Steven Fulkerson

The Board of Trustees meeting spanned two days and involved Executive Sessions followed by Regular Sessions. Key actions included approving various staff appointments, initial appointments, reappointments, and six-month reviews for Medical, Affiliated Health Professional, and Regional Staff at UAMS. The Board approved appointments to the Board of Visitors for UAM and UAFS, as well as an appointment to the UA Foundation Board of Directors. The Board also approved the UA System Strategic Pillars. Committee meetings covered finance, academics, athletics, and buildings/grounds. The Audit and Fiscal Responsibility Committee reviewed audit reports and approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Plan Update. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved the creation of new programs at UACCB, the establishment of the Center for Simulation Innovation at UALR, and the retrenchment of certain graduate programs at UALR. The Buildings and Grounds Committee approved the sale of land in Independence County, the selection of design professionals and a construction manager for the Razorback Road Parking Garage Project at UAF, and the purchase of property for UAHT. Additionally, the Board addressed retirement incentive agreements for staff at UA-EACC and UAMS.

The meeting schedule involved multiple committee meetings including the Joint Hospital Committee, Audit and Fiscal Responsibility Committee, Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Athletics Committee, and Buildings and Grounds Committee. Key agenda items for the regular session included voting on items discussed in Executive Session, approval of the proposed Pillars of the Strategic Plan for UASYS, and approval of various reports from the standing committees. Furthermore, the Board addressed action items such as the approval of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Mission Statement and revised Board Policies for all campuses and units. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for awarding degrees at Fall 2025 Commencement, granting honorary degrees, recommendations for emeritus status, and approval of Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program Agreements for UAEACC and UAMS.

The Board approved the purchase of property located at 3003 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, UALR. Additionally, the Board approved salaries in excess of the line-item maximum for various individuals at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and approved the promotion of Dr. Hope L. Christiansen to Professor, posthumously. The Board also approved a salary in excess of the line-item maximum for Dr. Deacue Fields, Vice President for Agriculture, UASYS.

The Board accepted President Donald R. Bobbitt's retirement request and authorized Chair Eichler to negotiate specific terms of a retirement agreement. The Board voted to appoint Trustee Scott Ford to lead the effort to find a new president and to work with the UA Foundation to seek the services of a search firm.

The meeting includes discussion and potential action on several financial matters. An update to the Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Plan will be reviewed. The committee will consider a request for approval of a reimbursement resolution for the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (UAF), related to bond issuance for capital improvements, including the Maple Hill Central residence hall and utility infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, there will be a request for approval to issue refunding bonds for the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC) to refinance the Student Tuition and Fee Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2015.