John Ed Anthony, chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, has issued a statement arising from news today about efforts he’s apparently leading to promote UAF Chancellor David Gearhart to president of the UA System, which is headquartered in Little Rock. Among the questions raised in the original Democrat-Gazette story — should that occur — would be whether the UA System office would be in Fayetteville, at least for an interim period if Gearhart held both jobs for a time.
“Moving the office of the University of Arkansas president and system administration from its location in Little Rock has never been considered by the board of trustees and speculation to the contrary is completely unfounded. Our system truly has a statewide reach, and the current structure has served our campuses well and will continue to do so.
“No decisions have been made regarding who will be the next president of the UA System once Alan Sugg retires. When that time comes, we will work diligently to find the best person to serve the needs of the students, faculty and staff of all of our many campuses and units.”