Chancellor Search Committee Meets, Plans Next Steps

Photo by Russell Cothren

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Members of the search committee for the university's next chancellor met June 18 to discuss the process and next steps in the search for the next University of Arkansas chancellor.

Chancellor G. David Gearhart has announced his intention to retire on July 31 of this year, and former Chancellor Daniel E. Ferritor will serve as interim chancellor.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc. is supporting the search effort, and Jan Greenwood and Marion Frenche of the search firm, along with UofA System President Don Bobbitt, were present at the June 18 meeting in Fayetteville.

There are six phases of the search and the committee is currently in Phase 2-Planning. While in the planning phase, the committee will finalize the job description and the desired characteristics and experience for the next chancellor.    

The search phases are:

1. Announcement/Formation

• Search announced
• Search Committee named and charged
• Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc. selected to support the Search Committee

2. Planning 

• Search Start-up Meeting: Search Committee and Greenwood/Asher meet to discuss search process and profile
• Feedback incorporated into position description

3. Recruiting

• Position advertisement and job description drafted and distributed
• Requests for nominations and recommendations
• Nominees and prospects are contacted, applications received and reviewed
• Prospect Review Meeting: Search Committee discusses all candidates and selects leading candidates

4. Evaluation

• Round-One Interviews: Search Committee interviews leading candidates
• Reference and background checks
• Search Committee recommends/selects candidates for additional interviews

5. Selection

• Campus Interviews
• Board Interviews
• Selection and signing of contract
• Transition Considerations

6. Appointment

• Announce search completion and introduce hired candidate

The search website will be completed and is expected to launch in the coming days.

Bobbitt selected the following people to serve on the search committee:

• Howard Brill, committee chair and the Vincent Foster University Professor of Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics, University of Arkansas School of Law
• Jim von Gremp, Board of Trustees, real estate investor, communications consultant and former Wal-Mart executive
• Julie Cromer, senior associate athletic director of administration and special programs, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
• Kathy Van Laningham, vice provost for planning, representing campus administration
• Laura Jacobs, associate vice chancellor for university relations, Division of University Advancement
• Melissa Harwood-Rom, dean of students, Student Affairs
• Stacy Leeds, dean of the School of Law, representing academic deans
• Danielle Wood, director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, representing staff
• Roger Koeppe, Distinguished Professor of chemistry and biochemistry, representing faculty
• Gary Ferrier, University Professor of economics, representing faculty
• Julie Carrier, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, representing faculty
• Scott Varady, associate general counsel, UA System representative
• Chuck Culver, director of development, UA Division of Agriculture
• Sandra Connor, alumna, co-chair Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee
• Stephanie Streett, alumna, president Arkansas Alumni Association
• Dan Hendrix, president and CEO, World Trade Center Arkansas
• Archie Schaffer III, consultant, Tyson Foods Inc., representing the business community