Our Team
Dr. Collin Callaway
Dr. Callaway has 20 years of experience working in student services and higher education policy in Arkansas. During her tenure at ACC, Dr. Callaway led numerous collaborative initiatives involving teams of community college administrators and staff throughout the state of Arkansas. Dr. Callaway is responsible for collaborating with government agencies, educational institutions, private foundations, and others on projects that improve the ability of the member colleges to meet the needs of their students, as well as the needs of their local business and industry leaders. Dr. Callaway earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning from the University of Arkansas. She has been with ACC since 2008. Prior to her time at ACC, she worked at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
Executive Director
ccallaway@arkansascc.org
Kyla Waters
As the Director of Workforce Initiatives at Arkansas Community Colleges, Kyla plays a pivotal role in aligning education and training programs with the evolving needs of industry across the state. She is a passionate and people-centered leader with over 11 years of experience in workforce development, project management, and grant administration who strives to advance policies that empower the 22-member community colleges to meet the education and training needs of students, local industry partners, and communities. Kyla graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in History from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is a graduate of the Talent Pipeline Management Career Readiness Academy, a Community College Growth Engine Fellow, and a member of the Broadband Nation Advisory Board.
Director of Workforce Initiatives
kwaters@arkansascc.org
Associate Director
ksmith@arkansascc.orgKristen Smith
As Associate Director at ACC, Kristen plays a key role in shaping the organization’s professional development initiatives and overseeing business operations. Since joining ACC in 2023, Kristen has rapidly expanded her responsibilities, now overseeing cornerstone programs such as the ACC Leadership Institute, Student Leadership Academy, and the Annual Conference. Known for her organization, efficiency, keen attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, she brings a strategic and thoughtful approach to complex projects and initiatives. Before joining ACC, Kristen spent six years at Arkansas State University–Newport, where she served as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor and later Chief of Staff. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas Christian University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin.