UALR announces new leadership in College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced three new leadership appointments within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

Kiel Thorlton has been named director of the School of Mass Communication, while Dr. Kris McAbee has been appointed permanent director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts. Additionally, Stacy Pendergraft has been named artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts.

“These faculty leaders bring a wealth of talent, vision, and experience to their new roles,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, interim dean of CHASSE. “Their leadership will strengthen our programs and elevate opportunities for students and faculty across the college.”

Thorlton, an associate professor of mass communication, is an award-winning writer and director whose feature film, “A Place Called Home,” has been distributed globally. He has just finished filming his latest feature film, “Before We Knew.” He is leading a program of about 200 students known for its emphasis on hands-on student learning in media, journalism, and film production.

McAbee, an associate professor of English, specializes in Shakespeare and early modern popular culture. She has served as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts since its creation in 2022. The school includes programs in music, theater, and English, which collectively offer classes that enroll more than 500 individual students each semester. In her new role as permanent director, McAbee will continue building interdisciplinary bridges that connect students to diverse creative and professional pathways.

Pendergraft, an associate professor specializing in directing, performance, and human simulation, will take on the new role of artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, leading the school’s overall creative identity and mission.

Pendergraft has directed numerous acclaimed productions at UA Little Rock and beyond, and has fostered collaborative partnerships with organizations such as UAMS, FBI, UA Little Rock School of Nursing, CHI St. Vincent’s, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Children’s Theatre, Actors’ Theatre of Little Rock, and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. She served alongside McAbee as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts for the past three years.