Statement By Chancellor John A. White On Trustees’ Vote On Home Football Game Issue

"The Board of Trustees has made its decision, and we at the University of Arkansas are most appreciative. We believe this decision is in the best interests of forging a stronger Razorback athletic program, not just in football, but in all the other men's and women's athletic programs, which football revenues support. In the end, all Arkansans will benefit because of the University's increased capacity to build and sustain nationally competitive programs well into the 21st century.

We also believe the Board's decision will improve our ability to recruit and retain students and involve our alumni more fully in the life of the University. The result will be a stronger flagship university for all Arkansans--the nationally competitive university this state deserves and a university of which all Arkansans can be proud.

At the same time, we realize this issue has been divisive for many. We now want to go to work to regain the confidence and support of those Razorback supporters who may be disappointed by today's decision. We want to assure everyone in the state that the Razorbacks belong to them and that the shift in the home game schedule will only help to push the entire athletic program and the entire university into the ranks of the nation's best.

Finally, we would like to thank the Trustees for the manner in which they handled this complex and difficult subject. They considered all sides and provided ample opportunity for all Arkansans to voice their opinions. They also took the time to listen carefully to our students--the future of our State--and we are grateful that they heard our students' collective voice."

--John White, Chancellor, University of Arkansas