Jim Laughton was named as the new Language Arts and Humanities Department Chair at NorthWest Arkansas Community College upon the retirement of Dr. Audley Hall, effective June 30.
Laughton will provide leadership to the Language Arts and Humanities Department within the college’s Division of Communication and Arts.
He joined the NWACC faculty in 1999, and he has been serving as composition coordinator for English programs. During the most recent academic year, he was named a recipient of the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award, which is presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College to deserving community college educators throughout the country. He previously received recognition from the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges and from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.
Laughton holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and a master’s degree in English from the same institution. His activities at NWACC also have included mentoring of faculty and developing supplemental instruction workshops for improving skills in writing.
Dr. Anita Jones, longtime dean of the Division of Communication and Arts, said Laughton possesses excellent teaching skills.
“He also has an innate gift that enables him to connect easily with students and colleagues throughout the college. Jim also has a genuine love for learning, and he is able to help students engage with new content in a way that enriches their studies and their college experience,” Jones said.
She also praised Hall’s service in that role over the past two decades. Jones also is retiring effective June 30, and she said it seems appropriate that both she and Hall are leaving at the same time.
“We have worked so closely together,” she said, “and the fact that we are leaving together makes it easier for me in what is truly a bittersweet experience.”
Jones and Hall were honored at a farewell reception on May 2 by members of the Communication and Arts Division.