UA Legislative Liaison Richard Hudson Announces Retirement

The University of Arkansas announced the retirement Monday morning of longtime administrator Richard Hudson, vice chancellor for government and community relations, effective July 31.

According to a university news release, Hudson, 69, has worked under three chancellors during his 20-year career at the University of Arkansas. He was hired as director of government relations 20 years ago by Chancellor Dan Ferritor. His role was expanded in 1996 under Chancellor John White, when his title was changed to vice chancellor for government and community relations. He continued in that position under Chancellor G. David Gearhart.

“Richard’s wealth of knowledge will be hard if not impossible to replace,” Gearhart said in the release. “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 has worked with almost 600 state legislators, five governors, and over a dozen members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation during his career in government relations, according to the release.

In 2010 he received the Marvin M. “Swede” Johnson Achievement Award as the nation’s top higher education government relations official. 

“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,” Hudson said in the release. “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.”