As used in this chapter, “employee” shall mean all full-time state employees of all departments, agencies, boards, commissions, or other agencies of the state supported by appropriation of state or federal funds except the following excluded employees:
(1) The elected constitutional officers of this state, including employees of the office of the Governor;
(2) The General Assembly and its employees, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit;
(3) Members of the Supreme Court, circuit courts, and prosecuting attorneys;
(4) Members of the Governor's cabinet, agency directors, or other persons appointed by the Governor as head of a board or commission;
(5) Employees occupying a teaching or athletic coaching position at a state-supported institution of higher education; and
(6) Those other employees designated as excluded from the provisions of this chapter by the rules established by the State Personnel Administrator.