Behind the Board: Treasurer Michael O’Bryan

Meet Michael O’Bryan, the Board Treasurer for Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund!
For the past three years, Michael O’Bryan has played a key role on the ASPSF Board of Directors by serving on the Finance and Executive committees.

On the Finance Committee, he works with staff and other board members to review the organization’s budget so ASPSF can award scholarships and provide additional services to support single parents.

His knowledge and experience also ensure that the board of directors stays up to date on the organization’s financial position by preparing financial statements for funders and other key stakeholders. Before becoming an ASPSF board member, Michael served on the board of directors for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County, which merged with ASPSF in 2019.

But Michael is more than a numbers guy! You’ll find him and his wife having fun at ASPSF Bingo fundraisers, bidding on auction items, and watching staff members throw strikes at the bowling alley. He genuinely cares about the success of recipients and the well-being of the ASPSF team. Learn more about Michael below!

Michael O’Bryan, ASPSF Board Treasurer    
City: Benton in Saline County
Hometown: Sheridan in Grant County
First year on the Board: 2022
Job Title: Director of Finance at UAMS Center for Research, Health, and Social Justice
Education: Bachelor’s from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Master’s from Oklahoma State University

What do you love about the ASPSF mission?
I love how our flexible scholarships can be used for practically anything, whether that’s books and tuition for school or daily life needs such as new tires, day care, or simply putting food on the table. I also love that the scholarships are awarded to students seeking degrees or certificates and students in trade school. And I love the support services, like workshops, that go beyond a simple scholarship.

What’s your proudest accomplishment? 
Does marrying my high school sweetheart count? Whew, she’s beautiful…I definitely married up!

Share a favorite ASPSF moment.
My favorite ASPSF moments revolve around the inspirational student speakers at our various events. Each student has their own unique journey, and when they describe their ups, downs, successes, and failures, it gives you a glimpse into the life of someone who faces considerable headwinds and often has to try that much harder to succeed. I’m grateful for an organization that exists to allow students to provide a better life for their families.

What three words best describe you? 
Analytical, detailed, and (I like to think) funny.

What’s your go-to Karaoke song?
I’m too shy for karaoke, but would probably go with Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen or The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding.

Fun fact about yourself?
I’ve taken 11 cruises … still haven’t found one I didn’t like!

How did you find out about ASPSF? 
One of my good friends and favorite coworkers of all time, Lasha Marshall, introduced me to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County in 2018 when she recruited me to join their board.

What do you love about your job at UAMS?
I really enjoy solving problems and making life easier for the faculty that I support so they can focus on the important research they conduct.

Best advice you ever received? 
Never be afraid to do what’s right. And my favorite piece of advice to give is: Never stop learning because if you’re not learning, you’re not growing.