Bowen fired as Arkansas Tech University president

The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees voted Saturday (Sept. 9) to fire President Dr. Robin Bowen without cause. Bowen, president of the Russellville-based four-year institution since July 2014, has been on medical leave.

“The board is grateful for the services Dr. Bowen has provided to Arkansas Tech during her tenure,” Jim Smith of Fayetteville, chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “We do not take this action lightly and appreciate all she has done as president at Arkansas Tech.”

According to the employment agreement with Bowen, the university is required to provide Bowen 60 days advance written notice of termination without cause. That notice was provided by the board to Bowen following the Saturday board meeting.

Dr. Russell Jones, ATU acting interim president, will continue to serve as head of ATU administration, management and operations and will continue in his role as interim president following the end of the 60-day period.

“Dr. Bowen will act in such manner and provide such services to Dr. Jones to provide for the ease and administrative convenience of an effective and seamless transition of the Office of President to Dr. Jones in his capacity as interim president and to support Dr. Jones in these endeavors,” said Smith. “Dr. Jones, in his capacity for being responsible for the management, administration and operations of Arkansas Tech, will be responsible for all events pertaining to Arkansas Tech University during this 60-day period, specifically including the designation of speakers, presenters, hosts, invitees and guests at Tech events.

“The goal is to provide for the ease, convenience and proper administration of Tech during this fall semester,” continued Smith. “We are grateful to Dr. Jones for his continued service as well as the rest of the executive committee, which has done an outstanding job in helping start the fall semester.”

The university did not provide a statement from Bowen. When hired in 2014, Bowen was the first woman to lead a four-year university in Arkansas.