University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Chancellor G. David Gearhart announced Monday that he is retiring from his role as leader of the state's largest university.
His retirement is effective July 31.
Gearhart has been chancellor since 2008, overseeing a period of explosive student growth. The university's total enrollment was 19,194 students in fall 2008. Enrollment grew by 37 percent during Gearhart's time as chancellor, with 26,237 students enrolled this fall.
“I have four main reasons for making this difficult decision,” Gearhart wrote in a Jan. 9 letter to UA System President Don Bobbitt. “They are our four grandchildren: Ben, age 5; Caroline, age 4; Ellie, almost 2; and soon to be born, Lily Jane. Going forward, I hope to spend more quality time with each of them as well as with our children and their spouses, Katy and Justin and Brock and Lindsey.”
Gearhart spent 10 years as vice chancellor for the Division of University Advancement. He also served as senior vice president of Penn State University.
In a written statement, UA System President Don Bobbitt said he was surprised to learn of Gearhart's decision, but after speaking with him understood and supported Gearhart's plans.
"There never is a good time to make these decisions, but the University of Arkansas is in a very strong position with record enrollments, a strong research portfolio and nationally recognized student achievement. The institution is also in the early stages of a campaign and I feel it is better to make a change at this point than at the latter stages of a fundraising effort. I am sure Dr. Gearhart factored this into his decision,” Bobbitt said in his statement, going on to praise both Gearhart and his wife, Jane, for supporting the university.
Bobbitt said he plans to proceed "deliberately but aggressively" with a national search to find the next UA chancellor.
"I look forward to working with campus administrative and faculty leaders, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees and other stakeholders to name the next Chancellor," Bobbitt said.