Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) has revamped the leadership of its School of Technology and Health Sciences, appointing Dr. Jess Camp as its new dean and director of nursing. Two new workforce-focused positions were also created to enhance the college’s support for local employers.
Dr. Camp, who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, will oversee nursing programs, as well as allied health, technical education, workforce training, and inclusive post-secondary education programs. She previously coordinated the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and held the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Endowed Nursing Professorship in Rural Health at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Dr. Camp emphasized the importance of both technical skills and professional development for students, stating, “I hope students leave ASUMH knowing we care about them... with confidence, practical skills, and a clear pathway to a meaningful career.”
Vicki Pratt assumes the newly created senior workforce development officer role. A Certified Economic Developer with over 30 years of experience in economic development, Pratt has worked across nine states and was named a Top 50 Economic Developer in North America by Consultant Connect. In her role, she will work to expand ASUMH’s Technical Center offerings, assist existing employers with workforce training, and promote career paths outside of four-year degrees. “A skilled workforce is one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining industry, and that’s where we can make a difference,” Pratt said.
Jeff Bookout, a native of Violet Hill, Arkansas, takes on a restructured workforce director position. Bookout brings more than three decades of workforce development experience from Arkansas State University-Newport, where he designed technical training programs, including in mechatronics after studying systems in Germany and Austria. He will focus on building employer relationships, creating customized training programs, and supporting the college’s plumbing apprenticeship program. Bookout stated, “Workforce development should be continually evolving as the needs of our employers and communities change.”
These leadership changes align with ASUMH's ongoing efforts to meet regional educational and economic needs under the direction of Provost Dr. Robert Shurley. Dr. Shurley, who assumed his new role earlier this year, said, “This structure allows us to bring those efforts together in a more intentional way.”
Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace emphasized the critical role of community colleges in economic development, stating, “At ASUMH, we recognize our responsibility to help businesses grow, develop the skilled workforce our region needs, and create pathways for individuals to advance their careers.”
ASUMH has reported that enrollment in health sciences and technical programs has grown from 27 percent of its college-level enrollment in 2011 to a projected 40 percent by 2026. To support this growth, the college is expanding Gotaas Hall, which houses nursing and allied health programs, and is continuing investments in equipment and programs at the Technical Center.