UA Governmental Affairs Vice Chancellor Richard Hudson To Retire

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by Stephanie Baker ([email protected]) November 4, 2013 9:31 am 174 views 

Richard Hudson, who has worked under three chancellors during his 20-year career at the University of Arkansas, announced he plans to retire, effective July 31, 2014.

As vice chancellor for government and community relations, Hudson represents UA to state and federal lawmakers, as well as to political and community leaders in Northwest Arkansas and around the state. He has also spearheaded the Northwest Arkansas Political Animals Club for years.

“Richard’s wealth of knowledge will be hard if not impossible to replace,” said UA Chancellor David Gearhart. “He is well known for his integrity, honesty and work ethic. He is highly respected by our federal lawmakers, by members of the General Assembly and the governor’s office, as well as by community and civic leaders across Arkansas. He has enjoyed a brilliant career and it has been my absolute pleasure to work with him. I wish him a wonderful retirement.”

Hudson is a native of Warren and attended Ouachita Baptist University and Baylor University, where he earned a master’s degree in political science.

He taught for two years at San Marcos Academy in Texas, before joining the faculty of Westark Community College in Fort Smith. At Westark (now the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith), Hudson held several administrative positions before being named vice president for planning and government relations. He was recruited by Chancellor Ferritor to join the University of Arkansas administration in 1994.

“It has truly been a privilege to be part of the University of Arkansas family, and I’ll miss working with my colleagues, as well as with legislators and other state and national officials,” he said. “On the other hand, when I went to my 50th high school reunion in Warren last year, I was one of only two still working. This feels like the right time.”

Hudson said after retirement he and his wife, Joanna, plan to spend more time traveling around the world and hope to be more active at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.