College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education Strengthens Leadership Team for New School Year
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) has announced several leadership transitions, bringing experienced faculty and staff into key roles across the college.
These appointments leverage the expertise and longstanding commitment of CHASSE faculty and staff, positioning the college for continued growth and excellence.
Dr. Michael Norton, associate dean for student success since July 2024 and professor of philosophy, will serve as interim chair of the Department of History. Since joining UA Little Rock as an assistant professor in 2012, Norton has been a driving force in academic leadership — serving as chair of the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies for six years, along with serving as director and co-director of the School of Human Inquiry from 2022 to 2024 — and contributing to student success initiatives across the college.
Dr. Kris McAbee, a 16-year UA Little Rock veteran, is the new Associate Dean of Operations for CHASSE. Most recently, McAbee served as director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, and she brings an extensive background in digital humanities, archival systems, and project management to her operations role. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Mellon Fellowship to participate in the July 2026 Higher Education Resource Services Leadership Institute, further enhancing her expertise and vision for the college.
As McAbee moves into her new role, Dr. Angela Hunter will serve as interim director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts while continuing as a professor of English. Hunter joined UA Little Rock in fall 2004 and brings more than two decades of university experience to the interim leadership role, including past terms as chair of both the philosophy and interdisciplinary studies departments.
Leadership in the School of Human Inquiry is further strengthened with Dr. Katie King taking on the role of interim director. With 17 years of service at UA Little Rock, she brings deep institutional knowledge to the position, having previously served as interim co-director of the school for the past three years. Her experience in the role provides continuity as she steps into the interim director position.
Ashley Nipp rounds out the leadership transitions as the new Director of Finance for CHASSE. With more than eight years at UA Little Rock — including roles at the William H. Bowen School of Law and the Office of Alumni and Development — Nipp is recognized for her strong commitment to community engagement and campus service. She has been an active member of Safe Zone, Staff Senate, Campus Campaign, and AI Council, and in 2023, she received the Service to the Community Staff Senate Achievement Award. Nipp’s collaborative spirit and dedication will be an asset to CHASSE’s financial leadership and campus partnerships.
As the new academic year begins, CHASSE is looking ahead with an experienced leadership team in place. The new appointments provide continuity while bringing fresh leadership to meet the college’s needs and priorities in the year ahead.
“I’m excited to have people in these new positions and to have our leadership team fully staffed and supported,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, dean of CHASSE. “While we have a few interim roles, we have strong leaders stepping into those positions, and I’m excited about what this team will accomplish together.”