Jeremy Gillam to Join UCA As Governmental Affairs Director

Jeremy Gillam

The University of Central Arkansas announced Wednesday that state House Speaker Jeremy Gillam will join the university next week as director of governmental affairs and external relations.

Gillam, who is wrapping up his second term as speaker, will resign from the House on June 15 and begin duties at UCA on the next day, the university said in a news release. His salary will be $130,000.

“The hiring of Gillam is an important addition to our leadership team as we seek to advance our university and its mission,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “Speaker Gillam brings a knowledge and understanding of critical issues and relationships within Arkansas that will ensure UCA is an active leader in advancing our state.”

UCA said Chief of Staff Kelley Erstine, who also has been responsible for similar legislative and external duties, “will continue to assist Gillam on occasion.”

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be a part of another leadership team that strives to improve the lives of Arkansans,” Gillam said. “The University of Central Arkansas has a forward-thinking vision for higher education. I look forward to working with President Davis and the UCA team on their proactive approach.”

Gillam was elected to the House in 2010. In 2015, he became speaker and later became only the fifth person in Arkansas history to serve more than one term as speaker. Gillam, who represents District 45, serves on the House Judiciary Committee and House City, County and Local Affairs Committee.

The House will meet on June 15 to elect an interim speaker to lead the chamber for the remainder of the year, according to The Associated Press. Gillam told the AP he expected the chamber would choose Rep. Matthew Shepherd, elected earlier this year to be speaker in 2019.

Gillam attended Arkansas State University-Beebe and received degrees in criminology and psychology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.