(LITTLE ROCK — Oct. 19, 2018) University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt today announced the formation of an advisory committee to assist in the search for the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS).

Chaired by Dr. Margaret Tanner, associate provost for academic affairs at UAFS, the committee includes representatives from UAFS faculty, administration, staff and alumni, as well as a member of the campus board of visitors and the the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, among others.

The committee will assist Bobbitt in finding a successor to former UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran, who left the institution Aug. 31. Beran served as chancellor since 2006. Bobbitt appointed Dr. Edward Serna, chief of staff and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives at UAFS, as interim chancellor. While the goal will be to select a new chancellor in a timely manner, the process will not be constrained to a strict timeline, Bobbitt said.

“We will carefully take the effort and time needed to find the right fit to lead UAFS into the future,” Bobbitt said. “I’m grateful that all of the members identified to be a part of this search committee agreed to give their time to participate in this important process. I know they will each be integral pieces to the large puzzle of identifying well-qualified candidates for the position.”

Tanner said a professional academic search firm will be retained in the coming weeks to assist the committee and that she will convene the committee soon to begin the process for finding the next leader of the institution.

“We have a big task in front of us, but I’m confident that our committee will tackle it with diligence and enthusiasm,” Tanner said. “The chancellor position at UAFS is critical not only for the success of our campus but for the entire Fort Smith community. I know I speak for all our members in saying that we are excited to embark on this process.”

The UAFS Chancellor Search Committee includes:

Dr. Margaret Tanner, chair, associate provost for academic affairs

Tommy Boyer, member of the UA Board of Trustees

Dr. Paul Hankins, dean of the College of Communications, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences

Kimi Hayden, representing UAFS staff

Dr. Debbie Koch, associate professor of nursing

Jeremy May, representing UAFS Alumni

George McGill, mayor-elect of Fort Smith and member of the UAFS Board of Visitors

Judy McReynolds, member of the UAFS Foundation Board

Melissa Rust, representing the UA System

Kevin Settle, vice mayor of Fort Smith

Dr. David Stevens, dean of students

Dr. Todd Timmons, professor of history

Dr. Micki Voelkel, interim dean, College of Applied Science and Technology

Robert Wilson, controller, Office of Finance and Administration

Dr. Julie Wright, associate professor of accounting

Dr. Linus Yu, department head, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics