Arthur Dupré named new president

A new school year is always a time of new hope for the families and students we serve. Transition brings new surroundings, new friends, and new opportunities to learn and grow. This year, we are getting in on the fun with some new — and some big news — of our own. The Arete Scholars Fund Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Arthur Dupré as its new president. Arthur succeeds retiring president and CEO, Jim Smith, who will remain active with Arete as a board member.

“We are grateful to have had someone of Jim’s caliber lead Arete through a transition period, particularly during the global challenges of the last year,” said Board Chair Greg Beadles, EVP – Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE). “Not only has Jim positioned us for a new phase of growth, but also recruited Arthur Dupré as his successor. Arthur has proven himself as a passionate and successful leader in the national parental choice movement, and we are privileged to have him join the team.”

As president, Dupré will lead Arete Scholars in all facets, including overseeing day-to-day operations in Louisiana and Georgia and providing guidance in fundraising, programs, public policy, and communications.

“Arthur is uniquely gifted to lead Arete into our second decade,” said retiring president, Jim Smith. “Not only is he an experienced leader with specific expertise in our industry, Arthur is also deeply driven by our mission to see children, families, and communities flourish. I look forward to working with Arthur and the team in my new board role.”

Prior to joining Arete Scholars, Dupré served for seven years as president of ACE Scholarships in Louisiana. He launched ACE in Louisiana in late 2014, starting with just 13 students on scholarship. Arthur leaves having overseen the granting of almost 10,000 scholarships, totaling nearly $50 million in critical tuition aid.

Arthur’s passionate devotion to the mission of Arete stems from growing up in a family of 11 children. As one of the eldest, Arthur saw firsthand the struggles and sacrifices his parents made to provide their children with the educational and life opportunities they believed best. He is inspired now to support underserved families in their own efforts to provide life-giving opportunities to their children.

“It is a sincere honor to join an organization with the reputation of Arete Scholars,” said Dupré. “For 11 years, the Arete team has been singularly focused on transforming the lives of disadvantaged children by empowering parents and delivering educational freedom. To break cycles of poverty and to see children reach their fullest potential and realize their dreams, that is our mission, our charge, and what we will accomplish together.”

Arthur is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a graduate of Louisiana State University. He and his wife, Lyndi, have been married for over five years and have three young children — Madeline (4), Beau (2), and Brooks (6 months).

Arthur Dupré can be reached at adupre@aretescholars.org or 504-710-1132. Please help us welcome Arthur to the team at Arete Scholars.

About Arete Scholars Fund

Arete Scholars gives kids in need a chance by giving their parents a choice. Through K-12 scholarships and student-focused programming, Arete is helping transform the lives of those who face the greatest obstacles to academic and personal achievement. Since 2010, Arete has granted over 13,500 need-based scholarships worth more than $55 million.