Amid an audit of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s Division of Advancement, the university has announced a significant restructuring of its staff without the immediate elimination of the division's remaining employees.
“I think everyone, inside and outside this division, expected changes," division Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick, who replaced Brad Choate in April, said in a statement. "At the same time, my prime goal was to ensure that no jobs were cut, and we did achieve that goal."
Mark Power was named associate vice chancellor for university development after the spring retirement of Bruce Pontious. The university said Power's development leadership team as of July 1 now includes Katy Nelson-Ginder, assistant vice chancellor of development for external relations; Brenda Brugger, assistant vice chancellor of development for internal operations; and Ashlie Hilbun, interim director of development for the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, Greg Lewis will assume his role on Aug. 1 as director of corporate and foundation relations in development.
The vice chancellor's office was also restructured to put "an expanded emphasis on finance and human resources," according to the statement. Denise Reynolds was promoted to assistant vice chancellor for finance and human resources, while Eunice Alberson now acts as human resources manager and Stephanie McGuire is now assistant to the finance officer. Wyrick said those promotions, which also went into effect July 1, were "to eliminate unnecessary duplication" found in the auditors' human resources review.
“It is much more efficient and effective to have the financial and human resources duties centrally organized in this office,” Wyrick said.
The review also found that the special events and constituent relations offices could be combined, Wyrick said.
As a result, Melissa Banks was promoted to executive director of donor relations and special events, effective July 1. As of Aug. 1, Ede Hogue will be associate director of donor relations and special events, and Robin Adams will be manager of donor relations and special events.
Legislative Auditor Roger Norman told the Democrat-Gazette that the audit report is expected to be completed by July or August and will be released before a September meeting.
Read more in Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.