University of Central Arkansas - UCA Presidents

UCA Presidents

• John James Doyne 1908-1917
• Burr Walter Torreyson 1917-1930
• Heber L. McAlister 1930-1941
• Nolen M. Irby 1941-1953
• Silas D. Snow 1953-1975
• Jefferson D. Farris 1975-1986
• Winfred L. Thompson 1988-2001
• Lu Hardin 2002-2008
• Allen Meadors 2009–2011
• Tom Courtway 2011-

After President Thompson resigned the presidency he was replaced on an interim basis on December 21, 2001 by Dr. John Smith, vice-president of financial services. Smith served in this capacity until September 22, 2002. Hardin took the reins at UCA on September 23, 2002. He has a Bachelor of Arts with high honors from Arkansas Tech University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas Law School. Hardin served as an Arkansas State Senator for 14 years and was chairman of the Senate Education Committee and also served on the Joint Budget Committee and Legislative Council. He chaired the Arkansas Advisory Council for Vocational Education and served 12 years as a Professor of Legal Studies at Arkansas Tech University. In addition, he was a trial attorney for 10 years. Prior to becoming UCA’s eighth president, Hardin was Director of the Department of Higher Education for six years. President Lu Hardin announced his resignation at the August 28, 2008 Board of Trustees meeting, following controversy over a $300,000 bonus that had been voted him by the board. He would later plead guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Tom Courtway, UCA Vice President and General Counsel, was then named Interim President. On June 19, 2009, the new UCA President, Dr. Allen Meadors, was presented to the Board of Trustees. The event took place in Wingo Hall. Dr. Meadors is a UCA Alumnus who received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.