Scott Phillips Hired as Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Phillips as the Director of Industry and Community Partnerships. In this pivotal role, Phillips will lead efforts to enhance UACCB’s collaborations with local businesses, industry organizations, and community stakeholders, furthering the college’s mission to provide top-tier educational opportunities and workforce development.

Phillips brings an extensive background in strategic communications and policy development, having most recently served as the Policy and Communications Chief at the Idaho Department of Lands. There, he established the department's first Policy and Communications unit, significantly boosting public outreach and transparency. With over 15 years of experience in communications and public affairs across various government roles, Phillips has consistently demonstrated his ability to foster impactful partnerships and drive community engagement.

“Scott’s wealth of experience and his proven ability to cultivate strong partnerships make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Dr. Holly Smith, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UACCB. “We are confident that his leadership will complement and enhance our efforts to support the local workforce and community through innovative and collaborative programs.”

As the primary liaison between UACCB and external partners, Phillips will focus on enhancing communication and building strong relationships between the college, industry, and community entities. His responsibilities will include overseeing apprenticeship programs, creating new partnership opportunities, and leading the college’s career credit and non-credit workforce initiatives.

“I’m honored to help UACCB improve lives by expanding our skilled local workforce and creating pathways to economic success for the hardworking citizens of our community,” said Phillips. “I can’t imagine a more fulfilling job.”

Phillips will also play a critical role in recruiting and supervising career credit instructors and staff, researching industry trends and labor market demands, and identifying funding opportunities to support partnership initiatives. His emphasis on continuously evaluating and improving programs aims to drive innovation and promote economic sustainability within the community.