The University of Arkansas today announced the retirement of longtime Chancellor G. David Gearhart, who will step down July 31.
Don Bobbitt, president of the UA System
“I was initially surprised by Dr. Gearhart’s decision, but after talking to him and learning that his reason to opt for retirement was to spend more time with his growing family, I understood and supported his plans. There never is a good time to make these decisions, but the University of Arkansas is in a very strong position with record enrollments, a strong research portfolio and nationally recognized student achievement. The institution is also in the early stages of a campaign and I feel it is better to make a change at this point than at the latter stages of a fundraising effort. I am sure Dr. Gearhart factored this into his decision.”
“Chancellor Gearhart and his wife, Jane, have approached this position as a team and it became very clear to me upon my return as president that they viewed this honor as a calling and not a job. Mrs. Gearhart has supported the institution in so many ways it is impossible to thank her for all she has done; I hope we will be able to find a way to do so in the months ahead. Dr. Gearhart will leave an indelible mark on the institution through his 17 years of service. In this next phase of his career it is his students who will benefit from the extensive higher education experience he will bring to the classroom. I join the many others who wish him much success and thank him for his many contributions to the University of Arkansas and higher education in the State.”
“I plan to proceed deliberately but aggressively with plans to identify the next chancellor for the University of Arkansas through a national search. Given the strong position of the institution, its Top 50 national research university aspirations and the statewide support it garners, I know this will be a much sought-after position. I look forward to working with campus administrative and faculty leaders, the University Of Arkansas System Board Of Trustees and other stakeholders to name the next Chancellor.”
Jim von Gremp, chairman of the UA System Board of Trustees
“I have seen a remarkable transformation in the academic reputation and physical facilities of the University of Arkansas during my 10 years of service on the UA Board of Trustees, the last seven of which overlapped with Dr. Gearhart’s term as Chancellor. The institution has grown in numerous ways including enrollment, quality and diversity of the undergraduate student body, and the construction and renewal of many academic and athletic facilities into state-of-the-art status. Dr. Gearhart has placed the institution on a solid upward trajectory and it is exciting to consider what the future will be given this progress. The UA System Board of Trustees appreciate Dr. and Mrs. Gearhart’s many contributions and we wish them much success as they enter this next phase of their lives, knowing they will always be an important part of the Razorback family.”