Gearhart to Lead Search Committee for Next Southeastern Conference Commissioner

Chancellor G. David Gearhart
Photo Submitted

Chancellor G. David Gearhart

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The Southeastern Conference will launch a national search to name its next commissioner after the recent announcement that Mike Slive will retire in July 2015, after 13 years in that position.

Nicholas S.  Zeppos, chancellor of Vanderbilt University and current chair of the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, has appointed a committee to search for the eighth commissioner in the history of the conference. G. David Gearhart, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, will serve as chairman of the committee that will also include Judith Bonner, president of the University of Alabama; Eli Capilouto, president of the University of Kentucky; Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University; and R. Bowen Loftin, chancellor of the University of Missouri.

 “The SEC has enjoyed an era of unprecedented success under Mike Slive and at the same time has been a leader in dramatic change in the landscape of college athletics under his direction,” Zeppos said. “It is critical to have an efficient transition of leadership in order to continue our success on the fields of play as well as to identify a staunch advocate for academic achievement, integrity and sportsmanship. Our objective is to seamlessly maintain our conference’s participation in shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics.”

 “Mike Slive has done an incredible job as SEC Commissioner,” Gearhart said. “He is revered throughout college athletics. Finding the right person to carry on the leadership of the Southeastern Conference, an unquestioned leader in intercollegiate athletics, is a major undertaking as the position is vital to the continued positive transformation of the conference and intercollegiate athletics as a whole.  

“I’m honored to have been selected by Chancellor Zeppos to lead this important committee.”

 Zeppos said the committee will work closely with athletic directors, faculty representatives, senior female administrators and student-athletes in the search. He also said the presidents and chancellors hope to select the new commissioner in a timely manner to allow a transition period before Slive’s retirement on July 31, 2015.

Contacts

Laura Jacobs, associate vice chancellor
University Relations
479-575-5555, laura@uark.edu

Headlines

Food Scientists Show Rice Malt Has Potential to Play a Bigger Role in Beer

With Arkansas growing about half of the rice in the United States, and shortages of traditional raw materials such as barley, evaluating rice cultivars for use in malted brewing was one goal of U of A researchers.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Senior Design Projects Reviewed by Alumni

Students condensed their design work into senior design projects and presented them for department alumni and other industry professionals, gaining insights from peers and faculty members.

An Evening With NWA Soldier Songs and Voices: The Healing Power of Music

Members of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of Soldier Songs and Voices will share their experiences and perform music in the Pryor Center atrium at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

University Not Pursuing Full External Management of Custodial and Grounds Services

Following an evaluation process that provided the U of A with the opportunity to learn more about its current operations compared to the market, the university will maintain its current workforce.

NAHJ UARK: Free Churros and Sodas During J-Days Celebration

 The U of A chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will offer churros and sodas on the north patio of Kimpel Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday. Stop by and support your local journalist.

News Daily