LITTLE ROCK (Wednesday, July 31, 2024) — University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt has named an advisory search committee to assist in identifying the next chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).
Former Chancellor Laurence Alexander, Ph.D, left the position June 30 to become chancellor at University of Michigan – Flint. Dr. Andrea Stewart, vice president for academic affairs at UAPB, was named interim chancellor and began that role July 1.
The committee, which includes faculty, staff and alumni representatives, and an array of other supporters of the college and the community, will advise Bobbitt as he considers candidates to serve as the next chief executive of UAPB, the second-oldest public university and the only public historically black institution in Arkansas.
Bobbitt, who announced plans for a Jan. 15 retirement from his role as president earlier this month, said he expects his successor will ultimately recommend a UAPB chancellor candidate to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for final approval at the conclusion of the search process.
“UAPB has a history of strong leadership and I’m confident Dr. Stewart can continue that trajectory during the length of this process,” Bobbitt said. “I’m positive that this national search will produce top-tier talent and that the right candidate will be identified to serve the unique institution and the region, thereby ensuring that the important work our state’s historic campus will continue to fulfill its mission.”
The committee will begin its work in the coming weeks to advertise the position and recruit qualified individuals from across the country to consider the opportunity. The committee is chaired by UAPB alumnus Perry Stuckey, a native of Pine Bluff and president of Perry Stuckey Transformational Advisory Group. Stuckey retired as senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Eastman Chemical Company where he was responsible for global human resources.
“I am humbled and honored to serve on this important advisory committee and look forward to working with this experienced team of committee members, President Bobbitt and the Board of Trustees to help find the best chancellor to continue the track record of excellence for UAPB, our region, and state,” Stuckey said.
Other search committee members include representatives from key local and state constituencies, campus faculty, staff, alumni, a chancellor, and the Board of Trustees, among others.
“Being a part of a search committee is hard, diligent work, and I sincerely appreciate the commitment of those who agreed to help us through this process, ” Bobbitt said. “The diversity of the committee members will bring a variety of voices to this search, enabling us to identify a short list of exceptional finalists for the campus community to consider. As part of the process we will make the finalists available to stakeholders both on and off campus, and the committee will solicit and summarize feedback from these groups. I am looking forward to working with the institution and the community to help secure the right leader for this important institution.”
The committee includes:
Perry Stuckey (chair), President, Perry Stuckey Transformational Advisory Group
David Beck, Alderman, White Hall
Calvin Booker, UAPB Alumnus, UA Foundation Executive Committee
Dr. Stephen Broughton, UAPB Alumnus, Former UA System Trustee
Adrian Childs, UAPB Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Dr. Charles Colen, Chair, UAPB Dept. of Industrial Technology and Applied Engineering
Frank Dorsey, II, UAPB Executive Dean for Student Affairs
Dr. Peggy Doss, Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Monticello
O.C. Duffy, Jr., Instructor, UAPB Dept. of Industrial Technology and Applied Engineering
John Graham, UAPB Director of Bands
Alex Guynn, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge
Gene Hunt, Attorney, Hunt Law Firm
Sharri Jones, Executive Secretary, Sissy’s Log Cabin
Janice Kearney, UAPB Director of Student Financial Services
Chris Robinson, UAPB Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics
Libra Roulhac, UAPB Director of Advancement Services
Allison Thompson, President/CEO, Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County
Tanesha Thompson, President, UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association
Col. Nathaniel Todd, Member of the UA System Board of Trustees
Dr. William Torrence, Associate Professor, UAPB School of Education
Vivian Wright, Owner, V. Wright & Associates
Ex officio Members:
Donald R. Bobbitt, UA System president
Rep. Ken Ferguson, AR State Representative, District 64
Ben Beaumont, UA System staff