Don H. Tomlinson, who played a key role in advancing technical and community college education in Arkansas, died Friday, May 23, at his home. He was 88.
Tomlinson was instrumental in founding Gateway Vocational-Technical School, which later became the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, in 1975. The school was created to offer hands-on technical training and educational opportunities to residents of Independence County and the surrounding region.
He served as the institution’s first president and guided its development for many years. In 1991, the Arkansas General Assembly included Gateway among 14 technical schools that were reclassified as technical colleges. That same year, Community College Week named it one of the nation’s 50 fastest-growing two-year colleges.
In 1997, the school joined the University of Arkansas System and became the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.
Outside of education, Tomlinson was known for his wide-ranging interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, crappie and bass fishing, and woodworking. He was also a member of Bethesda Campground Church.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Image: Qualls Funeral Home
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