PINE BLUFF, AR - UAPB Chancellor Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. has announced he will retire on May 25 of this year.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity which I was provided over the years since 1961 to serve as instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor of Mathematics and Physics and AM&N College and (UAPB),” said Dr. Davis in a letter to faculty, staff and students. “The support I received from various stakeholders was a great source of motivation.”
Davis has been chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff since November 5, 1991. He is the second in his family to serve in the position after his father was president of the university from 1943-72. Davis previously served as dean of the School of Science and Technology and dean of arts and sciences at UAPB.
University of Arkansas System President Donald R. Bobbitt released the following statement regarding Davis' retirement:
I am grateful to Chancellor Davis for his service to UAPB, its students, faculty and staff, alumni and the University of Arkansas System. Chancellor Davis’ tenure at UAPB has seen the institution grow in both size and prominence. The transformation of the campus physical plant and the approval of the doctoral program in aquaculture and fisheries are just two of the many accomplishments achieved under his leadership. As a student, faculty member, dean and chancellor, Dr. Davis has given almost 50 years of his life to UAPB, and we are appreciative of his service.
As we move toward Dr. Davis’ official retirement on May 25, I will appoint an interim chancellor to serve in the position until a search for a permanent successor is complete. During that time, we will involve the UAPB students, faculty, staff and alumni, along with community and state leaders, in a national search for our next chancellor.
