Oct. 5, 2007 -- Dr. Robert L. Potts, chancellor of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, today announced that he is appointing Dr. G. Daniel Howard to serve as vice chancellor for academic affairs and research.

Howard is currently vice president for university administration and international relations at the University of North Alabama, where he has served in various capacities for the past 15 years.

"Dan comes to us with excellent qualifications, broad experience, and a superb work ethic," Dr. Potts commented. "I believe that he will be a tremendous advocate for the academic affairs area, and a great colleague with whom to work."

Potts accepted the unanimous recommendation from a campus search committee that was charged with conducting a national search for the new vice chancellor.

"ASU-Jonesboro is poised for significant growth and development as we near our centennial year and our second century," Potts added. "I am very familiar with Dr. Howard’s history of leadership and am confident that he will continue to build and enhance our academic and research programs."

The committee’s recommendation concludes a search process that began last spring after Dr. Susan Davis Allen announced her intention to leave the vice chancellor post and return to full-time teaching and research. Howard and other finalists visited the campus last month.

Potts also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Glen Jones, chair, and members of the Search Committee for conducting an excellent search process.

Howard accepted the appointment, which officially begins Jan. 1, 2008, with great enthusiasm.

"I am both deeply honored and humbled to be selected," Howard commented. "The faculty at ASU is absolutely first-rate and I look forward to working actively with them as they engage in teaching, research, creative expression, and service. My intention is to be an unwavering proponent for academics on campus, in the surrounding community, and at the state level."

He emphasized his appreciation for shared governance and open exchange of ideas in the academic community.

"Extensive engagement in conversations with faculty, deans, and others in forging, communicating, and implementing academic decisions is one of many important aspects of my leadership approach," he added, "as is keeping students in the center of these conversations."

The current president of the University of North Alabama, Dr. William Cale, also offered comment on Howard’s appointment.

"Dan Howard transformed the University of North Alabama in ways that now are recognized as signature attributes of our campus," Cale said. "No one will work harder or care more than Dr. Howard in working with the people of Arkansas State University to build a vibrant future."

Howard earned his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College, then two master’s and two doctoral degrees from Indiana University. One of the doctoral degrees is in higher education.

His continuing education has included the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University, the Educational Leadership Institute at Indiana University, and the Williamsburg Development Institute. He also holds several professional certifications.

During Howard’s career of more than 30 years, he has served as a full-time faculty member, a director of a hazard control program, a dean of enrollment management, a researcher and grant administrator, a vice president and provost. In addition to North Alabama, he has held positions at Indiana University, Indiana State University, and two institutions in the State University of New York system.

He has authored more than 80 scholarly publications. Among his many administrative achievements at North Alabama, he has been cited for successful enrollment management initiatives and development of the international program that grew from less than 40 students to more than 1,000. The benefits from this program have included advancement in diversity, educational quality and financial stability at UNA.

He also has developed more than $20 million in successful grant proposals and served as principal investigator or project director for the associated grants.

Dr. Howard’s professional honors include the Willard W. Patty Distinguished Alumnus Award from Indiana University, the Alumni Friend of the Year from the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association, and Outstanding Administrator of the Year from the Alabama Association of Foreign Language Teachers.