Former Senator and Governor David Pryor was named as the school's first dean. He stepped down from his position as dean in February 2006 but retained the title and active position of Founding Dean. Skip Rutherford was appointed to succeed David Pryor and was named dean on April 12, 2006, and served until June 30, 2021. University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt announced his recommendation of Dr. Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto as the school's next dean on September 7, 2021.
