Smith Asked to Continue at Helm of College of Education and Health Professions

Russell Cothren

Tom Smith

Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, will remain in the post for an additional year, announced Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Given changes in the administration of the university with both the provost and Chancellor G. David Gearhart planning to leave their positions this summer, Gaber said, the decision was made to discontinue the search for a new dean. Smith announced last year that he intended to return to the college's faculty this fall. He holds the rank of University Professor of special education.

The next provost will decide when to reinitiate a search, Gaber said.

"Chancellor Gearhart and I are confident that the college will find a new dean in the coming year or so to continue the extraordinary strides toward excellence made by the faculty and staff under Dean Smith's leadership," she said. "We expect the college will continue its phenomenal work in obtaining research grants, teaching practitioners who will go out and lead educational and health systems around the world, and serving the state of Arkansas and beyond."

Smith served as interim dean for one year before accepting a five-year appointment in 2010.

The College of Education and Health Professions includes five academic departments with more than 130 faculty members, the university's intramural and recreational sports department, and nearly 20 research and service units.

Enrollment in the college last fall was 4,082 undergraduate students and 1,193 graduate students.