UA Little Rock Names Kindle Holderby as Executive Director of Admissions
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock welcomes Kindle Holderby, former assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, back to campus as the new executive director of admissions.
“Kindle was essential in improving admissions and recruitment efforts during 2021-2023, and we’re excited to have him back at UA Little Rock in the new role of executive director of admissions,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer.
Kindle rejoins UA Little Rock after serving as vice president at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, where he worked with higher education institutions to increase their enrollment. Before that, he served at UA Little from 2021 to 2023. He brings years of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role.
“During Kindle’s time at UA Little Rock, the university experienced a record increase in both freshmen and transfer student enrollment,” said Jonathan Coleman, interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of financial aid and scholarships. “I am excited to bring Kindle back into the fold, and I am confident that his track record and experience can help UA Little Rock continue the positive momentum in enrollment that we have built over the last several years.”
In his new role, Holderby will lead undergraduate admissions and new student recruitment efforts. He will also oversee the Office of Enrollment Management, the Military Student Success Center, the Trojan Transition Assistance Center, International Student Services, and the Corporate Partnerships Program.
“I am very excited to be back at UA Little Rock for this new opportunity,” Holderby said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated admissions team to attract and support a diverse and talented student body, ensuring that every prospective student has the opportunity to find their path to success here. Together, we will continue to build on the university’s legacy of academic excellence and innovation.”
Holderby is a seasoned higher education professional with more than 15 years of experience in enrollment management. Prior to UA Little Rock, Holderby’s team at Emporia State University ended a three-year cycle of declining enrollment through improving efforts in undergraduate enrollment management, recruitment, and marketing.
Prior to Emporia State, Holderby served as vice president of student affairs at Bacone College, where his enrollment management team reversed a seven-year enrollment decline. Holderby previously served as a dean of students, director of enrollment management, director of work study, director of a foster care program, and an admissions recruiter.
Holderby earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern State University and a master’s degree in education administration from East Central University. He is working on a Doctor in Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.
Holderby is a native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. He is also a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Holderby and his wife Nicole live in Benton and have three children – Dylan, a sophomore at UA Little Rock, Haley, 17, and Blakely, 4.
“Having worked with higher education institutions from all across the country has really made me appreciate what a gem UA Little Rock is,” Holderby said. “Every institution has its challenges, but we are doing a lot of things right at UA Little Rock. The people who work here are outstanding, and our students are amazing. The future is bright at UA Little Rock.”
