The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has selected Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, a 19-year higher education leader, for the position of vice chancellor of student affairs.

Poisel, currently vice president for enrollment and student affairs at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, will assume his new position July 31. Poisel will be responsible for managing the student affairs and enrollment divisions at UA Little Rock, a position that was restructured recently to combine these roles.

After receiving a doctorate in higher education from Florida State University in 1998, Poisel has been working with students on university campuses the past 25 years.

“What distinguished Dr. Poisel was the fact that he is a speaker, a consultant, an author, and more importantly, a strong leader and advocate for students,” said UA Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson. “His experience will be extremely valuable as our university and other universities in Arkansas face the challenge of a declining number of high school graduates.”

Rogerson said the university’s goal is to expand UA Little Rock’s student population to 15,000 students in five years by recruiting and retaining more students. “Dr. Poisel will be a key leader in this endeavor,” he said.

The chancellor thanked Chasse Conque, UA Little Rock athletic director who led the search, and the committee for its work throughout the selection process.

From an undergraduate student leader to his current position, Poisel has worked in almost all areas of student services with a focus on student success. While at Augusta University, he was responsible for increasing new student enrollment, building two residence halls, renovating student center space, restructuring several departments, and reorganizing a division—all while leading efforts to consolidate two former universities into one institution.

“There will be many opportunities presented by this new role,” said Poisel. I’m excited about coming to Little Rock and the chance to work with faculty, staff, and students to reform and transform the division of student affairs. I also look forward to working with Dr. Rogerson and the cabinet to improve the student experience at UA Little Rock.”

Prior to his time at AU, Poisel served as the associate provost for student success at Pace University; associate vice president for student development and enrollment services at the University of Central Florida; student services specialist for the Florida Division of Community Colleges; and staff auditor for Ernst and Young.

He currently serves on the advisory board for the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students and previously served on the advisory board for the National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition.