LITTLE ROCK (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) —The University of Arkansas System today named three finalists in the search for the next chancellor at the University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College (UA-EACC), with each candidate planning to visit campus to hold public forums later this month.

The finalists (in alphabetical order) include:

• Scott Kuttenkuler, Ed.D., president, Arkansas Rural Health Academy
• Adam O’Neal, vice chancellor for student services, UA-EACC
• Steve Rook, Ed.D., chancellor, Arkansas State University Three Rivers

An advisory search committee — chaired by Jerry Stegall, director of recruiting & student activities at UA-EACC, and led by Chris Thomason, vice president for strategic and community college partnerships for the UA System — began the national search process last November.

“Most people don’t realize the time and effort involved in serving on an advisory search committee, so I want to thank the diligent members of this team for the challenging work they’ve done to promote this opportunity to draw impressive interest on a national scale, and for the quality results that work produced,” said Jay B. Silveria, president of the UA System. “Now that we have our impressive group of finalists, I’m excited to host them on the UA-EACC campus for meetings and interactions with faculty, staff, students and community constituents, which is critical to determining the best fit to lead this campus into its next era of excellence.”

Following the visits, Silveria will make a recommendation of a chancellor for approval from the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. He said he hopes to have a new chancellor in place in time to work  in transition with Chancellor Cline, who is retiring July 1.

“The community that UA-EACC serves is truly unique and heavily invested in the continued success of their college,” said Thomason, the vice president for strategic and community college partnerships for the UA System who is leading the search. “Dr. Cline’s service has been the guiding force in building and maintaining the close relationship the college has enjoyed in that region of the state for many years. Ensuring that bond remains in tact for future success is a top priority as we enter the final stages of identifying her successor.”

More information about the search can be found on the UA-EACC Chancellor Search page.

Previous UA-EACC Chancellor Search News:

• Cline to Retire as UA-EACC Chancellor in July 2026
• UA System Announces UA-EACC Chancellor Advisory Search Committee
• UA-EACC Chancellor Advisory Search Committee Launches National Search
• UA-EACC Chancellor Advisory Search Committee Names Stegall as Chair
• More about UA-EACC

Meet the Finalists (alphabetical order):

Scott Kuttenkuler,  Ed.D.
President
Arkansas Rural Health Academy

Scott Kuttenkuler, Ed.D., is president of the Arkansas Rural Health Academy (ARHA), a division of the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP), where he leads statewide workforce training initiatives focused on healthcare programs and employer partnerships. He previously served as vice chancellor of the Saline County Career Technical Campus, where he led the expansion of career and technical programs, workforce training, and dual enrollment to support regional workforce needs. His experience includes leadership roles in academic affairs, governmental relations, and student affairs at Southeast Arkansas College and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and he has secured more than $7.5 million to support workforce and student access initiatives.

Adam O’Neal
Vice Chancellor for Student Services
University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College

Adam O’Neal serves as Vice Chancellor for Student Services at the University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College, providing executive oversight of student services and contributing to institution-wide planning and strategic initiatives. He was initially appointed Dean of Student Services, with responsibilities expanding over time, leading to his appointment as vice chancellor. A career educator with more than twenty years of experience, O’Neal has held leadership roles in both higher education and K–12, including service in the classroom and as a building-level principal, where he led academic improvement and community initiatives. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Liberty University and holds a master’s degree from Southern Arkansas University and a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University.

Steve Rook, Ed.D.
Chancellor
Arkansas State University Three Rivers 

Steve Rook, Ed.D., is currently chancellor at Arkansas State University Three Rivers. He is a first-generation college student born and raised in southeast Arkansas, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and doctorate at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. He started his professional career at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma before returning to be the associate dean of students at UA Little Rock. He entered the two-year college environment accepting a position at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, where he served in various roles for sixteen years.