Chancellor Search Rewrite

The University of Arkansas System invites nominations and applications for the position of Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Created in 1873, UAPB is the second-oldest public university in Arkansas and the state’s only public historically black institution. As an 1890 land-grant HBCU, UAPB grew out of the vision that higher education should be at the forefront in building the future of the region and the state. The university has distinguished itself in aquaculture and fisheries, teacher education, mathematics and science, minority business development, and student leadership development.

The next Chancellor of UAPB will be a dynamic leader who will work to build on the university’s rich traditions as “The Flagship of the Delta,” serving a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to advance the educational, cultural, and economic well-being of the Delta region and the entire state.

A complete Position Profile, with additional information about UAPB, the University of Arkansas System, and the qualifications, characteristics, and expectations for the next Chancellor.

To assure full consideration, applications should be received by December 3, 2024, and must include:

• A letter of interest addressing the qualifications and characteristics identified in the position profile;
• A curriculum vitae; and
• A list of five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers, including their relationship to the candidate. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.

Application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal using this link: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Chancellor.

The chancellor will possess and display the following:

• At least 5-7 years of experience in senior leadership within higher education or other business/industry with a demonstrated track record of innovation and excellence and a broad understanding of the modern university enterprise.
• A track record of driving operational excellence and ensuring accountability for results that are measured with key performance indicators that are regularly tracked and monitored.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including managing relationships with internal constituencies such as students, faculty and staff, as well as external constituencies such as accrediting bodies, government agencies and policymakers.
• A commitment to growing student enrollment and pursuing student success, including an understanding of the unique role of an 1890 land-grant HBCU and the student population it attracts and serves.
• A commitment to advancing faculty scholarship, teaching, research and service, including promoting the university’s strengths in areas such as STEM programming, aquaculture and fisheries, business and education.
• An inclusive approach to management and leadership, including a commitment to excellence in recruiting, retaining and developing faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure and enhance the financial well-being of the university by acquiring support from alumni, elected officials, business/industry and other key stakeholders.
• An understanding of and demonstrated support for the unique experience of Div. 1 student-athletes and for the positive impact of a nationally competitive athletics program on the broader mission of the university.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an earned doctorate.

The president, Board of Trustees and constituencies of UAPB expect the next chancellor to:

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to UAPB and compel its students, faculty and staff to pursue excellence in each of the institution’s mission areas.
• Strengthen and promote UAPB’s partnerships within the Pine Bluff community, the Delta region and the state.
• Responsibly manage university resources, ensuring financial viability for the institution through sustainable growth and fiscal prudence.
• Lead efforts to recruit and retain students, enhance the unique UAPB student experience, and promote student success/graduation and achievement both in and out of the classroom.
• Lead efforts to recruit, retain and provide support for a talented faculty and staff; provide leadership that inspires UAPB personnel to take ownership of the long-term success of the institution.
• Provide leadership and direction for acquiring the necessary resources for improvements to university infrastructure and facilities.
• Forge strong relationships with local, state and federal policymakers, securing support for university initiatives from governmental leaders at all levels.
• Promote university advancement initiatives, including raising support through public and private channels.
• Maintain a posture of accessibility, creating an environment that promotes open dialogue and communication among the university’s constituencies in the decision-making process.