Judy Schwab, Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration, Announces Plans to Retire

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Judy Schwab.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Judy Gregson Schwab, associate vice chancellor for administration at the University of Arkansas, will retire effective July 31.

Schwab was named associate vice chancellor in 2008, when G. David Gearhart became U of A chancellor. She had previously served as assistant vice chancellor for advancement under Gearhart, managing and coordinating all activities related to Constituent Relations and Special Events during the university's $1.2 billion Campaign for the Twenty-First Century.

 “It has been an honor to see from the inside out how the vision, work ethic, and integrity of Chancellor Gearhart and many, many others across campus have catapulted the university toward the most promising trajectory in its history,” Schwab said. “It's been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of an institution that truly puts students first and has the courage to ask: What if? What does our best look like? How can we get there? How soon can we get there?”

As associate vice chancellor Schwab reported directly to the chancellor, serving as liaison to the campus, campus offices and committees, building internal and external relationships and establishing collaborative initiatives. She also managed the daily interactions and operations of the Office of the Chancellor.

"Judy Schwab was the very first person I hired into my office when I arrived in 1998,” said Chancellor Gearhart, who has also announced that he will retire on July 31. “We have worked together side by side for 17 years. She is the most brilliant, hardworking, intelligent and capable professional I have ever worked with in my 38 years in higher education. 

“Judy was a critical factor in the success of our billion dollar capital campaign and I dare say it would not have happened without her diligent efforts. She is an extraordinary administrator and manager who has handled literally hundreds of projects, programs and tasks with outstanding results. Her leadership skills are unmatched. 

“She is also a brilliant writer and author who helped put together the $300 million proposal that was ultimately successful. Her very capable and adroit abilities with the English language are unparalleled. Her skills have assisted hundreds of staff members in countless letters, speeches and proposals. 

“She has led my offices with incredible diplomacy and skill. I simply could not have done my job without her leadership. 

“On top of all that, she is one of the nicest, most thoughtful people I know. She has the utmost respect of her colleagues, staff, students, faculty and benefactors. 

She has been involved in everything we have accomplished at the university as a senior member of the administration and this is an enormous loss for the University of Arkansas. She has my utmost admiration and deep gratitude. I wish her Godspeed in her well-earned and deserved retirement. I will miss working with her on a daily basis. Judy Schwab is quite simply the best of the best."

Schwab worked with administrators and faculty across the U of A campus.

 "Judy Schwab is an incredible asset to the University,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment services. “The list of her contributions to our campus is an extensive one. She is the point guard of operations here. Her retirement will be deeply felt across the campus even by those who do not know her name or what she does. She greatly deserves this time for herself and her family, but her retirement will create a hole that will not be easily filled."

"Judy Schwab has been a great mentor to me in my six years working in Chancellor’s Gearhart’s administration," said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community. "She is the consummate professional with an intellect, warmth and humanity that makes her the best of colleagues. Judy will be truly missed."

Schwab was also a liaison with student leaders, particularly with members of the Associated Student Government.

 “Judy has the ability to instantly win the heart and respect of anyone she meets,” said Tori Pohlner, former ASG president. “Her ability to read and understand her fellow man effortlessly transcends typical comprehension. Her attention to detail, tenacity for perfection, and dedication to success have benefited the University in countless ways. She is an advocate for the students, a lover of the arts, and a full-time University promoter. Her humility has prevented her from taking credit for much of her own work, but I have no doubt every member of the University community has read bits of her clear, flawless writing. To me, she is a mentor, a friend, and a role model. Her absence will undoubtedly leave a void, but her impact will always be felt.”

"For the better part of 20 years, Judy Schwab has embodied everything that is good about the University of Arkansas,” added Billy Fleming, another former ASG president. “Sshe is a person of tremendous integrity, incredible drive, and even greater empathy. Judy is the rare person whose defining personality trait is selflessness, a characteristic evidenced by the countless students, faculty, and alumni whose lives were forever improved by her efforts. I consider myself fortunate to have worked alongside Judy during my time in Fayetteville and I'm proud to call her my mentor, colleague, and friend. I wish Judy and her family nothing but the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives."

Before joining the University of Arkansas in 1993, Schwab was language arts coordinator for the Fayetteville Public Schools and taught English at Fayetteville High School. She launched Connotations, the nationally recognized literary arts magazine of Fayetteville High School, and the district’s AP Language and Composition program. She was recognized as Fayetteville Public Schools Teacher of the Year and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year. She was also honored for her teaching and promotion of student writing by the National Writing Project and the Arkansas Humanities Council. In 2010, she was inducted into the Fayetteville Education Foundation's Hall of Honor.

She is married to Bill Schwab, University Professor of sociology and former dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. They have three children, Jennifer Schwab Wangers, Mark Schwab, Judd Schwab.

Schwab holds a bachelor's degree from Hendrix College and a master's degree from the University of Arkansas.

She is currently vice chair of the Walton Arts Center Board of Directors and a member of Theatre Squared Board of Directors. She and her husband received the Arts Advocate award from Theatre Squared in 2013. She has also served as president of the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, co-chair of the University of Arkansas United Way Campaign, president of the Twentieth Century Club, and Theatre Squared 2017 Strategy Group. 

Following her retirement, Schwab said she plans to read, travel, do volunteer work in the community and spend quality time with her children, grandchildren and friends.