By Marcus McClain
NEA Town Courier
Arkansas Northeastern College’s search for its next president is nearing a close in the coming weeks. A search committee composed of the ANC board, along with faculty and staff, were tasked with locating capable candidates.
After receiving 25 applicants for the position, the committee narrowed the field down to six and began to conduct Zoom interviews. And on Feb. 27, the field dwindled to just two.
Dr. Christopher Heigle, the current Vice President of student affairs at ANC, and Dr. Matthew Domas, the current vice president of Instruction at the Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia.
Both finalists rescheduled to be in Blytheville for an in-person interview this week. Additionally, each candidate was given an hour after their interview to meet with community members at the John P. Sullins administration building.
Dr. Domas conducted his interview on Monday and Dr. Heigle followed on Tuesday afternoon.
Over nearly three years at ANC, Heigle has also served as the director of federal grant development and special projects in addition to his current role. Prior to, he held various positions at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City including, associate vice president for student success and executive director of institutional effectiveness.
Heigle received his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Arkansas State University. He later earned a master’s degree in leadership and policy studies, as well as a doctorate in higher education from the University of Memphis.
Domas received his bachelor’s degree at the Louisiana State University, his master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Mississippi and his doctoral degree in Education at Vanderbilt University.
While at Northwest Mississippi Community College for over 27 years, Domas has held numerous positions including athletic director, associate vice president of education and vice president of instruction.
“I think there’s great opportunity for expansion with this institution. I don’t exactly know where that expansion is going to take place, but I’ve got some ideas. But the foundations support, and the scholarship support of this institution is amazing. The fact that the community supports it so well really attracted me to the position,” Domas said.
Noting a few of his key points, Domas mentioned the possibility of returning collegiate sports, such as basketball, to the campus. Additionally. He expressed his desire to grow the current steel tech programs.
“I’d like to expand the tech programs as much as possible. I certainly want to continue the high school engagement and search for other opportunities for career tech and workforce expansion. There’s a great new building over there, [referring to the Allied Tech building] and it looks pretty full, so I’m not sure where I’d put something,” Domas laughed “But maybe there’s something we can do in the future.”
Comments from Heige will be included in the next issue of the NEA Town Courier.