Search Committee Formed to Seek New Leader of Division of Academic Affairs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz has created a committee to advise on the search for the next provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. 

Peter Ungar, Distinguished Professor of anthropology and chair of the Department of Anthropology, will serve as committee chair. The other committee members are:

• Jim Rankin, vice provost for research and economic development
• Monica Holland, associate dean of students 
• Neil Allison, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and chair of the Faculty Senate 
• Pearl Dowe, associate professor of political science and interim director of the African and African American Studies Program
• Scout Johnson, graduate student and Graduate Student Congress leader 
• Terry Esper, associate professor of supply chain management 
• Trevor Francis, associate vice provost of the Office of Graduation and Retention 
• Tanner Bone, president of Associated Student Government, until 2016-17 school year when a new ASG president is inaugurated
• Gema Zamarro Rodriguez, associate professor of education reform and Endowed Chair in Teacher Quality Department of Education Reform
• Luis Restrepo, professor of world languages, literatures and cultures, and assistant vice chancellor for diversity and community
• Mark R. Killenbeck, Distinguished Professor of law
• Gisela F. Erf, professor of poultry science
• Amy Herzberg, professor of theatre
• Winifred Elysse Newman, professor of architecture and chair of the Department of Architecture
• Gary Prinz, assistant professor of civil engineering

"Ashok Saxena is doing a marvelous job in the role presently, so we have time to conduct a thoughtful search for a replacement," Steinmetz said. "I expect the process to launch formally later this semester, with possible committee work being done over the summer. Ideally, we might have a new provost start on January 1, 2017. The position of provost is very important — and one I understand very well having done the job myself."

Saxena has held the post since August 2015, when he was appointed by interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor to fill the role for approximately 18 months.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.