Fillippino Named UACCM Dean of General Education

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) has named Dr. Tonja Fillippino as its new dean of General Education.

Fillippino began her career in 2003 as an assistant professor at Arkansas State University where she was promoted to Associate Professor. She would later be named Coordinator for Teacher Education on the ASU-Beebe campus. Additionally, Fillippino was named Advisor of the Year and Teach of the Year in 2021 for the College of Education and Behavioral Science. 

Fillippino earned an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education degree from Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, followed by a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she also received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree. Fillippino received her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

“With her varied educational and teaching experiences, teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses, Dr. Fillippino is a great fit as the dean of General Education,” said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg. She continued, “She is locally and nationally published, as well as having served in multiple leadership roles. We could not be more excited for Dr. Fillippino to join the UACCM family.”

Previously, Fillipino has served as the President of the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators, Treasurer of the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education, President, Vice-President, and Secretary of Kappa Delta Gamma. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators. 

“I went to a community college for the beginning of my college career and have a passion for the importance of the community college system in helping students be successful. When an opening became available at UACCM, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” said Fillippino.

Fillippino replaces Marilyn Thomas, who retired in December 2023 after serving UACCM for 36 years, and Dr. Nanette Berry, who served as interim dean since January.