McMath, UA Honors Dean, to Retire This Summer

Robert C. McMath, the first dean of the University of Arkansas Honors College, announced his retirement Wednesday, effective August 2014, after eight years in the position.

“The development of the Honors College has truly been the work of many hands,” McMath said. “During my time at UA I have been overwhelmed by the talent, collegiality and can-do attitude of our faculty and staff. We have been strongly supported by our provost and chancellor and by some very generous benefactors. Together, we have turned a number of dreams into reality. I look forward to seeing what the Honors College and its amazing students will accomplish in its next decade.”

During McMath’s tenure as dean, student enrollment in the Honors College grew by 44 percent. The average college GPA for honors students rose from 3.58 to 3.76, and the college has maintained over a 90 percent retention rate for freshman students since 2005.

“We have been lucky to have Bob McMath as our inaugural Honors College dean,” UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart said. “He has developed a strong honors community here on campus and led our Honors College to national prominence.”