LITTLE ROCK – Dr. Michael Moore, senior vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been named vice president for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas System.
Moore will provide leadership for the system in all aspects of academic affairs, including working closely with UA System campuses and divisions to coordinate online education and distance learning initiatives.
As senior vice provost at UT Arlington, Moore oversaw the development and expansion of the university’s online education program, which grew rapidly under his leadership. During his tenure, Moore worked with faculty to develop new online courses and programs and saw online enrollment grow to more than 25 percent of the university’s total enrollment.
He also assisted the provost with curriculum assessment, academic program development and accreditation, as well as the development of a university strategic plan and emerging business research plan.
“Michael Moore and I worked closely together when I served as provost at UT Arlington and I’m thrilled to bring his outstanding leadership skills to our administrative team at the University of Arkansas System,” said Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the UA System. “Michael’s experience developing online and distance education programs will be vital to our efforts to grow and expand new technologies among our campuses and divisions. His expertise in academic affairs will also be critical in our role of supporting the growth and development of academic programming across the UA System.”
An experienced researcher and teacher, Moore earned the Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching Award from the United States Distance Learning Association in 2010 for his Introduction to American Government online course at UT Arlington.
Moore played a critical role in the creation of UT Arlington’s University College, an initiative to improve student success. Through this effort, he implemented policy and programming changes to address retention and graduation rates, leading to a 12 percent improvement in retention three years following the creation of University College.
“I am very excited to join the University of Arkansas System and I look forward to working closely with the individuals that comprise this outstanding university,” Moore said. “I believe the diversity of the UA System presents unique opportunities to be a national leader in online programs and I am pleased that I will be able to work closely with this effort. I believe one of the most important challenges facing higher education today is the need to provide affordable access to college for every qualified student and to ensure the student has access to the resources to graduate and successfully enter the workforce, whether online or in a traditional face-to-face program. I am excited about the opportunity to work on this challenge for the citizens of Arkansas and beyond and I thank Dr. Bobbitt for his confidence in my leadership abilities.”
Moore was an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at UT Arlington from 1992 to 1997 and was promoted to associate professor in 1998. He joined the Office of the Provost in 2000, becoming senior vice provost in 2006. He was given the additional duties of dean of undergraduate studies in 2010.
Moore is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science.
Moore will join the UA System on January 14, and Dr. Daniel E. Ferritor, current vice president for academic affairs, will transition to a new position as vice president for learning technologies.