FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lona Robertson, associate dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, has been named interim dean of the college by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ashok Saxena and Vice President of the U of A System Division of Agriculture Mark Cochran.

Robertson, who has served as associate dean since February 2011, begins her appointment on June 1.

“Dr. Robertson has the experience and stature to serve in the interim dean’s position,” said Saxena and Cochran in a joint statement. “She has our full support and that of Chancellor Steinmetz. She will serve in this role until a permanent dean is appointed.”

Robertson joined the U of A faculty in the School of Human Environmental Sciences in January 2006. She was associate professor and coordinator of what is now the apparel merchandising and product development program.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve the students, faculty and staff as interim dean of the Bumpers College,” said Robertson. “I look forward to working with the department heads, staff and faculty to continue to develop our academic programs and strengthen our relationships across campus. I want to thank Provost Saxena and Dr. Mark Cochran for this opportunity.”

Prior to coming to Arkansas, Robertson spent 11 years at Oklahoma State University, including five as assistant dean for academic programs and services in the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

In 2015, she was one of 22 Fellows of the Food Systems Leadership Institute recognized for completing the executive leadership development program, and for contributions to individual organizations, higher education and food systems.

Robertson grew up in Indiana and Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and a master’s degree in clothing and textiles from Florida State University. She was an assistant professor of textiles, apparel and merchandising at Indiana State from 1986-95 and  earned her doctorate in education from Indiana University in 1995.

Mike Vayda, dean of the Bumpers College and associate vice president for academic programs in the U of A System Division of Agriculture since 2010, has been named provost at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The search for a permanent dean is expected to begin in the fall.