Dr. Ricky Tompkins begins duties as UAHT chancellor

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KSLA) - Dr. Ricky Tompkins began his duties Monday (Feb. 2) as the new chancellor for the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT).

Dr. Tompkins brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education to the role. The new chancellor said he wants to focus on developing students, people, and the surrounding communities.

“I think we have always had the mission here at UA Hope-Texarkana to really focus on our students and the success of our students, and we are going to continue that great work into the future, working directly with our community, working with employees in the area to make sure that our students will be able to build better lives for themselves and their family,” Dr. Tompkins said.

Dr. Tompkins said from his viewpoint, the future appears to be bright for UAHT.

“We have so many opportunities, both regionally, statewide, and nationally, but our focus will always be here on the communities that we serve and the students that are coming to us,” he said.

Dr. Tompkins is a native of Hope, Ark. and this is the second time he has worked at UAHT.

“And we are going to do some things creative in moving forward so we can better serve our students, whether that is through new programs, revising programs, really looking as to how we can better serve our communities,” Dr. Tompkins said.

UAHT’s spring enrollment is 1,315 students.

Two meet-and-greet events will be held soon so students, faculty, and staff can get to know the new chancellor. One will be at the Hope campus while the other will be in Texarkana.

DETAILS

Hope campus

• Wednesday, Feb. 4
• J.W. Rowe Admin Complex
• 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Texarkana campus

• Tuesday, Feb. 10
• TXK Admin Building
• 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Back in December of 2025, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Tompkins to serve as the new chancellor at the recommendation of of UA System President Jay B. Silveria.