and administrative dimensions of institutional operations, initiatives, community engagement and outcomes to ensure that UA-EACC attains the mandates of its mission and is guided by its vision.

UA-EACC began in 1967 with the creation of Crowley’s Ridge Vocational Technical School in Forrest City, St. Francis County, Arkansas. After meeting all the requirements and criteria for the formation of a community college district, St. Francis County voters approved a tax proposal to finance construction of East Arkansas Community College on November 8, 1973. On August 26, 1974, classes opened in a temporary facility in downtown Forrest City until completion of the construction of the new campus’s 11 buildings at UA-EACC’s current site contiguous to Crowley’s Ridge Vocational Technical School. Crowley’s Ridge Vocational Technical School was officially changed to Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute in 1992. By Act of the Arkansas General Assembly, EACC and Crowley’s Ridge consolidated into a single institution in 2017. In 2024, East Arkansas Community College joined the University of Arkansas System to become University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College. Today, UA-EACC is a uniquely blended comprehensive community college serving students from its locations in Forrest City and Wynne, Arkansas, as well as online. The campus has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality postsecondary education in an efficient and cost-effective manner for more than 50 years. For more detailed information about UA-EACC, our region and the chancellor’s search, please visit https://www.eacc.edu/chancellorsearch.

UA-EACC’s next leader should be an individual with the courage to innovate and a strong commitment to students, faculty, employees and the citizens of the region. They should foster an environment that provides all students with full access to educational opportunities that demonstrate relevance, versatility and quality. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills in an academic environment and senior experience in the administration of an institution of higher education. Successful candidates may also have leadership and management experience in significant public or private sector engagement. A master’s degree from an accredited institution is required and an earned doctoral degree is preferred, but not required with demonstrated, exceptional leadership experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Senior experience in the administration of a college or university, including a record of academic accomplishment and of increasingly complex administrative responsibility in higher education. Candidates with comparable accomplishments in the public or private sectors relevant to higher education administration and policy are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to a community college mission with priorities on transfer academic programs; career, professional and technical education; and workforce and community education as key components of economic and workforce development. Well-developed communications skills including a demonstrated ability to work successfully with colleagues and collaboratively with faculty and staff in the shared governance tradition of the institution. The ability to think strategically, build consensus, and engage faculty, staff, and administration in collegial and constructive decision-making to enhance student life and learning for both traditional and non-traditional students. The ability to be an effective institutional advocate to a broad range of constituents and to work effectively with local, state and national leaders and policy makers. The ability to lead an advancement effort in raising funds and building friends for the future of the institution, with an enthusiasm for fundraising and the willingness to make it a priority. Personal engagement on campus with students and student life and active involvement in the social and economic life of the community and region. A record of civic involvement and a commitment to work collaboratively with educational partnerships, business leaders and the community to carry out the mission of the institution. A commitment to and successful experience in forming focused and sustained partnerships with business/industry and other agencies in the community for the purposes of economic and workforce development. Demonstrated leadership skills, vision, integrity, and the ability to identify and build on the strengths of a successful and growing institution and to serve as its champion.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS

Based on input from the community and the Chancellor Advisory Search Committee, the successful candidates should possess the following qualities:

• An individual with a deep understanding of and passion for the community college mission with a record of success in increasing enrollment, improving retention, and growing completion of degrees and certificates.
• A highly visible and approachable individual with a commitment to understanding the culture and value of east Arkansas and uses that knowledge and relationships to grow the region while making it home.
• A leader who has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, as well as strength in managing a budget.
• A forward-thinking leader who is innovative, creative, and resourceful that is eager to advance the campus through its newly completed merger into the University of Arkansas System.
• A leader who is student-focused and will question how decisions affect students.
• An individual who reaffirms community relations, exhibits community-mindedness and involvement, and is willing to maintain a strong public presence at community events.
• A consensus builder that embraces that our region and mission are strongly connected, especially through our campuses, employees, and University of Arkansas System family to all of eastern Arkansas and will demonstrate unwavering support for access and partnership for those individuals, communities, and businesses and industries.
• A strategic thinker who can adopt and lead the implementation of the campus’s strategic plan.
• An individual with a proven track record of advocacy and support for technical/career education, academic programs, and workforce training that is specifically responsive to workforce needs demonstrated in the regional economy.
• An individual who understands the power of early college access and provides strategic leadership in strengthening K–12 partnerships and advancing concurrent and dual enrollment initiatives, including on-campus secondary career center programs.
• An individual who is highly visible on campus and maintains an interactive relationship with employees and students. An individual with teaching and/or senior leadership experience in a community college setting.
• A leader who is a data-driven decision maker who possesses a strong business acumen.
• An individual noted for integrity, honesty, and tact in personal and professional interactions.
• A leader with a team approach who values, includes, and inspires employees.
• An individual who is personable, caring, and has a congenial sense of humor.
• An individual who encourages faculty and staff to participate in professional growth opportunities.
• A recruiter who will attract talented faculty and staff and support a campus culture that enhances the ability to nurture and retain them.
• An individual who is committed by words and through actions to a campus environment that supports opportunity and success of all individuals.
• A leader who possesses an understanding of the legislative process and can work effectively with legislators on statewide and local policy initiatives.
• A leader who responds to local industry and community needs and forms collaborative partnerships. An executive that embraces a shared governance model and prioritizes managing the institution through a strong, transparent and collaborative relationship with its Board of Visitors.
• A leader with experience with fundraising, securing donations, and financial support.
• A supporter of the arts who embraces the role that the campus plays in enhancing the quality of life of all the region’s residents through strong programming offered at the campus’s exceptional performing arts center.

Additional Information:

Letters of application should include a curriculum vitae and a list of at least five references with names and contact information including e-mail addresses. References will not be contacted until the final stage of the search with prior notice to the candidate. Applications and required materials must be submitted at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/University-of-Arkansas-East-Arkansas-Community-College/Chancellor_R0079994.

Letters of nomination and/or recommendation should include the full name and address of the proposed candidate and other information known by the nominator. Submissions may be subject to disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Deadline to submit by March 18, 2026, at midnight.

Recruitment Contact Information:
Chris Thomason
Vice President for Strategic and Community College Partnerships
CThomason@uasys.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.