Dr. Laura Smith-Olinde, associate professor of audiology and speech pathology and first vice president of the UALR University Assembly, was elected president of the body Thursday. The election was made necessary by Dr. Andrew Eshleman’s decision to accept a faculty position at the University of Oregon.

Dr. Steven F. Jennings, professor of information science, also was nominated for the position.

“We can’t lose with both candidates,” said Dr. C. Earl Ramsey, professor of English and director of the Donaghey Scholars Program. He urged both candidates to remain involved in university governance whatever the outcome of the vote.