The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has selected four finalists to fill its vice provost for student affairs position.

Brad Patterson, who has served in the role on an interim basis since 2014, will be considered for the top leadership post in the Division of Student Affairs, as will external candidates Eric Grospitch, Patricia S. Helton, and Pedro José Santana.

“I’m extremely impressed and pleased with the caliber of candidates who have been selected as finalists for this position. UALR will be well served by any of these candidates,” said UALR Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Zulma Toro-Ramos.

“This is a testament of the momentum the division of Student Affairs is experiencing at this time,” Toro-Ramos said. “It’s energizing to see what we have been able to accomplish by the individuals who serve in this area.”

Finalists will visit the campus as part of the interview process and meet with UALR leaders and other employees.

The finalists are:

• Eric Grospitch, dean of students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, who is scheduled for on-campus visit and interviews Feb. 10-11
• Patricia S. Helton, associate vice chancellor for student life at the University of Denver, who is scheduled for on-campus visit and interviews Feb. 11-12
• Brad Patterson, interim vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at UALR, who is scheduled for on-campus visit and interviews Feb. 19
• Pedro José Santana, dean of students at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, who is scheduled for on-campus visit and interviews Feb. 8-9

Lisa Bond-Maupin, chairwoman of the search committee, was pleased by the quality of candidates.

“It was gratifying to see the national response to the call for applicants for this very important position,” said Bond-Maupin, founding dean of the UALR College of Social Sciences and Communication. “The very strong pool of candidates speaks well for UALR and underscores the excellence of the finalists.