Chancellor Joel Anderson has appointed Bob Denman, vice chancellor for university advancement, to serve as interim director of the UALR Department of Athletics. Denman, who came to UALR 13 years ago, will continue in his advancement position.

He will assume the position Monday, Sept. 15, following the resignation last week of former Athletic Director Chris Peterson.

“I made this choice to appoint Bob after conversations with more than two dozen persons, including all of the head coaches,” said Anderson.

“Vice Chancellor Denman can do more than keep the ship on a steady course. He is already well acquainted with the Department of Athletics, its fan base, and its donor base. His deep experience in leading and managing people in his private sector career and during his years at UALR equip him to provide broad leadership immediately.”

Chancellor Anderson said Denman will serve until a new athletic director is in place, with January 1 as the target date.

“I am going to consult further with a variety of stakeholders before defining and initiating the process for identifying the next athletics director. It is my hope to complete the consultation process by the end of this month and then appoint a search committee to move ahead.”

Denman, a 1974 UALR alumnus, was the architect of UALR’s first comprehensive campaign, completed two years ago, that exceeded the $75 million goal, reaching $103 million. This was the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history.

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.

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