UA Little Rock Alumna Named Dean at Southern Arkansas University

Dr. C. Neelie Dobbins set out to become the best educator she could be. Her commitment to growth, mentorship, and student success has guided her from earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UA Little Rock to a career preparing future teachers at Southern Arkansas University, where she has been named dean of the College of Education and Human Performance.

“Every time a new opportunity presented itself, I sought out books, podcasts, and resources to help me grow into it,” Dobbins said. “Growing as a leader has really been about learning to hold both the results and the relationships together.”

Dobbins said she was excited to step into the role and continue building on the strong foundation established by outgoing dean Dr. Kim Bloss.

“What means the most to me is the culture we’ve built together,” Dobbins said. “I’ve always believed we do our best work when we operate as a true team, and one of my top priorities as dean is to keep nurturing that collaborative spirit.”

As dean, Dobbins will oversee programs that prepare educators, coaches, athletic trainers, and other professionals. She said she’s excited for the opportunity to support the entire college while continuing to grow both enrollment and the quality of its graduates.

“What excites me most about this new role is the chance to support the entire college, not just one department,” Dobbins said. “I want to make sure every person has what they need to succeed in their role and reach their fullest potential.”

Dobbins’ path into education began with an unexpected conversation.

As an undergraduate mathematics student, she planned to pursue a doctorate in pure mathematics. But while sitting in her sister’s kitchen one evening, that changed.

“I remember the moment that changed, though, sitting in my sister’s kitchen when my mom called and asked the very practical question of how I planned to make a living while pursuing that degree,” Dobbins said. “She suggested teaching, and my sister quickly agreed with her.”

The conversation led Dobbins to explore teaching and eventually connect with Dr. Pam Warrick, a UA Little Rock faculty member who became one of the most influential mentors in her life.

“She believed in the idea and helped me see a path forward,” Dobbins said. “From there, I simply trusted her guidance.”

Dobbins also credits Dr. Jennifer Hune with helping shape both her career and leadership philosophy.

“Both of these strong women shaped who I am today, not just as an educator, but as a leader,” Dobbins said. “I try to carry their example of mentorship forward in how I support others now.”

Although Dobbins now leads a college, she said becoming dean was never part of a long-term career plan.

“I actually became department chair somewhat by default,” she said. “At the time, our faculty were untenured, and there wasn’t anyone else positioned to step into the role.”

The experience forced her to grow as a leader through what she describes as “learning, failing fast, and fixing fast.”

After 15 years at Southern Arkansas University, Dobbins said she felt ready to continue the college’s legacy as dean.

Among her proudest accomplishments has been helping develop the Rider Residency model, which provides yearlong, paid teaching residencies that prepare future educators through extended classroom experience alongside mentor teachers.

“The depth of support and learning that comes from a full year in the classroom is truly wonderful,” Dobbins said. “It produces teachers who are far more prepared on day one.”

Looking ahead, Dobbins said her priorities include strengthening the college’s collaborative culture, developing interdisciplinary academic programs, and maintaining high standards as enrollment grows.

“Growth means nothing if it comes at the expense of the quality of our programs or the candidates we prepare,” she said.

For students preparing for careers in education or academic leadership, Dobbins offers one guiding principle.

“Lead with grace,” she said. “If we model that standard for our students now, they’ll carry it forward into their own classrooms, gyms, and communities.”