UA Little Rock welcomes new deans
July 14-20, 2025
By Angelita Faller
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is welcoming two new deans to campus this summer, ushering in a dynamic chapter of leadership focused on student success, workforce readiness, and community engagement.
This month, Dr. Ginger Gummelt began her role as dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS), while Dr. Tansel Karabacak took the helm as dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Both leaders bring fresh energy, proven experience, and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic innovation.
“Dean Gummelt and Dean Karabacak each bring unique strengths to their roles,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor at UA Little Rock. “Their vision and leadership will help advance our mission to provide students with proven, real-world educational opportunities while supporting research and partnerships that benefit Arkansas and beyond.”
Gummelt joins UA Little Rock from Lamar University, where she chaired a large interdisciplinary department of sociology, social work, criminal justice, and anthropology. Throughout her career, she has expanded workforce partnerships and prioritized student-centered learning.
“I’m honored to join a university that is deeply embedded in the community and committed to student opportunity,” Gummelt said. “I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance academic programs, elevate workforce readiness, and create innovative pathways for students to succeed.”
With degrees in psychology and social work, Gummelt brings expertise in behavioral health and applied human services to a college that spans multiple disciplines, from business and nursing to criminal justice and education. She succeeds Professor Tom Clifton, who served as interim dean of CBHHS for two years.
Karabacak transitioned into the dean’s role in the Donaghey College of STEM after nearly two decades of leadership, teaching, and research at UA Little Rock. As director of the School of Physical Sciences, he united multiple academic units into one of the university’s most research-active schools and supported more than $9 million in external grant funding.
“Our college is filled with talented faculty, dedicated staff, and innovative students,” Karabacak said. “I’m excited to build on the incredible work already underway and expand the college’s impact through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge academic programs.”
Karabacak, an Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow who holds multiple U.S. patents, is a nationally recognized expert in nanotechnology and energy applications. He succeeds Dr. Jeff Connelly, who served as interim dean after the departure of Dr. Lawrence Whitman.
Both new deans are stepping into their roles at a time of growth and transformation for UA Little Rock. Fall 2025 admissions for CBHHS are up nearly 23 percent over last year, while fall admissions in the Donaghey College of STEM are up nearly 18 percent.
Photo Captions:
1. Dr. Tansel Karabacak
2. Dr. Ginger Gummelt
