FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
January 20, 2016
U.S. ARMY RESERVE VETERAN AND ARKANSAS NATIVE, DR. JERRY THOMAS SELECTED AS VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AT NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) has selected U.S. Army Reserve Veteran and Arkansas native, Dr. Jerry Thomas as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Dr. Thomas will be introduced at the regular monthly Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016.
Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in mathematics and a
Master of Education in Agency Counseling from Southern Arkansas University (SAU) in
Magnolia. He has a Master of Arts in History from Louisiana Tech University, and a
Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
Dr. Thomas has 20 years of experience in educational leadership, academic advising,
and student development programming. He is respected for his compassion and expertise
in developing pathways for student success. He began his career at his alma mater,
SAU, where he gained experience as Coordinator of Tutoring Programs, admissions and
recruitment, and directed the TRIO Upward Bound Programs. He most recently served
as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Thomas Edison State University
in Trenton, New Jersey. Dr. Thomas and his wife, Dr. Carlotta Wells-Thomas, have six
children.
Photo: Dr. Jerry Thomas, new Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at National Park College
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan said, “Jerry comes to us with a long list of experience and accomplishments. We believe he is a perfect fit for our team and we look forward to learning from his knowledge and passion for student success.”
Dr. Thomas will begin his new role on February 1, where he will replace Dr. Gordon Watts, who retired January 1, 2016. Dr. Hogan expressed his gratitude for Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, John Tucker who stepped in to fill the role temporarily stating, “We have an exceptional team here at NPC. John Tucker is a dedicated professional and I appreciate his willingness to serve the College during this transition.” Tucker shared, “The Student Affairs staff is so excited about what Dr. Thomas has to offer NPC’s staff and students. With his long history of leading positive change, we are certain that Student Affairs at NPC will continue, under Dr. Thomas’ leadership, to offer the highest level of service to students.”
