Dr. Patricia S. Poulter will join the University of Central Arkansas as its new provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs.
As the University’s chief academic officer, Poulter will oversee 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s six colleges, the Graduate School, the Schedler Honors College and University College. She will also develop a strategic direction and supervise activities that support 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s mission.
She will begin July 1.
The top four provost candidates, including Poulter, visited 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in late February and early March. Each candidate’s visit included a tour, meetings with campus leadership and an open forum, in which candidates made a presentation to the campus community and answered questions.
Poulter was the most supported candidate among search committee members in the semi-finalists stage and the candidate who received the most positive evaluations from the campus community.
“First of all, I am very appreciative of the work of our search committee and the level of participation from the faculty, staff and students in the interview and campus forum process. Dr. Poulter brings a strong academic leadership reputation as well as commitment to quality academic program development and student support in and out of the classroom,” said 91³Ô¹ÏÍø President Houston Davis. “In her interactions with our faculty, staff and students during her interviews, the evaluations noted the excellent rapport that she held with various groups. I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø and working with her to advance our university.” Poulter will come to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where she serves as dean of the College of Arts.
Poulter said, “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Central Arkansas. During my visit, I received such a warm greeting from the entire campus community, and it was immediately clear that there is an energy here that is almost visible. I look forward to working with the leadership team, faculty, staff, and students in continuing 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s momentum, and I am excited to be a part of its future.”