As Provost Terry Martin prepares to return to a full-time role as a professor of electrical engineering in June 2025, the search for the next provost of the University of Arkansas is underway.  

"Terry Martin has exemplified what it means to be a servant leader — always putting the needs of our students, faculty and staff first in every decision he's made as provost," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "As we search for his successor, we seek someone who shares his commitment to serving others and ensuring that student success remains at the heart of everything we do."   

The provost position at the U of A oversees all academic affairs of the university, including the administration of programs of instruction, mentoring, student life and promoting goals of academic excellence for faculty and students. The next provost will continue to advance student success, augment the research enterprise and ensure that the university is an employer of choice, serving the state of Arkansas as a partner and resource. Reporting directly to Chancellor Robinson, the provost will also work closely with the leadership of each of the university's colleges and schools to advance the university's strategic priorities. 

J.F. Meullenet, senior associate vice president for agriculture research and director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, is chairing the search committee.  

"I am incredibly grateful that J.F. Meullenet has agreed to chair this search," said Chancellor Robinson. "I've had the privilege of working with Professor Meullenet on several occasions, including when he helped forge the agreement that redefined the relationship between the university and the Division of Agriculture. With his extensive background in teaching, research and outreach, J.F. has a deep understanding of all aspects of our land-grant mission. I have no doubt that he will help us find the right person for this role." 

The search for the U of A provost is a national search, and the search committee includes the following members: 

• Chair: J.F. Meullenet, senior associate vice president for agriculture research, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and immediate past interim dean of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences 

• Hugh Churchill, professor of physics 

• Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College and professor of history 

• Ed Fryar, University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and U of A alumnus 

• Micah Hale, professor of engineering and department head, Twenty First Century Endowed Leadership Chair in Civil Engineering 

• Margaret McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation 

• Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment management   

• Cyndi Nance, dean of the School of Law and professor of law 

• Janet Obaemo, graduate student in the Materials Science and Engineering Program

• Rhea Patel, finance major, ASG treasurer 

• John Pijanowski, Faculty Senate designee and professor of educational leadership, College of Education and Health Professions  

• Craig Shy, president, Arvest Bank Fayetteville 

• Carl Smith, professor of landscape architecture 

• Brent Williams, dean of the Walton College of Business and professor of supply chain management 

To learn more about this position and the search process, visit the provost search website. Inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest should be directed to arkansas.provost@russellreynolds.com. Though all materials received will be reviewed, for priority consideration, submission of a CV by November 8, 2024 is suggested. 

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About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.