Chancellor Search: Committee Update

Photo by Russell Cothren

University of Arkansas System President Don Bobbitt visited campus Thursday, Sept. 3, to meet with faculty leaders and discuss the search for the University of Arkansas' sixth chancellor.

Bobbitt appointed Laura Jacobs, associate vice chancellor for university relations, as chair of the search committee, effective Sept. 1, when the previous committee chair, professor Howard Brill, was sworn in as chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Brill remains on the 17-member committee.

As of Aug. 24, there were 15 applicants for the position:

• Ronald T. Brown, associate vice-chancellor for academic affairs, University of North Texas System
• Charles Canver, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, Duke University Health Systems/Duke University School of Medicine
• Joe G. Delap, vice provost, dean of graduate studies and professor, Jacksonville State University
• Arthur B. Ellis, provost and chair, professor of chemistry, City University of Hong Kong
• John Frederick, provost and vice president for academic affairs, University of Texas at San Antonio
• Jerome Gilbert, provost and executive vice president, Mississippi State University
• Leslie D. Hannah, languages and liberal arts; director of Cherokee Programs, Northeastern State University
• Walter Sir Anthony Johnson Jr., chair, Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Science and Technology Center, Coppin State University
• Cheryl Lovell, president and chief executive officer, Rocky Vista University
• S. Shankar Mantha, professor, robotics, control theory and artificial intelligence, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute
• Mark McLellan, vice president of research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Utah State University
• Laurie Nichols, provost and vice president for academic affairs, South Dakota State University
• Daniel A. Reed, vice president for research and economic development; University Computational Science and Bioinformatics Chair, professor of computer science, electrical and computer engineering and medicine, University of Iowa
• Andrew Rogerson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Sonoma State University
• Joseph E. Steinmetz, executive vice president and provost, The Ohio State University

The search is still in the recruiting phase. Requests for nominations, recommendations and applications are being received and reviewed.

Most of the members of the committee will meet next in Dallas later this month to have conversations with a number of individuals before determining next steps in the search.

"The job of chancellor is big and complex and we are seeking someone who can not only manage the day-to-day realities of a flagship land-grant institution, but has the vision to propel us to the next level," Jacobs said. "We all know the University of Arkansas has a lot of things going for it: growing student body, increased student quality, talented faculty, great alumni and generous friends, excellent athletics programs, life-changing research, all located in a vibrant and dynamic part of the country. All the ingredients are here to further elevate our status, reputation, and academic capabilities and contributions. We just need the right leader. This chancellor position is an appealing opportunity, and we're looking forward to inviting candidates to visit campus at a later date."