Dr. David Belcher, UALR provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, has announced new appointments and reassignments in the Provost’s Office.

With the impending retirement of Dr. Linda Musun, dean of Extended Programs, Belcher has redefined the position as an associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs/Extended Programs and International Affairs and has named Dr. Jerry Stevenson to the position, effective July 1, 2011.

“Jerry currently supervises the Office of International Services, and he will continue to do so in this new assignment as diversity and global awareness take on heightened emphasis in the university’s emerging strategic vision,” Belcher said.

The provost has redefined Stevenson’s current position to focus additional attention on several areas, including faculty and leadership development.  Belcher appointed Dr. Christy Drale, associate dean in the College of Professional Studies, to the revamped position — the associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs/Faculty Development and Administration.  She will assume the new duties on July 1, 2011.

“As I announced at the University Assembly meeting on Aug. 17, we have added one position to the provost’s office to focus on UALR’s top priority, student success,” Belcher said.  Dr. Daryl Rice will assume the position of associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs/Student Success on Jan. 1, 2011.  Rice is currently associate dean in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Belcher also announced he has redefined Dr. Susan Hoffpauir’s position to include a focus on the strategic issue of diversity.  Her new assignment and title, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs/Curriculum, Assessment, and Diversity, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2011.

“This is a crackerjack team and I look forward to their leadership in comprehensive pursuit of UALR’s priorities,” Belcher said.