Mike Mills, a trailblazer in Arkansas tourism and a steadfast advocate for its outdoor beauty, has been named the 2026 Ozarks Ambassador by the North Arkansas College Foundation. Mills will receive the award at the Foundation's annual Evening on the Plaza dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Harrison.
The Ozarks Ambassador Award, established in 1990, recognizes individuals who have brought distinction to northern Arkansas through contributions in fields such as business, education, or the arts. Mills, a lifelong champion of outdoor recreation, has spent over 50 years introducing millions to the Buffalo National River and the Ozarks’ natural splendor.
“I floated the Buffalo for the first time in 1965,” Mills reflected. “Those bluffs left an impression that stayed with me ever since.” In 1976, he founded Buffalo Outdoor Center, later expanding it into Arkansas’ first log cabin resort. Since then, more than 14 million guests have visited his businesses. His contributions to tourism have generated $1.2 million in tax revenue, complemented by over $50,000 he has personally donated to the Tourism Development Foundation.
Mills’ career has been deeply intertwined with Arkansas' outdoor recreation industry. He served as Arkansas' Director of Tourism from 1982 to 1986 and has held leadership roles on numerous boards, including the Arkansas Travel Council and the Buffalo River Foundation. He also chaired the Arkansas Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission in 2015. Nationally, he served as president of America Outdoors and the Professional Paddlesports Association, where he helped promote sustainable outdoor tourism.
Born in 1950 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Mills was raised on a farm near Lowell, Arkansas. After graduating from Rogers High School in 1968, he served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending Hendrix College, where he graduated in 1974. Mills went on to influence Arkansas tourism at every level, from kayaking instruction in the 1970s to introducing the state’s first zip-line canopy tour in 2011. His dedication earned him prestigious accolades, including induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame in 2018.
In 2023, Mills was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, further extending his legacy. “I love canoeing, hiking, camping, and collecting,” Mills shared, emphasizing how his connection to the outdoors has shaped his life. He often credits his wife of 26 years, Rhonda Mills, for her unwavering support, adding, “If I could take only one person canoeing, it would be her.”
Mills’ efforts have showcased Arkansas to audiences far and wide. Media outlets such as *National Geographic* and *Southern Living* have highlighted his work, and his promotional projects, including the “Arkansas Is a Natural” hot air balloon program, have reached audiences across multiple states.
The October 15 Evening on the Plaza dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Signature Bank Community Room, preceded by a reception at 6:00 p.m. The event will also honor Craig Campbell with the 2026 Pioneer Impact Award and Jennifer Leatherman with the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award. Tickets are $60 per person or $360 for a table of six and can be purchased online. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by October 8, 2026, by contacting Micki Somers at (870) 391-3242.