Local Educator Dr. Wade Derden Appointed as New President of National Park College

The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Wade Derden as the new president of NPC. The decision was made on Thursday, and Dr. Derden will start his new role on July 1, 2024. The selection process involved a nationwide search and the review of over 60 applications by a search committee. Campus visits and open forums were also part of the process.

Joyce Craft, the Board chair, expressed satisfaction with the selection of Dr. Derden. She highlighted his knowledge of community colleges, leadership skills, and commitment to student success. She also mentioned his vision for NPC and his character. The Board made the appointment after careful consideration.

Dr. Derden, originally from Arkansas, has over 20 years of experience in higher education. He has a 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. He has served as the president of the Arkansas Community College’s Board of Directors and as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Dr. Derden has contributed to the development of a graduate program in the College of Education and Health Professionals. He was appointed by the Governor to the University of Arkansas’s Criminal Justice Institute Board of Advisors. Dr. Derden is married and has four children.

The current NPC President, Dr. John Hogan, expressed confidence in Dr. Derden's ability to lead the college. He highlighted Dr. Derden's character, ambition, vision, and commitment to student success. After accepting the position, Dr. Derden expressed his commitment to students and the campus community.

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