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After 42 years of service in both public and higher education, Jay Hughes, vice chancellor for Student Engagement at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), will retire on June 30, 2025. The university has announced Dr. Landon Grimes will fill the role, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Grimes currently serves as the vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UAM, a position he has held since March 2024.

As Hughes approaches retirement, he is celebrated for his lifelong commitment to education. A 1983 alumnus of UAM, he began his career as a history teacher and later served as principal of Monticello Middle School, among other positions. He started working at UAM in 2005, serving in many roles at the university, including dean of students, director of Housing, officer of Alumni and Development and multiple vice chancellor positions.

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, celebrated Hughes and his wife, Laura Hughes, director of Counseling Services at UAM, who will also retire in June, for their contributions to the university, stating, “Mr. Hughes has made extraordinary contributions to the success and growth of our students, faculty and entire campus community in his multiple roles at UAM. He has been a steadfast advocate for student success throughout his tenure. His leadership and unwavering dedication have impacted the lives of students and ensured their success. We are deeply grateful for his service and the lasting impact he has had on UAM. His wife, Laura, has also served UAM with distinction. As the counseling director, her compassion, guidance and commitment to student well-being have made a profound difference in the lives of so many at UAM. Jay and Laura Hughes have truly exemplified the heart and soul of our university. Their legacy will be felt for years to come. We thank them for their exceptional service and wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirements.”

As Hughes’ successor, Dr. Grimes will bring 16 years of combined experience in both public and higher education to his new role. His career began at Monticello Intermediate School as a fifth grade teacher before he became the training coordinator at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at UAM. He would go on to teach seventh grade English and serve as assistant principal at Monticello Middle School and then spend five years as the junior high principal at Harmony Grove in Haskell, Arkansas. In 2021, he became the partnership coordinator for the UAM School of Education and later became the assistant dean of the school. Since March 2024, Dr. Grimes has served as the vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UAM.

Dr. Grimes earned multiple degrees from UAM, including a Bachelor of Arts in English degree in 2008, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2009 and a Master of Educational Leadership degree in 2014. He also earned an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University in 2019 and a Doctorate of Education degree from Harding University in 2023.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as vice chancellor for Student Engagement, and I thank Dr. Doss for this opportunity,” Dr. Grimes said. “It is an exciting chance to collaborate with the Student Engagement team and our amazing students and organizations. I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Hughes for his outstanding leadership and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. For the past year, it has been a privilege to work with a great team in University Advancement and Alumni Engagement and a rewarding experience to work with alumni.” 

“Dr. Grimes’ love for UAM and his deep commitment to our students are apparent,” Dr. Doss explained. “He is actively involved in campus activities and has a great rapport with our students. His understanding of the critical role Student Engagement plays in student success makes him an invaluable leader in his new position. We are confident that under Dr. Grimes’ leadership, our students will continue to benefit from a campus environment that prioritizes their success and well-being. We look forward to the exciting future with Dr. Grimes in his new role, and we are eager to continue building on the strong foundation the Student Engagement team has already established.”