Starting July 1, Dr. Ginger Gummelt will begin her role as dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS), while Dr. Tansel Karabacak will take the helm as dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Both leaders bring fresh energy, proven experience, and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic innovation.

鈥淒ean Gummelt and Dean Karabacak each bring unique strengths to their roles,鈥� said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淭heir vision and leadership will help advance our mission to provide students with proven, real-world educational opportunities while supporting research and partnerships that benefit Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

Gummelt joins 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock from Lamar University, where she chaired a large interdisciplinary department of sociology, social work, criminal justice, and anthropology. Throughout her career, she has expanded workforce partnerships and prioritized student-centered learning.

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join a university that is deeply embedded in the community and committed to student opportunity,鈥� Gummelt said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with our faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance academic programs, elevate workforce readiness, and create innovative pathways for students to succeed.鈥�

With degrees in psychology and social work, Gummelt brings expertise in behavioral health and applied human services to a college that spans multiple disciplines, from business and nursing to criminal justice and education. She succeeds Professor Tom Clifton, who served as interim dean of CBHHS for two years.

Karabacak transitioned into the dean鈥檚 role in the Donaghey College of STEM after nearly two decades of leadership, teaching, and research at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. As director of the School of Physical Sciences, he united multiple academic units into one of the university鈥檚 most research-active schools and supported more than $9 million in external grant funding.

鈥淥ur college is filled with talented faculty, dedicated staff, and innovative students,鈥� Karabacak said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to build on the incredible work already underway and expand the college鈥檚 impact through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge academic programs.鈥�

Karabacak, an Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow who holds multiple U.S. patents, is a nationally recognized expert in nanotechnology and energy applications. He succeeds Dr. Jeff Connelly, who served as interim dean after the departure of Dr. Lawrence Whitman.

Both new deans are stepping into their roles at a time of growth and transformation for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Fall 2025 admissions for CBHHS are up nearly 23 percent over last year, while fall admissions in the Donaghey College of STEM are up nearly 18 percent.

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“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gummelt to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor. “Her commitment to fostering relationships between the university and the community aligns with our mission to provide educational experiences that connect students to real-world opportunities.”

She joins 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock from Lamar University, where she most recently served as the department chair of Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Anthropology. In this role, she worked to expand academic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance workforce development opportunities for students.

“I am excited to join 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and lead the College of Business, Health, and Human Services,” said Gummelt. “I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to build on the college鈥檚 strengths, create new opportunities for student success, and further deepen 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 connections with the community and workforce.”

Gummelt holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Woman鈥檚 University and a master’s degree and doctorate in social work from the University of Houston. She brings extensive experience in interdisciplinary leadership, student success, and program development. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with local organizations, government agencies, and industry leaders to create meaningful opportunities for students and faculty.

She will succeed Tom Clifton, who has served as interim dean of CBHHS for the past two years.

“We appreciate Mr. Clifton鈥檚 leadership during this transition and his many contributions to the college,” said Provost Bain. “Additionally, a special thank you to the entire search committee for their work throughout the search process.”

Learn more about the College of Business, Health, and Human Services at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: .

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