UAHT Chancellor Dr. Ricky Tompkins Brings Hope Lions Program
The Hope Lions Club heard from new UAHT Chancellor Dr. Ricky Tompkins on Monday (2-23). Dr. Tompkins grew up in the Patmos area and is a 1991 graduate of Hope High. He noted it is a blessing to be able to return to your hometown.
Dr. Tompkins started off by saying “we are this community’s college” and noted they want to make sure the college is serving the community’s needs and expectations. He also thanked those who live in Hempstead County who pay a half-cent sales tax that helps fund the college. Dr. Tompkins also noted for some of their students, UAHT is the only path they have to create a better life for themselves and families. He also noted the only reason he has been able to do what he has been able to do what he does is because of education.
The new chancellor noted the college has 50 credit programs, some as short-term as 6 to 8 weeks. He singled out the CNA program at the college as a quick program and he noted the need is huge for persons who complete that program.
Dr. Tompkins talked about the affordability of UAHT. He said the cost for a credit hour for a Hempstead County resident is $95 at UAHT compared to $485 at the U of A in Fayetteville. Dr. Tompkins also noted if you complete an associates degree at UAHT and transfer to Fayetteville, you’ll still pay the $95 per hour.
He talked about the fact the college has two campuses. He repeatedly said “two campuses but one college…with the same mission, to serve our communities, to help our students be successful”.
Dr. Tompkins noted during academic year 2025, the college served 1,631 individual students. He noted if they included “duplicated” students, that number would be closer to 3,000 students. Dr. Tompkins noted the concurrent high school students served were 764 last year. 460 of those students were from Hempstead County. Dr. Tompkins also noted their almost serving every graduating senior at Hope High. He pointed out the concurrent students pay nothing for that college credit.
One topic Dr. Tompkins focused on was Hempstead Hall. He noted Dolly Henley is serving as interim director and will serve until the next fiscal legislative session. Dr. Tompkins said he expects more events there in the future and plans are underway to also resume showing movies…and he expects those movies to be free to the public with free popcorn and drinks.
Dr. Tompkins finished up his program by taking questions from the audience. The Lions were very receptive to Dr. Tompkins’ remarks and many stayed around after the program to visit with him.
