FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –Chancellor G. David Gearhart has appointed a task force to closely examine the structure of the division of student affairs at the University of Arkansas, in an effort to ensure that this significant component of the university’s administration is operating at the highest possible levels of efficiency, service to students, collaboration with academic affairs and cost effectiveness.

Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for student affairs, will retire from her position on Jan. 31, after 10 years of what Gearhart characterized as phenomenal service and leadership to the university. In light of such a major leadership transition however, the chancellor is emphasizing the prudence of a review before moving ahead with a search.

“I want student affairs to continue to be at the institution’s core educational mission, and an administrative review always is a prudent action,” said Gearhart. “As we look to the immediate future, I want to ensure that we don’t miss a beat and continue to provide essential services to our students in helping them obtain their degrees and fulfill their educational pursuits. If we truly are serious about putting students first, we need to continually explore opportunities to enhance the levels of service and support we are providing them – regardless of how successful our efforts have been to date.”

Daniel Pugh, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, has been appointed interim vice chancellor for student affairs, effective Feb. 1. He will join the chancellor’s executive committee effective immediately, and will manage the student affairs division during the review of the organization.

The committee charged with this review will be chaired by Gearhart, and includes: Bob McMath, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Don Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration; Judy Schwab, associate vice chancellor for administration; Inza Fort, professor of kinesiology and chair of the Faculty Senate; Carter Ford, president of the Associated Student Government; and Pugh.

A search for a permanent vice chancellor for student affairs would not begin until all possible models for the student services operation at the university have been reviewed. Gearhart expects that review to be completed within 60 days.

“Many colleges and universities throughout the nation have blended the student affairs units and academic affairs units through alignment under one senior officer of the institution, which presents opportunity for greater synergy between the units while also streamlining administration,” said Gearhart. “It certainly is imperative that these two areas of responsibility work as closely as possible to support our students and faculty, regardless of structure.

“Our goal will be to determine if such a model is appropriate for the University of Arkansas at this juncture, or if we’re best served by other approaches,” he added.