Hendrix College Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Tumlinson, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer at Hendrix College, directs the financial health and operational efficiency of the institution. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and resource allocation, Karen Tumlinson ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainability, critical for supporting academic quality and innovative programs. This leadership role involves managing financial risks and opportunities to sustain the college's mission and its unique Hendrix Odyssey program. By optimizing financial operations and providing strategic financial guidance, the Chief Financial Officer directly impacts the college's ability to invest in its students, faculty, and campus infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to personal and academic growth within the liberal arts framework.

Ellis Arnold, the President Emeritus at Hendrix College, provides ongoing counsel and support based on extensive experience guiding the institution. While no longer holding direct operational authority, the President Emeritus contributes valuable institutional knowledge and strategic perspective, particularly concerning the college's long-standing commitment to academic quality and its unique Hendrix Odyssey program. This emeritus role ensures the continuity of institutional values and fosters a deep understanding of the college's mission among current leadership. Ellis Arnold's continued association reinforces the supportive environment and dedication to personal and academic growth that defines Hendrix College's liberal arts education.

Karen Petersen, the President at Hendrix College, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the institution. Overseeing all academic and administrative functions, Karen Petersen drives the college's commitment to academic quality, engaged learning, and its unique Hendrix Odyssey program. This critical role involves fostering innovation, ensuring financial stability, and championing the college's mission to prepare students for diverse career paths and graduate studies. By cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and guiding institutional development, the President directly shapes the college's future and its impact within the liberal arts sector, reinforcing a supportive environment for personal and academic growth.

Marshall Steel, the President at Hendrix College, directs the comprehensive strategic direction and operational oversight of the institution. Overseeing academic excellence, student development, and institutional advancement, Marshall Steel champions the college's core mission of providing a rigorous liberal arts education and fostering engaged learning through its unique Hendrix Odyssey program. This leadership position involves guiding the college's growth, ensuring fiscal health, and enhancing its reputation for academic quality. By driving initiatives that support student success and faculty scholarship, the President directly contributes to the vibrant campus life and the supportive environment essential for personal and academic growth, solidifying Hendrix College's standing in higher education.

Britni Rush, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Hendrix College, directs all human capital strategies and operations. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Britni Rush ensures the alignment of HR policies with the college's mission of academic quality and engaged learning. This leadership role involves cultivating a positive and productive work environment that supports faculty and staff development, crucial for delivering the college's unique Hendrix Odyssey program. By optimizing workforce planning and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the Chief Human Resources Officer directly impacts the institution's ability to attract and retain top talent, essential for sustained growth and educational innovation.

Sam Nichols, the Vice President of Enrollment and Chief Information Officer at Hendrix College, spearheads both student recruitment initiatives and the institution's technological infrastructure. Overseeing admissions, financial aid, and enrollment management, Sam Nichols drives strategies to attract and enroll qualified students who align with the college's rigorous liberal arts focus. Concurrently, the Chief Information Officer directs the development and maintenance of all IT systems, ensuring robust digital resources support academic programs and administrative functions. This dual leadership ensures seamless integration between student acquisition goals and the technological capabilities required for engaged learning and operational efficiency, directly supporting the college's mission across its Arkansas base and beyond.

Jay Burling, the Associate VP, Technology Services & Chief Information Officer at Hendrix College, manages the comprehensive technology services supporting the institution's educational and operational objectives. Overseeing network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and end-user support, Jay Burling ensures reliable and secure access to digital resources for students, faculty, and staff. This role is critical in enabling the college's innovative programs and the unique Hendrix Odyssey experience by providing cutting-edge technological solutions. By driving advancements in IT infrastructure and service delivery, the Chief Information Officer directly contributes to the college's commitment to academic quality and its supportive campus environment, underpinning its mission within the liberal arts sector.