NWACC hires outgoing state legislator for government affairs, marketing role
by June 24, 2020 10:12 am 1,713 views
NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville announced Wednesday (June 24) that Grant Hodges will be its new executive director of community & government relations and marketing. Hodges will start on July 13, according to a news release.
Hodges will take over many of the responsibilities held by Jim Hall, who plans to retire from the college on July 6 after more than 30 years of service in a variety of capacities, including on the inaugural board of trustees for NWACC, which opened its doors to students in 1990.
Hodges is a Rogers native. He is serving his third term as a Republican in the Arkansas House of Representatives and represents District 96 which includes a portion of Benton County. He announced in June 2019 he would not seek re-election in 2020.
“I’m excited to begin my new role at NWACC, where I have the opportunity to build on the tremendous success of the institution,” Hodges said in a statement. “I hope to increase awareness of the college’s value to students and the community, and to ensure our elected officials and policymakers are informed and working together for the benefit of higher education and workforce development.
“I’m grateful and honored to have represented my constituents in the legislature. It’s a privilege that I’ll always remember and cherish.”
Hodges’ responsibilities, according to the news release, will include directing the college’s government relations at all levels including local, state and federal, providing management over marketing and public relations efforts and serving as the official spokesperson for NWACC.
“We are very pleased to have Mr. Hodges join NWACC,” NWACC President Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson said in a statement. “Because of his background, knowledge and years of service as a state representative, we believe he will be able to quickly assist the college with our diverse legislative needs. He has many contacts and is fully aware of state operations.
“Marketing and public relations also go hand-in-hand with community and government relations, so Grant’s expertise in utilizing communication campaigns to raise awareness among the public and government officials will be vital to NWACC.”