UA Little Rock Announces New Leadership Positions in College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced three new leadership appointments within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) that reflect a continued commitment to academic excellence and creative innovation.

Kiel Thorlton has been named director of the School of Mass Communication, while Dr. Kris McAbee has been appointed permanent director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts. Additionally, Stacy Pendergraft has been named artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts.

“These faculty leaders bring a wealth of talent, vision, and experience to their new roles,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, interim dean of CHASSE. “Their leadership will strengthen our programs and elevate opportunities for students and faculty across the college.”

Thorlton, an associate professor of mass communication, is an award-winning writer and director whose feature film, “A Place Called Home,” has been distributed globally. He has just finished filming his latest feature film, “Before We Knew.” He is leading a dynamic program of about 200 students known for its emphasis on hands-on student learning in media, journalism, and film production.

“The Mass Communication program is a vibrant hands-on department focused on student growth, hands-on learning, and innovation,” Thorlton said. “It’s an honor to help guide our department into a bright future.”

McAbee, an associate professor of English, specializes in Shakespeare and early modern popular culture. She has served as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts since its creation in 2022. The school includes programs in music, theater, and English, which collectively offer classes that enroll more than 500 individual students each semester. In her new role as permanent director, McAbee will continue building interdisciplinary bridges that connect students to diverse creative and professional pathways.

“I’m deeply honored to continue leading the School of Literary and Performing Arts,” McAbee said. “This school is built on the belief that creativity, scholarship, and performance are essential to a well-rounded education. It’s rewarding to support our faculty in their innovative efforts to empower students through the meaningful study of literature, creative writing, music, and theatre. The recent evolution in our leadership roles is a prime example. With the critical new position of artistic director, we have a dedicated leader who develops and brings to life the school’s creative vision by overseeing our numerous events and productions. I look forward to our continued partnership as we enter a fourth year of growth and invention.” 

Pendergraft, an associate professor specializing in directing, performance, and human simulation, will take on the new role of artistic director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, leading the school’s overall creative identity and mission. 

A seasoned director, actor, and educator, Pendergraft has directed numerous acclaimed productions at UA Little Rock and beyond, and has fostered collaborative partnerships with organizations such as UAMS, FBI, UA Little Rock School of Nursing, CHI St. Vincent’s, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Children’s Theatre, Actors’ Theatre of Little Rock, and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. She served alongside McAbee as interim co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts for the past three years.

“As a school, we are uniquely positioned to offer high-impact artistic experiences across three disciplines, allowing creatives of diverse backgrounds opportunities to interact, challenge, and learn from each other,” Pendergraft said. “As artistic director, it’s exciting to work alongside Dr. McAbee as well as our exceptional faculty and staff to produce vibrant work that both engages and inspires our students and our community.”

Together, these leadership changes position CHASSE for continued growth and innovation in the arts, humanities, communication, and education.