Arkansas University System President Announces Retirement • Arkansas Advocate

Bobbitt said it has been a privilege to work with “an exceptional group of colleagues” across the AU system.

“Every day, they carry out the complex responsibilities of their positions with the mission of this system in mind, which is to serve Arkansas and its citizens,” Bobbitt said. “It has also been an honor to serve the many students in the UA system and help them realize their dreams of improving their lives through higher education.”

Bobbitt succeeded Alan Sugg as chairman on November 1, 2011. Sugg retired after serving in the role for 21 years.

Last summer, the board agreed to offer Bobbitt a two-year extension when his contract expired at the end of 2023. Bobbitt was paid just over $511,000 in fiscal 2023, according to UA System Records.

Eichler said Bobbitt was a “truly exceptional leader” and that he and his wife, Susan, will be missed.

“They leave the system in a stronger position than ever, and we wish them the best as they prepare for their next chapter,” she said.

According to the press release, one of Bobbitt’s primary goals when he took over the UA system was to expand its online learning offerings. That included launching the state’s first fully online institution, the University of Arkansas System. AndVersity, in 2015. The institution later merged and expanded with the acquired University of Arkansas Grantham in 2021.

The AU board of directors approved in December a $2.5 million interinstitutional loan and a tuition increase to help UA Grantham cope with insufficient revenue due to declining enrollment.

Monthly enrollment has fallen by about 30 percent from the previous year at the school, which receives no state funding and relies solely on tuition fees.