FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart met dozens of students and their families this week while working as a volunteer during the “Assisted Move-In” at campus residence halls, then got a first-hand experience of on-campus living when he spent the night at Holcombe Hall.

The chancellor put his “Students First” policy into practice Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, helping unload vehicles and haul belongings at Reid, Yocum, Humphries, Pomfret and Maple Hill residence halls. Heavy rain and lightning Thursday morning forced the chancellor and several other volunteers to take a break for about an hour before returning to finish their “Move-In” work.

“Last year it was blazing hot, this year was much more comfortable – until Thursday when I definitely needed foul-weather gear,” said Gearhart. “Still, it was a great experience, a great way to meet students and their families, a great way to welcome them to the campus.”

Thursday evening the chancellor became a Holcombe Hall resident himself, if only for a night. He observed the introductory session of the Global Perspectives academic learning community, a group of about a dozen students who are enrolled in many of the same courses in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Chancellor Gearhart visited with other students, sharing snacks and taking part in Welcome Week activities in the Holcombe basement before retiring for the night in his assigned single room.