FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Mike Vayda, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, has accepted the position of provost at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, effective June 1, 2016.

Vayda has served as dean of the Bumpers College and associate vice president for academic programs in the UA System Division of Agriculture since July 1, 2010.

“I am pleased to have worked with the outstanding faculty at the University of Arkansas to implement recommendations of our Dean’s Executive Advisory Board,” said Vayda. “These included empowering faculty efforts to expand value-added experiential learning opportunities for our students, project-based learning, international immersion experiences, internships, leadership development and service learning. These are the experiences that enable students to launch meaningful professional careers as leaders in the businesses advancing food, environmental stewardship and human quality of life. I will treasure my relationships in Arkansas. I am truly honored to be joining Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney's leadership team at UMass Lowell.”

In Vayda’s nearly six years as dean, enrollment in the Bumpers College has grown from 1,356 in fall 2010 to 2,169 in fall 2015. Other highlights include launching the Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture Series, opening the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center, creating the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and initiating the Executive in Residence program to give students advice and career path suggestions from industry leaders.

“Dr. Vayda’s selection as provost by the University of Massachusetts Lowell speaks to the job he’s done for Bumpers College and we wish him well,” said Provost Ashok Saxena. “It’s also a positive reflection on how the University of Arkansas is perceived nationally.” 

Saxena will be meeting with Bumpers College staff soon to begin transition planning. Vayda will remain in his current position until May 31 to help ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.