FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
April 11, 2016
NPC REMEMBERS DR. TOM SPENCER, PAST PRESIDENT
Hot Springs, Arkansas – With great sadness and heavy hearts, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students of National Park College (NPC) remember the legacy of Dr. Tom Spencer, past president of NPC. Dr. Spencer passed Saturday evening.
He was a quiet, humble leader with a lifelong love of learning. He had a calming demeanor and is best remembered for his fiscal responsibility and deep dedication to student success. He was a stabilizing presence for the College during a time of great change. Many remember his ability to recognize and nurture potential in others and his drive to advocate for those who had difficulty speaking up for themselves.
Dr. Spencer held a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas,
and a Master of Arts degree from Texas Tech University. He began his professional
career as Dean and Chief Instructional Officer for Mitchell College in Statesville,
North Carolina in 1964. He gained experience in the same role at Bee County College
in Beeville, Texas and later worked for the Texas College and University System as
Director of Compensatory Education. In 1972, he joined the Arkansas Division of Higher
Education where he served in many different roles supervising agency and institutional
finance and academic affairs until 1990. He served as President of East Arkansas Community
College from 1990 to 1994.
He was an important part of the evolution of National Park College. He began his role
September 1, 1994 as President of Garland County Community College (GCCC) and retired
in June 2005. Upon his retirement, he was honored as President Emeritus by the NPC
Board of Trustees. He facilitated some of the most significant building projects our
campus has seen, including conclusion of construction of the Gerald Fisher Campus
Center, two faculty office buildings and renovation of the Computer Center. During
his time, campus was greatly expanded adding more than 45 acres to the property. He
oversaw the merger of GCCC and Quapaw Technical Institute (QTI) in 2003. His conservative
fiscal management set the direction for NPC to move forward in solid financial shape
for many years to come.
Dr. Spencer’s accomplishments carried on far beyond his tenure. Immediately after his retirement he joined the NPC Foundation Board of Governors, serving as an active member from August 2005 until his death. He served on the NPC Foundation’s scholarship committee and established the Spirit of NPC Award in 2012 in honor of his parents, Thomas and Rachel Spencer. The award is given at commencement each year to the student who best exemplifies academic achievement, contribution to the spirit of the College, and personal advancement. He also served as chairman of the Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club Scholarship Committee.
Past president, Dr. Sally Carder shared, “Tom was a gentleman, mentor and friend and one of the greatest individuals I have had the honor of knowing. His great sense of humor and dry wit created wonderful memories. We had a special relationship because of the many hours we spent together working through the merger of GCCC and QTI. He was a great advocate for students and I am proud that he took time to train and mentor me. I cherish every moment.”
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan said, “His personal friendship and mentorship was crucial to my own success leading this organization. I appreciate the path he cleared for the College’s long-term success, and the generous contributions he continued for the remainder of his life. His mark on this College is undeniable. He leaves a remarkable legacy of growth and progress. His experience and professionalism will forever be remembered.”
Photo: Dr. Tom Spencer, NPC President September 1994 – June 2005.
