Former MH Teacher and Flippin Principal Named to Leadership Role at Northark

Lewis Villines to serve as VP for technical education and workforce development at North Arkansas College

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Lewis Villines, a former teacher and principal in Arkansas, has been named the new vice president for technical education and workforce development at North Arkansas College in Harrison. Villines previously worked as an agriculture teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent before taking on this new leadership role at Northark.

Why it matters

Villines' extensive experience in education and administration, as well as his strong ties to school superintendents across Northwest Arkansas, position Northark to build new regional partnerships and expand workforce education opportunities in the communities that need them most.

The details

Villines will oversee both credit-bearing technical programs and non-credit workforce training at Northark, and will serve on the college's executive leadership team. In his new role, he aims to expand opportunities for students and the regional workforce, with a focus on preparing students for meaningful careers.

  • Villines will begin the new role on April 6, 2026.
  • Northark honored Villines as its 2025-26 Distinguished Alumnus last October.

The players

Lewis Villines

A former Mountain Home teacher and Flippin Elementary School principal who has been named vice president for technical education and workforce development at North Arkansas College in Harrison.

Rick Massengale

The president of North Arkansas College, who said Villines' ties to school superintendents across Northwest Arkansas will help the college build new regional partnerships.

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What they’re saying

“North Arkansas College plays a critical role in preparing students for meaningful careers, and I'm excited to work with faculty, staff, industry partners, and the community to expand opportunities that help students succeed and strengthen our regional workforce.”

— Lewis Villines

“His strong ties to superintendents in the northwest portion of the state will help us build new partnerships and expand workforce education into communities that need these opportunities the most.”

— Rick Massengale, President, North Arkansas College

The takeaway

Villines' appointment to this leadership role at Northark highlights the college's commitment to strengthening technical education and workforce development in the region, leveraging his extensive experience in education and administration to build new partnerships and expand opportunities for students and the community.