Robinson Appointed Interim Chancellor, Interims Set for Student Affairs, Provost

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Charles Robinson, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, was named Interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas Monday by UA System President Donald Bobbitt. He takes the helm Aug. 16.

Robinson is taking over for Acting Chancellor Bill Kincaid, who replaced former Chancellor Joe Steinmetz after his resignation June 18. Kincaid will return to his role as senior managing associate general counsel for the campus.

Robinson named current Dean of Students, Melissa Harwood-Rom, as interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs and senior vice provost for academic affairs, Terry Martin, as interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

In a letter emailed to all faculty and staff on Monday, Bobbitt said over the course of the next year a national search will be initiated to consider internal and external candidates for the permanent chancellor position, and that he will form a representative search committee to assist in the search process.

“Dr. Robinson has a unique skill set having led the university’s efforts in academics, student affairs and diversity affairs during his tenure,” Bobbitt wrote. “He has a strong connection not only with our students and faculty, but also with the university’s external constituencies. During a transition period, it is imperative to have a leader in place who has the trust and confidence of all stakeholder groups, and I am confident that Dr. Robinson has the background, personality and temperament to work with everyone to drive the U of A forward through the coming year.”

Bobbitt thanked Kincaid “for his steady leadership as acting chancellor” during the past two months and welcomed his return to his former position as “a critical member of our leadership team.”

Robinson has held the unique role of executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and provost since July 2020. He was named provost last year and has served as vice chancellor of student affairs since 2015. Robinson’s time at the U of A spans more than 20 years, beginning as an assistant professor of history. He has also served as chair of the African and African American Studies Program and vice provost for diversity prior to his current role.

Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Houston, a master’s degree in history from Rice University, and a doctorate in history from the University of Houston. For more on Robinson’s tenure at the U of A as a professor of history and leader, you can read his full bio.

“I’m honored to be selected to serve the University of Arkansas as interim chancellor and would like to thank Dr. Bobbitt for entrusting me with this important role,” Robinson said. “We have amazing students, faculty and staff, and it’s a privilege to continue working with them as we prepare for the upcoming fall semester, and advance many long-term initiatives in service of Arkansas.”

With his appointment to interim chancellor, Robinson named two long-time leaders in the Division of Student Affairs and the Provost’s Office to serve as interim leaders in those areas.

INTERIM VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Melissa Harwood-Rom has served as dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs since 2013, where she advocated and supported students during academic and personal crises and emergencies. She has been with the university in various positions since 1989 and with the Division of Student Affairs since 2011. In that time, she has served as associate director of women’s athletics, associate athletic director for the Razorback Athletics Center for Student Achievement and Support, and senior associate dean of students.

“I look forward to this opportunity as we welcome a large freshman class and growing student body,” Harwood-Rom said. “This is an exciting time as we prepare to elevate the student experience and culture of belonging through Student Affairs programs and services.”

Harwood-Rom received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas in 1980; a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Oklahoma State University in 1981; and a Master of Economics/Agricultural Economics from Washington State University in 1988.

In a letter to division staff announcing Harwood-Rom as interim, Robinson said, “Her leadership and oversight of the Dean of Student’s units has prepared her well for this opportunity.”

INTERIM PROVOST & VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Terry Martin, senior vice provost for academic affairs, has served the U of A since 1983 as a professor of engineering, a member the dean’s staff in the College of Engineering and most recently as a senior member of the provost’s staff. He has served as senior associate dean, associate dean and interim dean for the College of Engineering and interim department head of biomedical engineering.

“I am honored to lead the academic mission for our campus,” Martin said. “We will continue to advance our academic goals to improve graduation rates and help our students build meaningful futures.”

Martin holds a Ph.D. in engineering and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from the U of A. His research has focused on control systems, digital signal processing, intelligent control and power electronics.

“Terry’s work keeping our academic mission on track even in the most challenging times has made him well prepared to step into this role,” Robinson said.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.