North Arkansas College has taken a significant step in advancing faculty innovation and academic excellence with the establishment of a $50,000 endowed chair, made possible through a generous donation from the North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education (NAPHE).
The newly inked agreement between NAPHE and the North Arkansas College Foundation creates the Dr. Rick Hinterthuer and Dr. Daniel J. Hawkins Endowed Chair in Instruction. The endowed chair will recognize outstanding faculty achievement while providing ongoing support for initiatives that enhance teaching and strengthen academic programs across the college.
The chair honors the legacy of two visionary leaders in education and community health. Dr. Rick Hinterthuer served as a biology instructor at North Arkansas College before going on to found and lead NAPHE as its Executive Director for many years. During his tenure, he partnered with Dr. Daniel J. Hawkins to establish the Dan Hawkins Community Health Resource Center at Signature Tower. Together, their work expanded access to vital health resources and significantly improved the well-being of communities throughout the region.
This investment reflects a shared commitment to educational excellence and student success. Annual earnings from the endowment will fund faculty-led projects, with priority given to initiatives within the Health Professions departments.
“These two men were educators at heart,” said Northark Foundation Executive Director Dr. Rodney Arnold. “They understood that investing in innovative teaching and program development is one of the most direct ways to impact student success. This endowed chair will elevate learning experiences and open doors to new opportunities for Northark students.”
With the creation of this endowed chair, North Arkansas College continues to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence ensuring faculty have the resources to innovate, inspire, and lead in the classroom for years to come.