Jay B. Silveria Named New President of University of Arkansas System
Little Rock, AR – The University of Arkansas System announced today that retired Air Force Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria will be its next president, following a vote by the board of trustees on Monday. Silveria, who has been serving as the associate vice president and executive director at Texas A&M University and the Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C., will take over from Donald Bobbitt, who plans to retire this year.
The hiring of Silveria ends months of speculation surrounding potential candidates, including former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Although rumors suggested Hutchinson was interested in the position, he neither confirmed nor denied the reports. His potential candidacy appeared to weaken after he publicly declined to support fellow Republican Donald Trump in the presidential race.
Silveria’s diverse background in military leadership and higher education administration is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the University of Arkansas System, which encompasses several campuses across the state.
The board of trustees expressed their confidence in Silveria’s ability to lead and innovate within the university system, particularly in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape.
As Silveria prepares to step into this significant role, he faces the challenge of enhancing the university system’s reputation and academic offerings while addressing the needs of students and faculty alike. Further details regarding his plans and initiatives are anticipated as he officially assumes the presidency.
This story will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.
Debra Hale-Shelton, a seasoned journalist with experience at The Associated Press and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, contributed to this report. She lives in Chicago but is originally from Marked Tree, Arkansas.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
