Dave Dawson Selected as Registrar

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Dave Dawson, registrar

David D. Dawson, who has served as interim registrar for the University of Arkansas since February, 2010, has been appointed as registrar. Dawson replaces Alice Lacey, who retired in February.

Dawson will report to Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment services.

"Dave's work as interim registrar has been stellar," said McCray. "The search committee was unanimous in its support of his candidacy, citing the enthusiastic staff support he received from the registrar's office itself, his extensive connections with faculty and staff across campus, his students-first view point, and the level of integrity he has maintained throughout his time at the University of Arkansas. I just do not think we could do better."

Before becoming interim registrar, Dawson served as director of the advising center in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, beginning in 1999; and prior to that was an advisor in the college, where he started in 1993. He has served on various campus-wide committees including the Enrollment Advisory Group, the Academic Advising Council, New Student Orientation Steering Committee, the Retention Task Force and the Five-Year Strategic Master Plan Committee for Fulbright College. In 2008, he received the National Academic Advising Association's Outstanding Advising Award. He also received the association's Gail Rola Memorial Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership as an advising administrator.

"It has been a privilege serving as interim registrar for the past eight months. The Office of the Registrar staff has been supportive, and I truly appreciate their commitment to doing what is best for our students, faculty, staff and alumni. I feel very good about the changes we have made in this time and the direction we are going," said Dawson.

"I value the experience and support I received in Fulbright College and will greatly miss the daily interaction with my colleagues in Old Main. However, it is an honor to be selected to serve as registrar, and I look forward to the many new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. '

Dawson holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Centenary College of Louisiana and a master's degree in journalism and history from the University of Arkansas. In addition to making numerous presentations on advising topics, he has also published repeatedly in the Arkansas Historical Quarterly and The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture.