Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen has announced staff and organizational changes that take effect on Jan. 2, 2018.
Dr. Jeff Mott, chief of staff in the Office of the President since September 2015, will phase out of that role during the spring 2018 semester and will leave the university by the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year.
“I cannot sufficiently articulate how much Dr. Mott’s service in the role of chief of staff has assisted me,” said Bowen. “His legacy here includes Leadership Tech, a program that will continue to provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff far beyond his final day with us. As Dr. Mott pursues the next step in his professional journey and seeks out opportunities that will allow him to be closer to his family on a more regular basis, I wish him the very best.”
In addition to ensuring a proper transition for chief of staff responsibilities, Mott will also work during the spring 2018 semester to complete the current Leadership Tech year and provide for the sustainability of the program moving forward.
Dr. Mary B. Gunter will take the role of interim chief of staff in the Office of the President on Jan. 2, 2018. Gunter joined the Tech faculty in 1998. She has served as dean of the ATU Graduate College since 2009, and she added the responsibility of dean in the ATU College of Education in 2015.
Gunter will serve on the ATU Executive Council during the spring 2018 semester. A search to identify a permanent chief of staff will commence in January 2018.
While Gunter is tending to the duties of chief of staff, Dr. Linda Bean will serve as interim dean for the ATU College of Education and Dr. Jeff Robertson will be interim dean for the ATU Graduate College. Robertson will continue to serve as dean of the ATU College of Natural and Health Sciences.
Bowen also announced that Wyatt Watson, director of institutional research, will take on the title of director of institutional research and effectiveness.
The change reflects the evolving role of what will now be known as the ATU Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. Previously focused on data collection, the office has progressed to also interpret data in order to make policy and procedural recommendations for an improved educational experience.
January will also bring a new organizational unit to Arkansas Tech.
As previously announced, Dr. Blake Bedsole will take office as vice president for enrollment management on Jan. 2, 2018. When he does, the Division of Enrollment Management will be created. It will include operating areas in undergraduate admissions, student financial aid, marketing and communication and the student recruitment functions of the ATU International and Multicultural Student Services Office (IMSSO). Bedsole will also have oversight of recruiting and admissions for the Graduate College, online students and the Ozark campus.
The programming function of IMSSO, which includes planning such events as International Education Week and the annual Light the Night festival, will fall under the direction of the ATU Division of Student Services.
