Henderson State University appoints Ambrose as new chancellor

Education

by Paul Gatling ([email protected]) November 1, 2021 4:21 pm 944 views 

Arkansas State University System President Dr. Charles L. Welch announced Monday (Nov. 1) the selection of Dr. Charles Ambrose as the next chancellor of Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

Ambrose, who will begin Nov. 15, most recently served as president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks, a national foundation committed to creating the future of learning. He previously served as president of the University of Central Missouri from 2010-2018 and president of Pfeiffer University in North Carolina from 1998-2010.

According to an HSU news release, Ambrose’s annual salary will be $250,000. A formal introduction event will be scheduled at a later date.

“We are very excited to bring a nationally renowned educator and innovator to Henderson,” Welch said in a statement. “Dr. Ambrose is experienced in creating efficient and sustainable universities that are focused on student success. His former colleagues also note how he knows every student by name. He’s exactly the kind of experienced, visionary leader that we hoped to attract and that Henderson deserves at this critical time in its history.”

The Henderson Chancellor Search Advisory Committee – consisting of 14 members representing faculty, staff, students and community representatives – reviewed 47 applications for the position and interviewed three candidates.

“Kris and I are excited to become a part of the Henderson State University campus community and the numerous people they serve in Arkansas,” Ambrose said in a statement. “We are very grateful to the members of the search committee, the leadership of the Arkansas State University System, and the campus and local communities for the welcoming hospitality and encouragement they provided throughout the search process.”

HSU’s last full-time campus leader, President Glen Jones, resigned in July 2019, just days after HSU faculty members voted no confidence in Jones and called on the institution’s governing board to relieve him, citing his alleged financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

Elaine Kneebone, General Counsel for Henderson State University, served as the acting president. The HSU board of directors voted in October 2019 to merge with the Arkansas State University System.