UAFS names new dean for College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will welcome a new dean to campus in July. Dr. Toni Alexander will begin as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences July 8, following a national search.

”I’m honored to be invited to join such a dynamic institution and community,” Alexander said. “Being able to return to a College of Arts & Sciences at a student-centered institution like the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith feels like returning to my academic roots after many years away. Not only does this opportunity allow me that chance to support, collaborate with, and learn from students, faculty, and staff across the heart of the institution, but also contribute to the larger region.”

Alexander, 52, is chair and professor in the Department of History and Anthropology at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Her prior positions included associate chairperson for geography at Auburn University and visiting assistant professor at Kansas State University. She has a bachelor’s degree from California State University at Stanislaus, Calif., and a master’s degree and a doctorate from Louisiana State University.

The search for the new dean, which culminated in four on-campus interviews earlier this spring, involved students, faculty, and staff. She will start at an annual salary of $160,000.

“Dr. Alexander stood out among the candidates for her academic credentials and deep commitment to faculty and student success. Her collaborative approach will serve our community well, and I am grateful to the search committee for their work in identifying such an exceptionally well-suited candidate,” said UAFS Provost Dr. Shadow Robinson.

Robinson said Alexander’s vision aligns with the UAFS mission to empower students through education and active community participation.

Alexander said throughout her career she has emphasized the importance of inclusive and comprehensive learning environments.

“At my core, I believe in a robust educational experience that equips students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. As faculty, we strive not only to teach but to transform,” she said. “I measure my success by the successes of my students, faculty, and staff.”

Having served as a member of the faculty, Alexander said she approaches her role with an appreciation for complex challenges of the role of faculty, advocating  for open communication, transparency, and trust. She said faculty and staff members have unique contributions to make to the university as a whole. Incorporating all of those strengths promotes a culture of inclusion and productivity, she said. She added that transparency and effective communication are key to creating a trusting and collaborative environment.

“Shared governance can’t thrive if information isn’t provided to all constituencies,” she said. “As a leader, it is critical to listen and actively seek input on how to best invest our resources and our time.”

Alexander said her engagement with students is shaped by her own experiences as a first-generation college student. Her belief in comprehensive student support and the transformative power of higher education is evident in her approach to student success.

“More than anything, my undergraduate experience opened my eyes to possibilities in my own life as an individual as well as my ability to impact the world around me for the positive. As the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences I am thrilled to build upon this commitment to students as well as the faculty and staff who support them.”