Enrollment Services Names New Arkansas Recruitment, Transfer Central Team Leads

Enrollment Services recently named two new leaders to help expand student access and success across the state.

Chad Cox will lead in-state recruitment initiatives, and Trevor Francis will lead Transfer Central. Both roles support the university's efforts to strengthen pathways to enrollment and graduation for Arkansas students and position the Office of Admissions to better serve both new freshmen and non-traditional learners across the state and region.

"Chad and Trevor each bring a wealth of experience to their work," said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment services. "They each have a deep knowledge of what the University of Arkansas has to offer students, and their leadership in Arkansas recruitment and Transfer Central will allow us to continue to expand the support we offer to students, their families and their communities."

Expanding Arkansas Outreach 

As senior associate director for Arkansas recruitment, Cox will oversee recruitment strategy across the state, with an emphasis on enhancing outreach, strengthening partnerships with high schools and connecting more Arkansas students with the U of A. He will also engage with the STARS (Small Town and Rural Student) network to continue to develop strong rural outreach.

"Arkansas students are at the heart of our mission," Cox said. "We want to meet students where they are, build strong relationships across the state and make sure they understand and have access to the opportunities available to them at the U of A."

Cox brings extensive experience in both freshman and transfer recruitment. He previously served as an admissions counselor for the Northeast Arkansas region and supported initiatives for special populations, including National Merit students.

As the former lead for transfer recruitment, he launched a webinar series to guide students through the transfer process, helped reestablish the Tau Sigma Honor Society and supported the development of the Transitional Academic Program (TAP), the university's first co-enrollment program.

He also played a key role in implementing the Arkansas Transfer Achievement Scholarship and worked closely with Arkansas community colleges to support 2+2 articulation agreements. Cox has also held leadership roles in ArkACRAO and SACRAO, supporting collaboration across Arkansas and the region.

Growing Transfer Outreach

Francis serves as director of Transfer Central and will focus on improving transfer pathways, reducing excess credit accumulation and helping students align their academic plans with career goals.

"I'm excited to be a part of the Transfer Central team. They play such an important role in helping more Arkansans complete bachelor's degrees," Francis said. "Our goal is to simplify the transfer process, provide clear academic pathways and help students stay on track to complete their degrees and reach their career goals."

Transfer Central works closely with community colleges across the state to support transfer students and statewide initiatives focused on increasing Arkansan bachelor's degree attainment. The team emphasizes early major and career exploration to help students choose the path that fits their goals from the start.

Francis brings experience in community college teaching, academic advising and developing programs that support retention and graduation. His leadership will help build on existing partnerships and continue improving outcomes for transfer students.