MONTICELLO — Jay and Laura Hughes will retire from the University of Arkansas at Monticello effective Oct. 31 to spend more time with family, according to a press release.
Jay Hughes will retire as vice chancellor for university operations and student affairs, and Laura Hughes retires as director of counseling, testing and career services.
“UAM has been an important part of my life from the time I first strapped on a helmet to play for the Boll Weevils in 1979,” Jay Hughes said. “Laura and I met here as undergraduates and it was the culmination of a long-held dream when we were able to return to campus as part of the university’s staff and senior administration. UAM will always be a part of our lives and close to our hearts.”
Jay Hughes graduated from UAM in 1983 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. He held positions at Monticello and Crossett High Schools before pursuing a master’s degree in general counseling at Louisiana Tech. Hughes received his M.A. in 1992. In 2010, he was named UAM vice chancellor for student affairs and in 2016 became vice chancellor for university operations and student services.
Laura Hughes holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from UAM and an M.A. in elementary counseling from Louisiana Tech. She spent 18 years in public school education before joining the UAM in 2001 as director of counseling, testing and career services.
“UAM has played such an important role in our family’s life,” Laura Hughes said. “Jay and I met here as undergraduates and have always held a special place in our hearts for this campus. It’s going to be hard to leave but we’re looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time with our children and grandchildren.”
UAM Chancellor Karla Hughes called the Hughes’ joint retirement “a loss to the university community.”