Wade Derden Named President of National Park College of Hot Springs (Super Mover)

Wade Derden (Photo provided)

Wade Derden has been named president of National Park College of Hot Springs, the college’s fifth. Derden’s “distinct knowledge of community colleges, specifically NPC, his trusted leadership, and deep compassion for student success are all reasons he stood out among an incredibly strong pool of candidates,” Joyce Craft, board chair, said. “Dr. Derden has a clear vision for carrying the legacy of NPC forward.”

Derden has 20 years of experience in higher education. “I am thankful to the Board of Trustees for allowing me the opportunity to serve the campus that I love as the next president of National Park College,” Derden said. “Our mission is focused on learning and student success. I look forward to leading this talented group of faculty and staff as we work together for the future of our students and our community.” Derden served as the president of the Arkansas Community Colleges’ Conference Board and as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. He also collaborated with college leaders from across the state and University of Arkansas faculty to develop a graduate program in the College of Education & Health Professions for community college leadership. Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Derden to the University of Arkansas’ Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board.

Derden received his doctorate in public policy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He received his Master of Arts from the UA and his Bachelor of Arts in history from Hendrix College in Conway.