University of Central Arkansas President Lu Hardin today announced his appointment of Keith Atkinson to be interim provost while a national search is conducted to fill UCA’s top academic position.
“Keith will provide continued progressive leadership as interim provost during the search process,” Hardin said. “I appreciate Dr. Atkinson’s willingness to serve during this critical selection period, and I will engage all constituencies during this process.”
“I am pleased that President Hardin has confidence in me, and I look forward to continuing the outstanding academic tradition at UCA,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson has been UCA’s associate provost since January. He arrived at UCA in July 2001 to be chairman of UCA’s accounting department and a professor of accounting. Previously he was chairman of the division of accounting and computer information systems at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Atkinson holds doctorate degrees in accountancy and economics from the University of Mississippi, as well as an MBA and a BBA from the same institution.
The current UCA provost, Dr. Gabriel Esteban, will depart UCA next month to become the new provost at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
Hardin decided to appoint Atkinson as interim provost after consultation with Esteban and meetings with Dr. Ed Powers, president of the UCA Faculty Senate.
Hardin also consulted with Powers and others before naming an official committee to conduct the national search for a permanent UCA provost. Members of the committee are:
Roy Whitehead, Chair of Search Committee, Professor, College of Business
Barbara Anderson, Executive Vice President
Tammy Benson, Associate Professor, College of Education
Haley Heath, President, Student Government Association
Art Lichenstein, Director of Library
Bryan Massey, Professor, College of Fine Arts and Communications
Ed Powers, President, Faculty Senate and Associate Professor, College of Liberal Arts
Nancy Reese, Chair of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Larry Robinson, Dean, College of Education
Steve Runge, Chair of Biology, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Carol Daves, Ex-Officio, Associate for Administration, Office of the Provost
Willie Hardin, Ex-Officio, Associate Vice President, Academic Development
