FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community at the University of Arkansas, will serve as interim vice provost for student affairs, effective Friday, July 24. He will fill the position vacated by Danny Pugh, while also continuing to serve in his role as vice chancellor..

“Dr. Pugh has done an outstanding job leading student affairs for the past ten years, and it will be very difficult to replace him,” said Ashok Saxena, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I am extremely grateful to Dr. Robinson for agreeing to step into this position while the university conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. I have total confidence in Dr. Robinson’s abilities and am confident he will handle his two administrative responsibilities with his characteristic excellence.”

“I am honored that Provost Saxena asked me to take on this important role,” said Robinson. “At the University of Arkansas we put students first, and that means the division of student affairs is central to our mission. It's been a real pleasure working with Danny Pugh, and I look forward to the challenge of helping the Division of Student Affairs manage this transitional period.”

Robinson served as vice provost for diversity affairs within the U of A division of academic affairs before being named vice chancellor in 2013. He joined the U of A faculty in 1999, achieved the rank of full professor of history and served as director of the African American Studies program.

Robinson earned his bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Houston, his master’s in history from Rice University and his doctorate in history from the University of Houston.