LITTLE ROCK, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today the appointment of Jack Thomas, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber, to the Board of Visitors of the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC).
Thomas’s appointment comes at a time of significant economic momentum for the Little Rock region as companies from across the globe are choosing the Little Rock area, leading to more people working than ever before and a record-setting participation in the regional labor force. In his role with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Thomas works directly with companies looking to locate, expand, and invest across the metro area. His addition to the Board of Visitors will help further align higher education programming with the evolving workforce demands of regional employers.
“Over fifty years ago, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce worked to bring a vocational school to the area and today, our partnership is as strong as ever as we partner to support existing industries, recruit new companies, and ensure the next generation is prepared for high-wage, high-demand careers,” said Thomas. “I’m thankful to Governor Sanders for this appointment and look forward to supporting the life-changing work led by Chancellor Summer Deprow.”
A central element of this alignment is the ongoing collaboration between UAPTC, the Little Rock Regional Chamber, and the Little Rock Port Authority on Project LIFT (Logistics, Industry, and Future Technologies). Supported by $20 million in federal funding, the state-of-the-art workforce training facility will be constructed at the Port of Little Rock.
As the largest two-year college in Arkansas, UAPTC provides technical certificates, associate degrees, and specialized industry credentialing across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, skilled trades, and business services. The institution serves as a critical bridge between public education, technical training, and direct economic mobility.
Key impacts of UAPTC’s mission across the region include:
● Support for Existing Regional Industry: Partnering with regional companies to offer continuous upskilling and modern apprenticeship pathways tailored to specific operational needs.
● Business Attraction: Delivering customized workforce training programs that give the metro Little Rock region a strong competitive advantage when competing for corporate relocations and capital investment.
● High-Wage Career Pathways: Equipping student populations, including adult learners and recent high school graduates, with practical skills that translate directly into high-paying local careers.
Through this appointment, Thomas will collaborate with college leadership and fellow board members to champion workforce initiatives, deepen industry partnerships, and support institutional growth across the metro Little Rock footprint.
For more information about UA Pulaski Technical College and its career training programs, visit uaptc.edu.
About UA Pulaski Technical College
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College is a comprehensive two-year college providing open-access, high-quality associate degree and certificate programs, customized business and industry training, and continuing education out of locations in North Little Rock and Little Rock, Arkansas.
About the Little Rock Regional Chamber
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business leadership organization serving Little Rock and Central Arkansas, working to drive economic growth, support local business expansion, and enhance regional prosperity.