Feb. 29, 2012 | LITTLE ROCK – A student affairs professional for more than 26 years, Tom Pilgreen, Ph.D., recently joined the College of Health Related Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as the college’s first associate dean for student success.
Pilgreen’s role is to assist planning and implementation of activities that promote student success and engagement. His work includes recruitment and retention, diversity and inclusiveness, academic support services, leadership development and campus life enhancement, said College of Health Related Professions Dean Douglas Murphy, Ph.D.
Pilgreen has worked as a student affairs professional for more than 26 years and has expertise in student development, recruitment and retention. He has served in administrative positions at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) since 1996, most recently as assistant professor in charge of the College Student Personnel Administration program. He also served as an associate dean and as assistant vice president over housing and residence life, dining services, university book store and other student-related areas.
Also at UCA, Pilgreen created the Freshman Year Experience, which enhanced student engagement and retention efforts; and co-created the Sophomore Year Experience based on the successes of the Freshman Year Experience program.
Pilgreen earned a doctorate in student development and public policy administration from Mississippi State University in 1995 and a master’s degree in student development from the same institution in 1989.