The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Alicia Dorn as the new chancellor’s chief of staff.

Dorn, a native of Pine Bluff, serves as the primary liaison to the Office of the Chancellor and assists in areas of communication, planning and preparation, project management, and other administrative responsibilities. One of her first major projects will be to assist in the creation of the university’s new five-year strategic plan.

“I am extremely happy and excited that I was chosen as the chancellor’s chief of staff, which means they trust that I am very qualified to assist the chancellor in her vision for the university,” Dorn said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of that. I’m looking forward to all that I will learn in this position and to contribute to the university community in a meaningful way.”

Prior to joining UA Little Rock, Dorn worked as the communications director in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she supervised a staff of five to manage all communication functions for the school.

“I became interested in working in higher education because I know the impact that higher education had on my life as far as opening and expanding my mind and the wealth of opportunities that I wouldn’t have without higher education,” Dorn said. “I just want others to be able to experience that and know the power of furthering your education.”

She also previously served as the communications director and part-time deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

“In order for me to be effective in my position and represent the sheriff’s office correctly, I felt I needed to understand from the deputy’s perspective, so I completed the part-time certification in conjunction with my full-time job as communications director.”

Dorn earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication/broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Public Administration from UA Little Rock. She said she’s grateful for the opportunity to work for the alma mater that helped her so much.

“I’m happy to be able to give back to the university that helped establish who I am today,” Dorn said. “They invested in me as a student. I get the chance to come back to a place that helped enhance my skills, abilities, and talents. It’s an honor to give back to the university that gave so much to me.”