Dr. Ricky Tompkins Appointed Next UAHT Chancellor

It's official! The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Ricky Tompkins, Ed.D., as the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT). This took place recently during a special meeting held in person and via Zoom at the UA System’s Cammack Campus in Little Rock.

Get our free mobile app

UA System President Jay B. Silveria recommended Tompkins for the role. He is expected to begin his new position at UofA Hope-Texarkana on February. 1, 2026.

Tompkins currently serves as vice president for technical education and workforce development at North Arkansas College and was named one of three finalists for the position in November. At 52, he brings decades of experience in higher education leadership across Arkansas, including work with multiple institutions and Arkansas Community Colleges.

UAHT

Silveria said in a press release that all three finalists were strong candidates for the position but said that Tompkins was the right fit for the University.

Dr. Tompkins brings energy and passion for ensuring those around him have opportunities to advance and succeed. He stood out as the right fit to continue the college’s innovative approach to engaging with the communities and students it serves.

Thompkins's Extensive Experience in Higher Education

Tompkins has taught at both the college and university levels, published in academic and professional journals, and presented nationally at higher education conferences. Tompkins was also a 2007 and 2009 Bellwether Award finalist and a graduate of multiple leadership programs.

Looking Ahead at UAHT

Tompkins said,

“I’m honored to have been selected and approved to serve as the next chancellor at UAHT. I have great respect for what the college has accomplished and look forward to building on that success to serve students, communities, and the regional workforce.

The national search for a new chancellor began in July and was led by a committee that was chaired by UAHT Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Misty Hughes, with support from UA System leadership.

30 famous people you might not know were college athletes

Stacker dug deep to find 30 celebrities who were previously college athletes. There are musicians, politicians, actors, writers, and reality TV stars. For some, an athletic career was a real, promising possibility that ultimately faded away due to injury or an alternate calling. Others scrapped their way onto a team and simply played for fun and the love of the sport. Read on to find out if your favorite actor, singer, or politician once sported a university jersey.

Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli