LITTLE ROCK—Katy Morris, who has run the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind since the death last November of Director James C. Hudson, has been named to replace him as leader of the agency.

The Department of Human Services, parent agency of blind services, announced on Thursday the selection of Morris by the division’s supervising board.

“Katy served for many years under Jim’s tutelage and in spite of her own grief over his passing, took up the reins and has led the work of the division beautifully,” said Nola McKinney, chair of the board.

A native of Fort Smith and long-time Conway resident, Morris holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas. She has served as the division’s assistant director since 1985.

The agency provides local rehabilitation services statewide to more than 2,000 Arkansans who are blind or severely visually impaired.