University of Arkansas system president announces he is retiring by Jan. 15

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Donald Bobbitt, the president of the University of Arkansas system, said Tuesday he is retiring after leading the state’s largest university system for nearly 13 years.

Bobbitt notified the university’s Board of Trustees that he plans to retire Jan. 15, or earlier, if a successor is selected before that date. Kelly Eichler, the board’s chair, said she planned to call a meeting in the coming days to discuss a plan for a national search for Bobbitt’s replacement.

Bobbitt said he was grateful to serve with the colleagues and staff throughout the UA system, which includes the flagship university in Fayetteville.

“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,” Bobbitt said in a statement. “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.”

Bobbitt has served as UA system president since Nov. 1, 2011. He succeeded B. Alan Sugg, who led the system for 21 years. Bobbitt began his first faculty job as an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1985.

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