Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) is realigning its leadership to strengthen its programs in health sciences, technical education, and workforce development, reflecting the college’s growing role in supporting north central Arkansas’s educational and economic needs.
As ASUMH Provost Dr. Robert Shurley assumed his position in 2026, college leadership reevaluated the administrative structure of its School of Technology and Health Sciences. The goal was to enhance academic excellence while responding to changing workforce demands.
“Community colleges are integral to shaping their region’s economic future,” said ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace. “Our responsibility is to help businesses grow, provide a skilled workforce, and create pathways for individuals to develop meaningful careers. We’ve assembled a leadership team with complementary expertise, allowing us to expand our impact across the region.”
**New Leadership Roles**
Dr. Jess Camp has stepped into the role of Dean of Technology and Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. A seasoned healthcare professional, Camp holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is a Registered Nurse, and is certified as both a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Executive. Her career has spanned clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and higher education, including positions at Arkansas State University where she guided its Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
At ASUMH, Camp will oversee nursing and allied health programs, inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE), technical education, and workforce training initiatives. Her aim is to ensure programs align with regional workforce needs while maintaining a focus on student success and quality.
“I hope students leave ASUMH with the confidence, skills, and pathway to a meaningful career while recognizing their capacity for continued growth and community impact,” Camp said.
Complementing Camp’s academic leadership, Vicki Pratt has been appointed as Senior Workforce Development Officer. Originally from New York, Pratt brings over 30 years of economic development experience and was named to North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers list by Consultant Connect. Her focus at ASUMH will include enhancing high school awareness of non-four-year career opportunities and supporting employer workforce needs through the ASUMH Technical Center.
“A skilled workforce is vital to attracting and retaining businesses,” Pratt noted. “Our mission is to ensure education at every level leads to meaningful employment and economic growth.”
Jeff Bookout joins the leadership team as Workforce Director, bringing over three decades of expertise in workforce development and higher education from Arkansas State University-Newport. A Violet Hill native, Bookout’s responsibilities include fostering relationships with local employers, expanding technical training opportunities, and guiding initiatives like the Plumbing Apprenticeship program.
“Workforce development must evolve to meet changing employer and community needs,” Bookout stated. “I’m eager to build partnerships that help businesses grow through targeted training.”
**Focus on Regional Impact**
The new leadership additions build on ASUMH’s broader mission to connect secondary and post-secondary education with workforce training. The teamwork of Camp, Pratt, and Bookout will allow the college to coordinate academic and workforce priorities more effectively.
In recent years, ASUMH’s focus on technical and health sciences has expanded significantly. These programs accounted for 40% of enrollment in 2026, compared to 27% in 2011. Facility investments, including the ongoing expansion of Gotaas Hall for nursing and allied health education, and enhancements to the ASUMH Technical Center, are equipping the college to train students for in-demand careers.
The leadership team will collaborate with employers, the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, and municipalities to identify workforce needs and create education and training opportunities that drive economic growth.
“Education and workforce development are inseparable,” Shurley said. “Our commitment is to provide pathways to meaningful careers while meeting regional employer needs. This leadership team will help us advance that mission.”
Founded in 1995, ASUMH serves the region with programs in academics, workforce education, technical training, and community enrichment opportunities, working toward a stronger economic future for north central Arkansas.