January 9, 2026

Patrick Swope and Merritt Dyke Join the Razorback Foundation Board of Directors

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FAYETTEVILLE - The Razorback Foundation announced today two new Board of Directors – Patrick Swope of Springdale, Ark. and Merritt Dyke of Little Rock – whose six-year terms started January 1, 2026.

“Patrick and Merritt exemplify the kind of leadership and dedication that strengthen our mission,” said Kevin Scanlon, Razorback Foundation Board Chair. “As University of Arkansas graduates, their deep ties to the Razorbacks and unwavering passion for our student-athletes will be invaluable as we work together to advance the Foundation and support Arkansas Athletics in every way possible. I look forward to them being a part of our Board of Directors.”

Board of Directors are nominated and approved by voting members of the Razorback Foundation and serve six-year terms. The Board provides oversight and support to advance the mission of the Razorback Foundation, and Board members serve as ambassadors in their respective communities to educate non-Foundation members about the investment and impact the Foundation has on Razorback student-athletes and Razorback Athletics, encouraging them to join the non-profit organization.

Patrick Swope, a Lincoln, Ark.-native, serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy National Bank, a community bank based in Northwest Arkansas. He previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer at Legacy before assuming the role of CEO in 2017. He is a 1996 University of Arkansas graduate who has contributed to the community through board service for organizations such as The Jones Center and the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.

Merritt Dyke serves as the Chairman of the Board of Dyke Industries, Inc., a Little Rock-based family company and major millwork distributor that has been in operation since 1866. Dyke is a 1984 graduate of the University of Arkansas and serves his community in various leadership capacities.

Outgoing board members include Rick Massey and John Rutledge. Massey served as Board Chair from 2018 – 2021 and John served as Treasurer from 2023 – 2025.

“Our staff and members are eternally grateful to our outgoing directors, Rick and John,” said Ryan White, Razorback Foundation executive director. “Both guided us through the pandemic and the beginning phases of NIL. Their leadership, guidance, and thoughtfulness were invaluable during those times.”

The current Razorback Foundation Board of Directors include:

• Kevin Scanlon, '79, Little Rock, AR – Board Chair
• Mindy West, '92, El Dorado, AR – Vice Chair
• JJ Hurley, ’00, Tulsa, OK – Treasurer
• Angela McBride Ryan, '86, Fayetteville, AR – Secretary
• Merritt Dyke, ’84, Little Rock, AR
• Bryan Hunt, ‘83, Rogers, AR
• Marsha Martin, Little Rock, AR
• Brock McKeel, ’05, Rogers, AR
• Derrick Richardson, ‘85, Fort Smith, AR
• Shelley Simpson, ’94, Rogers, AR
• Patrick Swope, ’96, Springdale, AR
• Derrick Thomas, ‘88, Memphis, TN

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About the Razorback Foundation

The mission of The Razorback Foundation, Inc., is to support the athletic endeavors of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. The Foundation assists Razorback student-athletes by providing financial support for scholarships, facilities and various programs that enable them to realize their dreams of achieving a quality college education while participating in athletics on a nationally competitive level. Razorback Athletics is one of a handful of NCAA Division I Athletic Departments in the nation that is financially self-sustaining and requires no UA student fees revenue or taxpayer support.