University of Arkansas Aligns Student Affairs Facilities

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In one of the first realignment moves within Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas, the Arkansas Union, residence halls and other auxiliary facilities in the division are being aligned.

In March, Chancellor G. David Gearhart announced that the Division of Student Affairs would realign under the Division of Academic Affairs effective April 1. Daniel J. Pugh Sr. was appointed to the newly designated position of vice provost for student affairs, keeping his title and duties as dean of students as well. This realignment resulted in an administrative cost savings of $162,038 annually.

Traditionally the Arkansas Union and the residential facilities have operated independently of one another, although all of the facilities have been under the umbrella of Student Affairs.

“We really have to take a look at everything we do, especially during these tough economic conditions, to contain costs and create maximum efficiencies at every turn,” Pugh said. “This includes looking closely at positions when people leave the university for other opportunities.”

Effective today, Jerrid Freeman, director of the Arkansas Union, will be named director of student affairs auxiliary facilities, and will take over managing operations of auxiliary facilities in student affairs. Freeman will report to Randy Alexander, executive director of housing for the university. Freeman will essentially take over management of housing facility operations from Gary Hume, director of residential facilities, who is leaving the university for another opportunity.

“By combining all of the student affairs auxiliaries under one person we will be more efficient,” said Alexander. The bulk of the savings here, $81,677, comes from eliminating salary and benefits of one staff position. Other savings and efficiencies to be realized include better product ordering and management, as well as greater staff efficiencies and collaborations. “But in this move we are going to find cost savings that we have not even thought of yet.”

Student affairs auxiliary facilities include residence halls and apartments, all dining units, many Greek houses, and the Arkansas Union.

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity and what it means for the university,” Freeman said. “It will enhance our services to students and reduce costs, so everybody wins.”