UA system appoints racial tax force; Dr. Christopher Smith tabbed at UAHT

By submitted, 07/2/20 10:09 AM

HOPE – University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt announced appointments for a new system-wide task force that will consider issues around racial equity at the campuses, divisions, and units within the UA System. Among those appointed to the task force is Dr. Christopher Smith, Universtity of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Dean of Students.

“I am greatly humbled to be appointed to the UA System Taskforce on Racial Equity by Dr. Bobbitt. Serving on this taskforce grants me the opportunity to work with the UA System’s unparalleled leadership in its continued effort to advance UAHT and this great state culturally,” Smith said.

The UA System Task Force on Racial Equity is the result of a proposal made by John Goodson, chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, at a special meeting of the board on June 17, when he announced plans to appoint a task force to address racial injustice and promote equitable practices within the System. Goodson identified UA Trustee Stephen Broughton, M.D., to chair the task force, and fellow Trustee Ted Dickey to represent the Board, while setting expectations for the task force to make recommendations regarding policies, procedures, and activities to help ensure the UA System and its campuses, divisions and units across the state promote an atmosphere that is “welcoming and attuned to the cultural and educational needs of all Arkansans,” Goodson said.

Bobbitt said the task force is a welcomed addition to many efforts already underway at the system’s campuses, divisions, and units to address issues of racial equity. “There is an expectation from my office and the Board of Trustees that faculty, students, staff and visitors to our campuses should all be treated with respect and presented with an equitable environment to pursue their educational and scholarly goals,” Bobbitt said. “This is a well-respected and accomplished group, and I look forward to the UA System benefitting from its work immediately and well into the future.”

The UA System Task Force on Racial Equity includes:                                                    

Committee Member	UA System Affiliation
Dr. Stephen Broughton	UA System Trustee, Committee Chair
Mr. Ted Dickey	UA System Trustee
Dr. Robert Carr	Provost, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Dr. Mark Cochran	Vice President, UA System Division of Agriculture
Dr. Deacue Fields	Dean, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mr. Marvin Caston	Senior Director of Development, Razorback Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Moses Goldman	Vice Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Monticello
Dr. Georgia Hale	Provost, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Dr. Keith Pinchback	Chancellor, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Dr. Terisa Riley	Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Dr. Charles Robinson	Provost, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Dr. Christopher Smith	Dean, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana
Ms. Kristi Smith	Director, UA Little Rock Alumni Association
Ms. Christina Clark	Vice Chancellor/COO, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences