HARRISBURG, AR (May 20, 2026) – The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas today approved the selection of Adam O’Neal, vice chancellor for student services at University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College (UA-EACC), as the institution’s next chancellor.
The UA Board approved University of Arkansas System President Jay B. Silveria’s recommendation of O’Neal during its regularly scheduled meeting today held at the UA System Division of Agriculture’s Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) in Harrisburg.
“The advisory search committee did an outstanding job of identifying finalists who could all do the job, and I thank those who gave their time and effort to ensure a solid future at UA-EACC,” Silveria said. “What it came down to is choosing the right person at the right time, and I feel strongly that Adam’s institutional knowledge, his dedication and track record for putting students and colleagues first, and his genuine passion for the community and the institution all pointed toward him being able to step in and fill the large shoes being left behind by his predecessor.”
O’Neal will officially step into the role following the July 1 retirement of current UA-EACC Chancellor Cathie Cline, Ed.D., who announced last August her plans to retire after more than 25 years of service to the institution. Chris Thomason, vice president for strategic and community college partnerships for the UA System, led the search for Cline’s replacement for the UA System President’s Office and coordinated the recommendation of a short list of final candidates cultivated by the committee for Silveria to consider before ultimately making his recommendation to the UA Board, paving the way for today’s final approval.
In his current role as vice chancellor for student services, O’Neal provides executive oversight of student services and contributes 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.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have found a home here at UA-EACC that has allowed me to serve and grow professionally, while also being in a community that has been equally good for my family,” O’Neal said. “I am grateful for the many opportunities this institution has provided me, and honored that President Silveria and the Board of Trustees have shown faith in me to lead such as amazing institution and team as we continue the positive momentum that’s pushing UA-EACC and our region into the future.”
More information about the search can be found on the UA-EACC Chancellor Search page.
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