FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas Division of Student Affairs has hired Timothy Butler King as the director of the ADA Center, the Center for Students with Disabilities.

"When I was growing up in Lawrenceville, Georgia my best friend and I made a pact that we would both move to Arkansas when we grew up," King said. "Needless to say, I am excited about being here and I am still in a state of shock that I am living a boyhood dream. I am looking forward to serving the University as director of the ADA Center, and I am honored that I have an opportunity to build on the excellent work of my predecessor and the staff of the ADA Center."

As director of the ADA Center, King will be responsible for ensuring that qualified students with disabilities have access or receive reasonable and appropriate accommodations in all programs and activities provided by the University, while at the same time protecting the academic integrity of all degree programs. King will also be responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for students with disabilities to access services in a timely and effective manner.

"Dr. King brings a wealth of experience in the best practices in serving students with disabilities on a university campus," said Mary Alice Serafini, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "His knowledge of student and institutional responsibilities in all parts of a student's life will be greatly appreciated by members of the University of Arkansas community. In addition, Dr. King brings leadership qualities and a clear vision for the ADA Center to this position. We are very pleased to have Dr. King come to the University of Arkansas."

King will also educate UA faculty, staff, and students about the University's obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. He will be expected to stay abreast of the rapidly changing environment of disability services in higher education and best practices for delivery of services as well.

King has six years of experience in disability services. He served as director of Disability Support Services at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and prior to that he served as manager of Disability Services at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, during which time he also earned his doctorate in counselor education.

In addition to his professional experience in disability services at both UAB-Birmingham and UAB-Tuscaloosa, King brings experience in counseling and student affairs through his involvement in New Student Orientation, Retention Committee work and service as an instructor in both First Year Experience classes and Student Support Services classes.

The ADA Center served 650 students with disabilities in 2000-2001 and is located on the second floor of the Arkansas Union.