NWACC names Tompkins as VP for learning

Dr. Ricky Tompkins of Rogers was appointed vice president for learning by Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, president of NorthWest Arkansas Community College.
 
Tompkins had filled the position on an interim basis following the resignation of Dr. Ted Phillips, who left NWACC to take a position in Texas. Tompkins began serving in the interim post in April.
 
“Dr. Tompkins has proven to be an effective leader in each of his positions at NWACC,” said Dr. Steven M. Gates, Senior Vice President for Learning and Provost. “He listens critically to all, values collaboration and is committed to serving people. I look forward to working with him in this role.”
 
The appointment becomes effective Sunday, Nov. 10.
 
He holds a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a master’s degree in English from Henderson State University, and a bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University. In addition to his administrative experience, Tompkins has served as an adjunct faculty member in English at NWACC and in Sociology at Henderson State University.

Tompkins joined the NWACC team in 2006 as director for the Institute for corporate and public safety. He became executive director for grants and institutional research in 2007 and was named associate vice president for research and planning in 2011. That same year, he assumed the added responsibilities of chief diversity officer and began serving on the president’s cabinet.

Serving as interim, Tompkins continued to have oversight of several key areas, such as Grants, Research, Planning, Effectiveness, and Diversity. Additional areas that began reporting to Tompkins in April included Communication and Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Library Resources, and oversight of Distance Learning.