Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Zulma Toro has announced Dr. Brad Patterson will serve the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as interim vice provost for student affairs and dean of students.

Before being named interim vice provost, Patterson was UALR’s assistant vice chancellor for student life Research, evaluation, and assessment.

He holds a doctorate of education in higher education administration from UALR, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacodoches, Texas.

His primary responsibilities will be the leadership, management, strategic direction, policy development, administrative oversight, and accountability for the Division of Student Affairs at UALR, according to Dr. Toro.

Patterson was named to the position following the resignation of Dr. Logan Hampton who recently became the new president of Lane College in Tennessee.

Toro said Dr. Patterson was highly recommended by an internal search committee and selected for the position because he has demonstrated that he is visionary, strategic, and a collaborative leader.

“He possesses professional integrity, excellent communications skills, and a strong commitment to student success,” she said. “He will serve in this capacity until a permanent vice provost is identified through a national search.”

Patterson stated that the ultimate purpose of student affairs is “to ensure that barriers to student success are removed, that students have a positive, engaging experience, and that students are prepared to focus on their academic pursuits.”

Patterson said student affairs professionals must work collaboratively with academic affairs to ensure that every measure is taken to support classroom achievement.