Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at University of Arkansas Announces Retirement

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After a decade of service to the University of Arkansas, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Johnetta Cross Brazzell, will retire effective Jan.31, 2009.

“Making the decision to retire from my position as vice chancellor has not been easy,” Brazzell said. “I have enjoyed my time as vice chancellor, but it is simply time for me to explore the rest of my life.”

”Johnetta will be greatly missed by the entire university family.  She has done a remarkable job,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “She has left us a solid foundation for further growth and improvement and we wish her the very best in her much deserved retirement.”

Perhaps the biggest change Brazzell brought to the university is the notion that people working in student affairs are educators,in addition to their role as service providers, and should see themselves that way. Brazzell changed the name of the division from “Student Services” to “Student Affairs” to help change the perception of the division.

“All learning does not take place in the classroom,” Brazzell said. “Learning also happens outside of class in areas where student affairs touches the lives of students. So, we must all see ourselves as educators.”

Brazzell came to the University of Arkansas in 1999, with expertise in both the classroom and in student affairs. She joined Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga., in 1993, where she held the position of vice president for student affairs and also served as a member of the college faculty.

Brazzell has professional affiliations with several organizations including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA); the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC); and the Arkansas College Personnel Association (ArCPA)

Brazzell’s work also touched the local and national community. She has held positions on several boards and organizations including: Board member of the Walton Arts Center; advisory board member, NASPA National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness, 2000 to present; board member, LeaderShape Inc., current; institute member, Project on the Future of Higher Education, 2001-2004; member, Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 2000-2006.

Brazzell holds a doctorate in higher and adult continuing education from the University of Michigan; a master’s degree in American history with emphasis on the African American experience from the University of Chicago; and, a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Spelman College.