Lynne Bell Announces Retirement After 23 Years at the U of A

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Assistant vice chancellor for strategic campus partnerships Lynne Bell has announced her retirement, effective Nov. 30.

Bell most recently led significant campus contract relationships with vendors such as Chartwells, Barnes & Noble, Ricoh and Coca-Cola while providing leadership to auxiliary operations in Student Affairs. She maintained oversight of the campus card office, which moved under the Division of Finance and Administration as part of the division's restructuring in July.

"Lynne's leadership in the Division of Student Affairs set the foundation for our strong relationships with dining and pouring rights vendors," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for student affairs. "These partnerships have allowed our division to develop new programs and services that enable student success. Lynne admirably led the operations of the Arkansas Union and campus card office, both of which provide vital space to help support the daily campus experiences of our faculty, staff and students."

Her unique role brought together a variety of functions in areas such as business, finance, construction and technology to advance the U of A's land-grant mission and foster academic success. She was involved in the process that led to the creation of the Arkansas Union's rooftop garden in 2016. Bell also implemented the university's first late-night meal plan, expanded meal options and sustainability innovations such as composting and hydroponic farming. Under her direction, the university experienced significant program growth, including a 40 percent increase in meal plan participation, $9 million increase in food service revenue and the development of numerous facilities and technology advancements.

"Lynne has been instrumental in ensuring our campus has access to many of the services and amenities that our students, employees and visitors use every day," said Clayton Hamilton, senior associate vice chancellor and chief administration officer for campus services. "Her ability to introduce innovative solutions and implement sustainable, efficient business processes has benefited the university in countless ways. She will be missed, and we wish her well in this next chapter of her life."

The campus community is invited to celebrate Bell's career at her farewell reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at the Arkansas Union, rooms 507-511.

"I plan to travel, spend time with friends and family, and do a lot of hiking with my free time," Bell said. "I also love gardening and will enter a master gardening program."