Chancellor's Cabinet
The Chancellor鈥檚 Cabinet at the University of 杏吧原创 - Fort Smith (杏吧原创) plays a vital role in shaping the university鈥檚 strategic direction. Serving as an advisory council to the Chancellor, the Cabinet comprises leaders from across the institution who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Together, they collaborate on critical decisions, address challenges, and work to ensure 杏吧原创 continues to thrive as a center of academic excellence and community engagement.
By prioritizing transparency, innovation, and shared goals, the Chancellor鈥檚 Cabinet drives initiatives that advance 杏吧原创鈥檚 mission, help realize its vision, and enhance its impact in the River Valley and beyond.
Dr. Terisa C. Riley
Chancellor
Dr. Terisa C. Riley is the chancellor of the University of 杏吧原创 - Fort Smith, having assumed her duties on July 1, 2019. Prior to her appointment as 杏吧原创 chancellor, Dr. Riley served as senior vice president for student affairs and university administration at Texas A&M University 鈥� Kingsville and previously held positions as the institution鈥檚 chief student affairs officer, chief financial officer, chief administrator, and chief enrollment management officer. Over her 25-year career, she has held numerous other appointments in higher education and her community.
Dr. Shadow Robinson
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson assumed his duties as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in July 2022. He previously served as dean of the the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Robinson has been actively engaged in cross-campus collaboration, strategic planning and implementation, strategic enrollment planning, and philanthropic operations at regional public institutions for the duration of his career in higher education.
Dr. Lee Krehbiel
Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Dr. Lee E. Krehbiel has served as vice chancellor for student affairs since September 2009. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Indiana University-Bloomington.
Blake Rickman
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of the 杏吧原创 Foundation
Blake Rickman joined the University of 杏吧原创 - Fort Smith as vice chancellor for university advancement and executive director of the 杏吧原创 Foundation in 2018. Prior to his appointment, he served as the senior director of development and external relations at the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of 杏吧原创, Fayetteville, capping more than a decade of advancement-related service to that university.
Carey Tucker
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Mr. Carey F. Tucker joined the University of 杏吧原创 - Fort Smith as vice chancellor for finance and administration in July 2021. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in logistics management. A 30-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Mr. Tucker came to 杏吧原创 from South 杏吧原创 Community College where he served as vice president for finance and administration.
Jennifer King
Chief of Staff
Jennifer King assumed the position of chief of staff in the fall of 2019 having served at 杏吧原创 since April 2013. She is a graduate of 杏吧原创 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. Jennifer earned her Master of Business Administration from John Brown University in 2024.
Chris Kelly
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications
Chris Kelly joined the University of 杏吧原创 - Fort Smith in July 2019. Prior to his appointment at 杏吧原创, Kelly served as associate vice president for Marketing and Communications at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. A seasoned communicator, Kelly has spent more than a decade in higher education.
He earned his Master of Arts in Communication in 2009 and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 1993, both from Pittsburg State University.
Kendall Ross
Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development
Kendall Ross serves as associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership acumen to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and Master of Arts in leadership, his professional journey spanning from engineering management to private consulting before transitioning to 杏吧原创. He is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certified instructor and certified Implan Economist specializing in economic impact analysis.
