UA posts online ad for leader

Website outlines chancellor search

FAYETTEVILLE -- The long list of qualities necessary to lead the state's largest university includes attributes like communication and budget skills, according to a job advertisement for the chancellor position at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

And, while not a requirement, the job ad states that "land-grant, flagship, research university experience is desired."

The advertisement also states that preference will be given to candidates with a doctorate, as well as administrative leadership experience, a successful "track record" of fundraising, experience with "strategic partnerships" and "exposure to and support of the athlete/scholar and fiscal management of large, complex organizations."

The advertisement is posted at a new public website outlining the search to replace UA-Fayetteville Chancellor G. David Gearhart, who has said he plans to step down at the end of this month.

The university Monday announced the launch of chancellor.uark.edu/chancellor-search, which includes a link to the position advertisement.

Laura Jacobs, UA-Fayetteville's associate vice chancellor for university relations, said land-grant institutions share common issues and opportunities.

"I think there is just something about that land-grant mission that helps to set those institutions apart," Jacobs said, adding that a lack of such specific experience would not disqualify candidates from consideration for the UA-Fayetteville job.

Land-grant universities have roots in federal legislation to enhance teaching of "agriculture and the mechanic arts," as stated in the 1862 federal legislation known as the Morrill Act. The legislation offered federal land to states as a way to help with such teaching.

The University of Missouri, the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University are among land-grant universities in neighboring states.

The chancellor search site features a set of links, including details about the search process and an online form to submit comments to Howard Brill, chairman of the 17-member search committee appointed by UA System President Donald Bobbitt to help with the search. Brill is a professor at the UA School of Law.

The job advertisement encourages candidates to submit application materials by Aug. 14, including contact information for five or more references.

Jacobs, a search committee member, said the date was selected "simply to have a target." She said the search process will continue until the position is filled. The job advertisement includes a similar statement. Jacobs said the advertisement is being distributed to publications with a focus on higher education.

The search site also includes a link to "Submit a Nomination or Recommendation," providing contact information for individuals with Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc., the search firm being paid $90,000 plus $65,000 in expenses to help recruit candidates and vet their credentials.

The position advertisement begins by stating the university is announcing a global search for the chancellor position. It then lists details about UA, such as its approximately $850 million annual budget and more than 26,200 students.

The advertisement notes that UA is in the planning stage of a "major capital campaign" to raise funds and that the university's endowment exceeds $920 million.

After listing a few highlights about the region and basic facts about the UA System, the advertisement goes into detail about the chancellor position.

"The chancellor reports to the president of the University of Arkansas System and serves as the chief executive officer of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville," the advertisement states begins before listing lengthy job responsibilities.

"The chancellor is responsible for all operations of the university, including overall leadership and management of the institution, its academic and research enterprises, fundraising and mobilization of all constituents including faculty, alumni, staff, students, community, corporate, foundation and local and state government leaders to meet the institutional, system and regional goals," the ad states.

For candidates, "important attributes" include "superior management, communication, interpersonal, budget and strategic planning skills."

"An inclusive approach to management and leadership, the ability to introduce innovative funding initiatives, experience managing complex budgets and a record of success in this critical area are desired," the description continues.

"The chancellor will promote world-class research, diversity within faculty ranks, staff and student body, a focus on student-success and will be a strong advocate for public higher education."

Metro on 07/07/2015

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