasting relationships with business and civic leaders throughout the region. 

An Arkansas native, Paul grew up in Bald Knob and Bryant before earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Henderson State University in 1998. He has called Bentonville home since 2001. 

Away from the office, Paul is active in the Rotary Club of Rogers, where he serves as president-elect, and he is a member of the First National Bank of NWA Business Development Board. 

Through his work, writing and social media presence, which generated more than 2.7 million organic LinkedIn impressions in 2025, he enjoys highlighting the people, businesses and ideas helping shape Arkansas’ future.