The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s new vice provost for student affairs and dean of students plans to hit the ground running —  continuing work he has already begun at UALR.

On Tuesday, the university announced Brad Patterson, who holds a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from UALR, was chosen from a list of four finalists.

Patterson held the title on an interim basis since 2014. The North Little Rock native joined UALR in 2008 as the director of testing services and student life research and later became the assistant vice chancellor for student life research, evaluation, and assessment.

“We are very excited to continue a number of important student success initiatives that are underway,” said UALR Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Dr. Zulma Toro.

“Dr. Patterson has played a very important role in these initiatives and will continue to be a key member of the team leading the efforts to make UALR the institution of choice for students in Little Rock, central Arkansas, and the rest of the state” Toro said.

The vice provost for student affairs and dean of students position is wide-ranging, with responsibilities that cover everything from student housing and on-campus dining to counseling and health services and student advocacy.

“I definitely got to learn on the job and prepare for this role,” Patterson said. “There was no time to sit still. We had to make changes throughout the campus.”

Patterson said he and his team are going to do everything they can to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.

While in the interim position, Patterson enacted programs like UALRworks, which helps students stay in school while also learning valuable soft skills that will benefit them at future jobs.

“I think those are the kinds of things we’re just going to continue to expand on and grow,” Patterson said.

He also will play a key role in significant projects that include “Re-Imagining the First Year of College.” UALR was one of a select group of institutions chosen for the sweeping three-year American Association of State Colleges and Universities project designed to transform the first-year college experience.

Patterson also serves as part of a team that leads student success and diversity and inclusion efforts.

“I think the biggest thing that I’m looking forward to is just continuing the initiatives that we’ve started across campus,” Patterson said.

In addition to his previous experience at UALR, Patterson has held leadership positions at ITT Technical Institute and Stephen F. Austin State University.