National Park College (NPC) announced Darla Thurber has been selected as Vice President
for External Affairs following a nationwide search process.
Thurber has served as interim vice president in the role since June following the
resignation of Jeff Weaver. She holds an associate degree from National Park College,
a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education from the University of
Arkansas.
Thurber began her career at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena where she worked
in many roles, including executive assistant to the president and director of community
relations. She joined NPC in 2006 and worked in student accounts for eight years.
She has served as special assistant to the president since 2014.
In 2014, Thurber was selected as NPC’s Outstanding Staff Member. She is a member
of Leadership Hot Springs Class XXV and the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership
Institute Class II. She is a founding member of the NPC Cultural Diversity Awareness
Club and currently serves as the College’s chief diversity officer.
Dr. John Hogan said Thurber has been successful during her time as interim vice president.
“In that time, she has demonstrated the skills and experience that predict a very
successful tenure leading NPC’s fundraising, communication, marketing, and legislative
efforts. She has demonstrated the ability to effectively lead the strong External
Affairs team,” he said. “I’m pleased that Darla has decided to extend her career at
NPC. Her leadership and work in the President’s office served as excellent preparation
for her new role. I expect she will build on the very successful work of her predecessors.”
“I am thrilled to continue serving the institution that invested in me as a student almost twenty years ago. We change lives through education and the support that comes with it, and I am honored to be part of the calling,” said Thurber.
Thurber will begin her role January 2, 2019.
