The death over the weekend of James Wilbanks, an assistant professor in the College of Business, is still under investigation by the Maumelle Police Department. The tragedy has reverberated across the UALR campus community.

UALR Counseling Services will be available for students and employees who wish to speak with a counselor. Counselors will be available Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Over the weekend, persons may call 501.416.3569. A counselor will be available in the College of Business on Monday, Feb. 23, to meet with students and employees.

Dr. Wilbanks, 41, was found dead around 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at his home in Maumelle, along with his wife, Tatiana Wilbanks, and sister, Elizabeth Wilbanks, all victims of gunshot wounds. Maumelle Police has reported that initial findings point to an apparent arson and murder-suicide.

For more details, you can go to http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/feb/22/3-found-in-house-fire-were-shot-police-/?latest

“We do not know all of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident, but we are very saddened and shocked. We do know that Dr. Wilbanks was an accomplished researcher and professor of management,” said Dr. Jane Wayland, dean of the College of Business. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ family and friends.”

Dr. Wayland said professors from the College of Business have been appointed to teach Dr. Wilbanks’ classes for the rest of the semester, and students in those classes have been notified.

Dr. Wilbanks joined UALR in fall 2011 after receiving his doctorate from the University of Missouri. He received an undergraduate degree from Harding University and his MBA from UALR.