Hendrix College Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hendrix College has 5 executives leading key functions including financial operations, human resources, technology services, institutional leadership, and academic administration.

Committed to fostering rigorous intellectual growth, Hendrix College delivers a transformative liberal arts experience through the unique Odyssey program and a supportive campus environment.

Leadership Roles at Hendrix College

  • Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer - Karen Tumlinson
  • President Emeritus - Ellis Arnold
  • President - Karen Petersen
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Britni Rush
  • Associate VP, Technology Services & Chief Information Officer - Jay Burling
  • Karen Tumlinson - Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer

    Karen Tumlinson, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer at Hendrix College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary frameworks of the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the allocation of resources aligns with the academic mission of the college. This role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain institutional stability while supporting the expansion of campus facilities. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational expenditures, Karen Tumlinson directly impacts the ability of the college to provide high-quality liberal arts education. Tumlinson also directs the administrative teams responsible for audit compliance and financial reporting. Through rigorous oversight of the endowment and annual operating budgets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain the innovative programs that define the student experience at this private institution.
    Karen Tumlinson

    Ellis Arnold - President Emeritus

    Ellis Arnold, the President Emeritus at Hendrix College, provides strategic counsel and historical perspective to the current leadership team. Overseeing special projects and institutional advancement initiatives, the President Emeritus maintains vital relationships with alumni and donors to support the long-term vision of the college. This role involves representing the institution at high-level academic forums and community events to bolster the reputation of the liberal arts program. By leveraging decades of experience in higher education administration, Ellis Arnold offers guidance on governance and policy development. Arnold also assists in the cultivation of philanthropic partnerships that fund scholarships and campus improvements. Through this advisory capacity, the President Emeritus ensures the continuity of the core mission and values of the college, providing stability and wisdom during periods of institutional transition and growth within the competitive higher education sector.

    Karen Petersen - President

    Karen Petersen, the President at Hendrix College, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that all departments remain aligned with the commitment to engaged learning and the unique Hendrix Odyssey program. This role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to define institutional priorities and secure the future of the college. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders and academic peers, Karen Petersen elevates the national profile of the institution. Petersen also manages the implementation of policies that promote student success and faculty excellence. Through the coordination of campus-wide initiatives, the President drives the growth of the liberal arts curriculum and ensures the college remains a leader in providing a rigorous, supportive environment for personal and academic development for all students.

    Britni Rush - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Britni Rush, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hendrix College, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the entire campus workforce. Overseeing faculty recruitment and staff retention initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the college maintains a high standard of professional excellence. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and fostering a workplace culture that reflects the values of the institution. By implementing performance management systems, Britni Rush supports the professional growth of employees across all departments. Rush also manages labor relations and policy compliance to mitigate institutional risk. Through the development of inclusive hiring practices, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the academic community, ensuring that the staff and faculty possess the expertise required to support the diverse needs of the student body within the competitive liberal arts landscape.

    Jay Burling - Associate VP, Technology Services & Chief Information Officer

    Jay Burling, the Associate VP, Technology Services & Chief Information Officer at Hendrix College, architects the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting the academic and administrative functions of the campus. Overseeing the integration of educational technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to robust, secure, and scalable computing resources. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data privacy standards to protect institutional assets. By modernizing network capabilities, Jay Burling facilitates the seamless delivery of digital learning tools essential for the Hendrix Odyssey program. Burling also collaborates with academic leadership to align technology investments with the long-term strategic goals of the college. Through the continuous improvement of campus-wide connectivity and software platforms, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and enhances the overall technological environment for the entire academic community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hendrix College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hendrix College?
    Hendrix College is led by Karen Tumlinson (Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ellis Arnold (President Emeritus) and Karen Petersen (President).
    Who is part of Hendrix College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hendrix College includes leaders such as Karen Tumlinson (Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer), Ellis Arnold (President Emeritus), Karen Petersen (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hendrix College have?
    Hendrix College has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hendrix College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hendrix College includes roles such as Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer, President Emeritus, President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Associate VP, Technology Services & Chief Information Officer.