Interim Leadership at ASU

In case we haven’t shouted it loud enough, for the second year in a row, Arkansas State University has been ranked by the editors of U.S. News & World Report as a Tier I southern regional institution of higher education.  While it certainly seems that the university is doing a lot of things right, the institution has continued its growth with far too many leaders who have temporary, interim titles. In some areas interim department chairs are reporting to interim deans who in turn report to an interim chancellor. This situation needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Losing Dr. Les Wyatt and Dr. Robert Potts so close together followed by lengthy searches has not been in the best interests of the school or its leadership. When the search for a new chancellor was opened, I was so very encouraged to hear that Dr. Dan Howard, the “interim” chancellor, was the first to apply. Dr. Howard has never let that interim title get in the way of providing sound leadership for the university and for Region 8.  This was most evident recently when a delegation from China was here in Region 8, touring rice farms and processing facilities. Dr. Howard was impressive opening a dialogue with Region 8 farmers and the Chinese. An opportunity that might result in two hundred million dollars annually in Arkansas.  ASU needs solid leadership going forward and folks, Dr. Howard wants the job. While the search committee must look long and hard for the right candidate, it is our belief they already have the right man for the job. Removing the interim from Dr. Dan Howards title and installing him as the new chancellor of Arkansas State University will make this a Better Region 8.