FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – To increase efficiency in all aspects of operations at the University of Arkansas with an eye toward affordability, Chancellor G. David Gearhart has created a commission charged with reviewing spending practices and eliminating duplication of services at the university.

The new Commission on Affordability and Cost Containment is charged with identifying and recommending ways each college and administrative unit can be more efficient in the delivery of academic programs and services – with particular focus on services and expenditures that are not essential to the academic mission of the university.

“Affordability has become one of the most critical issues facing higher education,” said Gearhart.  “If costs continue to rise as they have in the past, American higher education just may price itself out of reach for millions of students who want to access the American opportunity system by earning a baccalaureate degree.

“The university has a commitment and obligation to do all it can to keep costs as low as possible so that qualified citizens of our state have the ability to attend their flagship university without regard to their pocketbook,” he added.

The fundamental purpose of the commission is to review academic and administrative unit cost reallocation and reduction plans throughout the university. It will recommend to the chancellor, on an ongoing basis, ways to contain costs and make the university more affordable to future generations of students — while at the same time maintaining the level of quality that the state has come to expect of its flagship institution.

The commission has the authority to examine all aspects of the university’s finances. Benchmarking with peers to identify best practices and establishing cost reduction performance measures also are included in the commission’s charge.

Don Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration, has been appointed to chair the commission. Members include: Neil Allison, chair-elect of the Faculty Senate; Linda Beene Ballard, dean of the School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach; Paul Bixby, chair of the Staff Senate; Carter Ford, president of the Associated Student Government; Inza Fort, chair of the Faculty Senate; Collis Geren, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School; Reed Greenwood, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions; Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities management; Bob McMath, interim provost and dean of the Honors College; Dave Martinson, associate vice chancellor for business affairs; Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor for development; and Daniel Pugh, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students.

“We take pride in the fact that the University of Arkansas is regarded among our peers as one of the nation’s most efficient universities – a statement affirmed by independent organizations that cite the university as a best buy and fiscally responsible organization. So this effort is not an indictment of our spending practices,” said Gearhart.

“However, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels – and neither can our students. The university has a duty and obligation to do everything possible to control costs and keep our institution affordable and accessible to qualified students, and those efforts must be perpetual,” he added.