The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees named Dr. Wade Derden as the fifth
president of NPC. The unanimous vote was made Thursday evening following an executive
session. Dr. Derden will begin July 1, 2024.
The Board selected Dr. Derden following an extensive nationwide search process and
broad support from the campus community. A Board appointed search committee carefully
reviewed applications from over 60 experienced applicants. The College also hosted
campus visits and open forums that sought input from students, faculty and staff,
and community members.
Board chair, Joyce Craft said, “The Board is pleased to announce that we have hired
Dr. Wade Derden to serve as NPC’s fifth president. His distinct knowledge of community
colleges, specifically NPC, his trusted leadership, and deep compassion for student
success are all reasons he stood out among an incredibly strong pool of candidates.
Dr. Derden has a clear vision for carrying the legacy of NPC forward. I am personally
moved by his strength of character and commitment to this community. I appreciate
the Board’s careful consideration and dedication to this process.”
Dr. Derden is a sixth-generation Arkansan and has more than 20 years of experience
in higher education. He received his Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of
Arkansas (UA), a Master of Arts from the UA, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from
Hendrix College.
Dr. Derden served as the president of the Arkansas Community College’s Board of Directors
and as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. He also collaborated with
college leaders from across the state and University of Arkansas faculty to develop
a graduate program in the College of Education and Health Professionals for community
college leadership. Governor Hutchinson appointed Dr. Derden to the University of
Arkansas’s Criminal Justice Institute Board of Advisors.
Dr. Derden is married to Angie Macri, an Arkansas Arts Council Fellow for Poetry.
Together they have raised their four children in Hot Springs to be active in the community
and to enjoy the nature and history of Arkansas.
Current NPC President, Dr. John Hogan added, “I could not be more pleased by the Board's
decision to select Dr. Wade Derden. Having worked closely with him this past decade,
I am wholly confident that NPC will continue its intense focus on meeting the needs
of our students. I know Wade to be a person of high character, ambition, vision, and
passionate about student success. Dr. Derden is a preeminent leader in higher education.
He will add to the cultural recipe and continue to build the College with forward
momentum. He has earned the position and I know the best is ahead for National Park
College.”
After accepting the position, Dr. Derden expressed his excitement for the opportunity
and reiterated his commitment to students. “I am thankful to the Board of Trustees
for allowing me the opportunity to serve the campus that I love as the next president
of National Park College. Our mission is focused on learning and student success.
I look forward to leading this talented group of faculty and staff as we work together
for the future of our students and our community.”
View Dr. Derden’s full bio and resume.
