Southeast Arkansas College has announced the hiring of Donna Hunnicutt as vice president of instruction and Charles King as executive director of advancement.
Hunnicutt, whose appointment went into effect Tuesday, has held prominent leadership roles in academic affairs at Shorter College, Eastern Oklahoma State College and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she spent 20 years as a faculty member, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation coordinator and graduate studies coordinator in the School of Education. According to a news release, Hunnicutt’s extensive background in education, assessment and program development will be crucial to the academic offerings at SEARK.
“SEARK has a strong commitment to student success and community engagement, and I look forward to working alongside the talented faculty and staff to enhance academic programs and support services,” Hunnicutt said. “Together, we will create innovative learning experiences that empower our students to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world.”
In her new role, Hunnicutt will manage academic affairs with a particular emphasis on accreditation, assessment and institutional effectiveness. As a Higher Learning Commission accreditation liaison officer, she is tasked with ensuring adherence to accreditation standards, organizing relevant activities, preparing reports and coordinating site visits.
“Dr. Hunnicutt is a remarkable asset to our campus, contributing extensive knowledge from her background in both four-year and two-year higher education institutions,” SEARK President Tyrone Jackson said. “Her experience with accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission highlights her dedication to maintaining academic standards and ensuring quality educational opportunities.”
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King brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising across higher education and corporate sectors. He has been vice president of institutional advancement at Philander Smith University and senior development officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he advanced fundraising efforts and boosted community involvement, according to a news release.
SEARK identified a “significant priority” on King’s agenda as the capital campaign for its athletic department, founded in January 2023. The baseball and softball teams began play this past winter, while the basketball and golf teams begin competing this semester.
“As a servant leader, I am happy to join the team at SEARK,” King said. “The college is poised for growth, and I am looking forward to expanding our reach into the community.”
As an executive director, King will focus on identifying and engaging potential funding sources to support SEARK’s initiatives, the college stated. He will develop annual budget proposals, monitor fund utilization and serve as a liaison between the college, its foundation and the community.
“Mr. King is a valuable asset to the SEARK team,” Jackson said. “His extensive fundraising experience will strengthen our current initiatives, and I’ve challenged him to hit the ground running.”