McMath Reappointed Dean of Honors College

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Robert McMath, dean of the Honors College

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After an extensive review, involving nearly 100 stakeholders from inside and outside of the University of Arkansas’ Honors College, Provost Sharon Gaber announced that Dean Bob McMath has been reappointed for a five-year term through June 30, 2016.

Stakeholders noted that Dean McMath has been very successful in communicating, championing interdisciplinary efforts and growing the Honors College.

Provost Gaber indicated that Dean McMath has served the University of Arkansas as the inaugural Dean of the Honors College, and served as Interim Provost in 2008-2009. He has expanded the number of Honors class sections and served as a staunch advocate for undergraduate research opportunities and global experiences. Chancellor G. David Gearhart said that he looks forward to McMath’s continued leadership in moving the University of Arkansas’ Honors College to the next level of recognition.

Gaber has charged Dean McMath with addressing three issues to successfully position the Honors College for the next decade:

• Develop a strategy for development and support of university faculty involved in the Honors College and honors programs. This strategy should involve input from a broad base of stakeholders, including the deans of the colleges, which have honors programs.

• Review the size and academic standards associated with admission to, and participation in, the Honors College, with a recommendation, for review by the Executive Committee.

• Develop a communication strategy, which will include reaching out to honors alumni, the campus community and national thought leaders in education.

McMath was appointed dean of the Honors College in 2005, coming to the university from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he had served as chair of the department of history and vice provost for undergraduate studies and academic affairs.

McMath is a graduate of the University of North Texas and received his doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.