University of Arkansas System President Donald R. Bobbitt on Friday recommended the appointment of a California university administrator as the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Andrew Rogerson, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif., was one of three finalists selected last month to replace outgoing Chancellor Joel Anderson. Anderson is retiring at the end of June after 13 years in the position.
"Frankly, all three offered significant — but different — strengths and have the potential to do the job, but I feel Dr. Rogerson brings a complete skill set to match UALR’s needs and is the right person for the job at this time,” Bobbitt said in a statement.
The other two finalists were Cheryl D. Lovell, special adviser to the chancellor and to the academic officer of the Colorado State University System; and Mark Rudin, vice president for research and academic development at Boise State University.
Each visited the UALR campus for two days, speaking with leaders of the UA System and UALR as well as students and faculty.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Sunday detailed Rogerson’s plans for UALR made during his visit May 11-12. Among them: taking more steps to utilize the university's metropolitan-area location.
"It gives you the opportunity to do so much more than teach in the classroom," Rogerson said in an interview. "College is changing. And urban universities like this one are positioned for it."
In another interview with the Democrat-Gazette, Rogerson, born and raised in Scotland, outlined some of Sonoma State's accomplishments during his tenure, including an increase in the number of undergraduate students and higher grade point averages.
Rogerson’s proposed appointment as UALR chancellor awaits final approval from the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, which is set to consider his hiring at the board's regularly scheduled meeting next week.
If named UALR's 10th chancellor, Rogerson would start Sept. 1, according to the university.
Check back with Arkansas Online for updates and read Saturday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
