University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt has announced the formation of an advisory committee to assist in the search for the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).

Chaired by Bob Denman, vice chancellor for advancement at UALR, the committee includes representatives from campus faculty, administration, staff and alumni as well as supporters from across the central Arkansas community. Assisting in the search will be Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc., an executive search firm that specializes in supporting higher education leadership searches.

The group will assist Bobbitt in finding a successor for Dr. Joel E. Anderson, who will retire on June 30 after serving as chancellor for 13 years. While the goal will be to select a new chancellor before Anderson’s retirement, the process will not be constrained to a strict timeline, Bobbitt said.

“We will take the time and effort we need to find the best person to lead UALR into the future,” Bobbitt said. “I’m grateful to all of the members of the search committee for agreeing to participate in this important process and I know they will each play a vital role in helping identify well qualified candidates for the position. Joel Anderson made a lasting impact on this institution with his capable leadership and we are looking for a new leader who can build on the solid foundation in place at UALR.”

In addition to Denman, members of the advisory committee include:

• Morril Harriman, member, Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
• Richard Turner, senior associate athletic director for compliance and student support
• Mia Phillips, communications and special projects coordinator
• Amber Smith, director, Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy
• Dr. Ann Bain, dean, College of Education and Health Professions
• Dr. Andrew Wright, associate professor of systems engineering; chair, UALR faculty senate
• Kelly Olson, associate professor, Bowen School of Law
• Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, professor of history
• Dr. John Kuykendall, interim director, School of Education
• Ben Beaumont, senior director of policy and public affairs, UA System
• Shanna Morris, staff senate representative
• Dr. Dean Kumpuris, member, UALR Board of Visitors
• Don Riggin, president, UALR Alumni Board
• Greg Flesher, president, George W. Donaghey Foundation
• Dr. James Hendren, founding board chair, Arkansas STEM Coalition
• Warren Simpson, executive vice president, Stephens Inc.