FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – William Warnock, director of program assessment in the Graduate School and International Education, has announced his retirement, effective July 31.

Warnock has spent more than 30 years of his professional career at the University of Arkansas, though he has spent some time working for independent engineering companies as well. He became a member of the University of Arkansas faculty in 1977, when he served as an assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He went on to become the assistant dean of the College of Engineering. He operated in that role for more than 15 years, before leaving the U of A to help develop and serve as principal of the Haas Hall Academy. Warnock returned to the University in 2005 to take on his current position as the director of program assessment.

Warnock earned his bachelor of science and master of science in agricultural engineering at the University of Arkansas and earned his doctorate in engineering with an agricultural engineering concentration from Oklahoma State University.

His family has a strong tradition of academic loyalty to the U of A. Both of his parents and his sister, in addition to himself, have two degrees from the University of Arkansas. His deep ties to the campus played a role in his returning to the University after each of his stints in the private sector.

“If you look at my resume, you’ll see that I always came back to the University of Arkansas. I have really enjoyed myself here, and I hope I did some good things in these 30 years,” he said.

Warnock plans to spend more time farming following his retirement.

Kim LaScola Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education, has been appreciative of Warnock’s valuable contributions to the University.

“We are grateful for the varied and significant contributions that Dr. Warnock has made to the University of Arkansas over the past three decades. Although he will be sorely missed, we are happy that he will have more time to enjoy his passion for farming and spend time with his family,” Needy said.

A retirement reception for Warnock will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 in the Graduate Student Lounge in Ozark Hall.