UA System President Donald Bobbitt announces retirement

University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald Bobbitt announced Tuesday (July 16) plans to retire as president after almost 13 years leading the state’s largest university system.

Bobbitt began his tenure as president on Nov. 1, 2011, succeeding Dr. B. Alan Sugg, who had led the system for 21 years before his retirement.

“Susan and I are thankful for the opportunity the Board of Trustees has provided us the past 13 years to serve a university system that has played such a large and important role in our lives,” Bobbitt said.

“One of the great privileges I have been afforded through my time as president was the chance to work with an exceptional group of colleagues who served as the Chancellors and CEOs of our campuses, divisions and units, and with the very talented staff in the UA System administration.

“Each and every day they carry out the complex responsibilities of their position, keeping first and forefront the mission of this system to serve Arkansas and its citizens. It has equally been an honor to serve the many students across the UA System and help them achieve the dream of improving their lives through higher education,” he said.

Bobbitt notified University of Arkansas board of trustees chair Kelly Eichler this week of his plans to retire as president effective Jan. 15, 2025, or earlier, if a successor is selected before that date. Eichler said she will call a special meeting of the board in the coming days to discuss Bobbitt’s retirement and to plan for a national search for the next president.

“Dr. Bobbitt has been a truly outstanding leader for the UA System and higher education in our state for more than a decade,” Eichler said. “His steadfast, calm approach to the role of president has not only provided a steady hand at the helm of the system, but it has also allowed other excellent leaders to emerge across our campuses. We are certainly going to miss Don and his wife, Susan, who has equally dedicated her time and effort to serving the UA System and its many institutions with class and integrity. They are leaving the system in a stronger position than it has ever been in, and we wish them the very best as they prepare for their next chapter.”

Under Bobbitt’s leadership, the UA System expanded the number of campuses, divisions and units, notably with the addition of UA – Pulaski Technical College and UA – Rich Mountain Community College in 2016 and the pending addition of East Arkansas Community College later this year.

Bobbitt’s tenure saw the growth of new leadership across the system’s campuses, divisions and units, with new chancellors or chief executive officers recruited and hired at 17 of the system institutions.

Bobbitt is the inaugural holder of the endowed chair in presidential leadership at the UA System, established in 2015 by the late Charles Scharlau, former chairman and CEO of Southwestern Energy Company and past chairman of the UA Board of Trustees.