FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Students First is not just a saying on the University of Arkansas campus. It’s the attitude with which faculty, staff and administrators approach their jobs. With the March announcement of the alignment of Academic and Student Affairs and the resurrection of a formal enrollment management structure, the university continues to develop new alignments supporting the goal of increased recruitment and retention. The university has made another move toward this goal with the appointment of Karen Hodges as the executive director of academic success.

“Whether it is through reduced costs and streamlined administration processes, providing quality teachers and classrooms, or doing everything in our means to be financially supportive, it is imperative that we keep our students on track to succeed,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Today we make another step in the right direction with the appointment of Karen Hodges as the executive director of academic success. Karen has been a part of the university family since 2006 and, in each position she has held, has consistently focused her attention on helping students succeed. We are very excited to have her take the helm of our retention efforts.”

Hodges said she is ready to provide leadership in this most important aspect of the university.

“I am pleased to be able to continue as part of enrollment services at the University of Arkansas in a position that combines what I learned in my 14 months as interim director of undergraduate admissions with what I learned in my two years as director of retention and remediation for Fulbright College,” Hodges said. “Chief among what I have learned these past three years is that there are many faculty and staff members, and many academic and student support programs on campus dedicated to helping students succeed. I see my new role as a way to support and provide leadership to these multiple initiatives to increase the retention and graduation of our students.”

In fact, the offices of the Enhanced Learning Center and Student Support Services, which have been part of the Division of Student Affairs, will now be aligned with the office of academic success. The Enhanced Learning Center has been gaining ground over the last year, helping students navigate traditionally difficult courses through group tutoring and supplemental educational instruction outside of the classroom. Student Support Services serves those who are first-generation college students, helping them with specific supplemental instruction and other needs.

“It has been my privilege to work collaboratively with Karen on a number of student success projects over the last three years, and I look forward to working with her in her new capacity, saidCharlotte Lee, director of Enhanced Learning Center.

“Student Support Services is looking forward to this new opportunity, and we believe this change will definitely be beneficial to the continued success of our students,” said Taj Cobbs, director of Student Support Services.

Recently appointed vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admissions,Suzanne McCray oversees the offices of admissions, financial aid and the registrar, as well as shared oversight of the offices of academic scholarships and post-graduate fellowships. The new office of academic success will also be part of her portfolio.

“Continuing to increase retention is a critical component in reaching the chancellor's enrollment goals. An office that brings together the Enhanced Learning Center and Student Support Services as well as coordinating other retention efforts on campus is another great step forward in these efforts,” McCray said. “Karen Hodges is the perfect inaugural executive director for that program. She has extensive administrative experience relevant to retaining students and will be an important member of the enrollment management team.”

Hodges received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Pfeiffer College in North Carolina, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in English from the University of Arkansas. She has earned several awards for teaching and service to her profession and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa for her academic achievements.