LITTLE ROCK
The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to name G. David Gearhart as the Fayetteville campus’ next chancellor.
The 10-member board approved Gearhart, 55, after meeting in executive session for about 40 minutes.
“I pledge I will do all I can to provide an administration that has a combination of academic vision, inspirational leadership, a strong commitment to financial viability, a climate of openness and tolerance and acceptance of all peoples of diverse backgrounds that will accelerate the progress of the University of Arkansas,” Gearhart told the board after being selected.
Gearhart, the school’s vice chancellor for university advancement and an education professor, replaces John White, who retires June 30 after 10 years.
Gearhart said he looks forward to his new job and plans to increase resources for the school, raise diversity numbers among students and faculty and make the campus more “student friendly.”
Gearhart has served as a vice chancellor since 1998. A native of Fayetteville, he also is graduate of the university. He will be paid about $280,000 in his new position, university system President B. Alan Sugg said.