Story and photos

by Sonja J. Keith

The Workforce Training Center was the site of a retirement reception for Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis, who considers the WTC one of the major accomplishments during his service at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Colleagues, local officials, family and friends gathered Jan. 17 in the Tyson Hall A in the WTC for the reception. The 53,000-square-foot center is home to several of the college’s high-wage, high-demand programs with new equipment and new program designs to meet current industry standards and needs.

“I truly believe God brought me to UACCM to build the Workforce Training Center and it was finished this past spring,” said Davis, in a story that appears in the February edition of 501 LIFE. “A new Allied Health Building was up next, but that will take a few more years and I would rather be having fun, doing things with my wife, Carlene. We met after I moved to Morrilton, so that was also part of God’s plan for me. She has been retired for several years and that played into my decision as well.”

Davis spent the last 45 years in higher education in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He worked at three colleges in two states in three different systems while also being able to evaluate other colleges in other states as a 26-year member of the Peer Evaluator Corps. He became the UACCM chancellor in 2010.

“I think I saved the best for last. Working at UACCM in the UA System for the last eight-plus years has been a great opportunity and one of my most satisfying professional experiences.”

At the reception, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer and County Judge Jimmy Hart made remarks and read a proclamation designating Jan. 17 as “Dr. Larry Davis Day” in the city and county.

State Rep. Rick Beck and Sen. Mark Johnson also presented Davis with a legislative citation. “Dr. Davis has dedicated his professional career to the education of all ages and walks of life, touching countless lives and helping his community along the way,” it stated.

Joe Canady presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Conway County Branch of the NAACP.

Also making remarks and extending well wishes were University of Central Arkansas President Dr. Houston Davis and Paulette Smith, chairman of the UACCM Board of Visitors.

Dr. Diana Arn, currently vice chancellor of academic services, has been named interim chancellor and a search committee of campus faculty/staff and community and business/industry people will be created to interview and recommend possible candidates for the permanent position.