Chancellor Joel Anderson announced Friday that Bob Denman would serve as interim athletic director, beginning Monday. Denman now serves as vice chancellor for university advancement.
Vice Chancellor Denman is well acquainted with the Department of Athletics, its fan base, and its donor base. Bob Denman was the architect of UALR’s first comprehensive campaign, completed two years ago, that started with a goal of $75 million and finished with $103 million. His deep experience in leading and managing people in his private sector career and during his 13 years at UALR equip him to provide broad leadership immediately to the UALR Department of Athletics.
He came to UALR in 2001 after an 11-year position as vice president at KARK-TV/Morris Media. In 2010, Rotary International named him a Paul Harris Fellow, and in 2014 the Council of Advancement and Support of Education honored him with the Crystal Apple award for his leadership with the organization.
He replaces Chris Peterson, who resigned Sept. 2 after a recording of comments was made public. In a statement, Peterson apologized and said he’s “learned a hard lesson.”
Anderson says Denman will serve as interim athletic director until a new leader is in place, with Jan. 1 set as a target date.
