Higher ed chief selected
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007
James Purcell was selected by a state board Monday to be the next director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
Purcell, 49, of Edmond, Okla., is associate vice chancellor for strategic planning and analysis for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The other finalist for the position was Betty Overton of Spring Arbor, Mich., vice president for academic affairs and an English professor at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
Purcell plans to take the position between Jan. 15 and Feb. 1.
“I am ecstatic,” Purcell said in an interview Monday. “I can’t wait to come to Arkansas and get started.”
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board voted unanimously to select Purcell.
Purcell, who met with Gov. Mike Beebe on Dec. 5, said in his application letter that he has developed initiatives to increase adult degree completion and respond to the shortage in health workers. He has coordinated a program to increase the number of degree-holding adults in Oklahoma and a program to assess student preparation for and performance in college.
“The governor is very happy with the choice,” said spokesman Matt DeCample. “He met with Dr. Purcell during this whole process and was impressed with his qualifications. [Purcell ] was definitely someone that [Beebe ] encouraged the Higher Ed Board to take a strong look at.”
Beebe plans to confirm Purcell’s appointment, DeCample said, which is required by Arkansas Code Annotated 6-61-203.
Purcell has previously worked in administrative positions at the University System of Georgia, the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Alabama Community College System.
A native of Alabama, Purcell holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, a master’s of education, counseling and guidance degree from University of Montevallo in Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Auburn University.
He and his wife, Sandra, have a 16-year-old daughter.
Purcell said he told the board last week about his ideas for increasing the number of degrees produced in the state, which he calls the “brain gain.” He said Oklahoma has increased degree production by 25 percent since 2000. The state also moved up from 46 th to 42 nd in the percentage of adults who hold bachelor’s degrees during that time, he said.
Purcell said the state should increase programs in high demand, including nursing and health-related fields.
He also wants to hold university and college campuses more accountable for retention and graduation rates. He also would make the department circulate more information about higher education in the state via its Web site and through the campuses.
“I think the board was excited about his experience in surrounding states,” said board Chairman Dick Trammel of Rogers. “He’s good in research. He’s a great leader, and he’s a visionary. I know he’ll bring a fresh breath to higher education in Arkansas.”
The Higher Education Department director develops and recommends state aid for the public two- and four-year colleges and universities, runs the state’s student financial aid programs and several federal and state grants, and oversees the higher education institutions ’ missions and state’s master plan for higher education. He will be a member of Beebe’s cabinet and will have to work with college and university leaders, the governor, Legislature, and students.
The director’s salary is $ 133, 937. It is approved by the state Legislature and governor. A committee of the coordinating board is investigating the possibility of increasing the salary to make it more competitive.
The former higher education director, Linda Beene, left in June to become dean and associate provost for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s expanded School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach. Steve Floyd has been the interim director.
“We’re all very gracious to Dr. Floyd and the work he has done on the interim basis,” DeCample said. “Being there on an interim status is not always the easiest thing to do, and he has continued to serve his state well.”
Seventeen people applied for the director position. The coordinating board narrowed that down to four in October.
Two of the four candidates withdrew their names between the first selection round and the interviews.
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