A. Executive Leadership – Chancellor’s Cabinet
Positions held as of January 2024:
https://web.uams.edu/about/leadership/chancellors-office/executive-leadership-chancellors-cabinet
Provost’s Office
The Provost and Chief Academic Officer of UAMS provides leadership to coordinate academic programs in partnership with the Deans and other campus officials. The provost oversees a number of departments and programs that promote academic excellence and enrich the campus’ intellectual environment, including Academic Services, Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, Campus Life and Student Support Services, Center for Health Literacy, Centers for Simulation Education, Continuing Education, Educational Development, a Faculty Center, Interprofessional Education, Office of the University Registrar, the Library, and Institutional Research, Policy, and Accreditation.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships serves to position the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as a national leader in developing strategic workforce partnerships across the state that broaden access to UAMS’ academic programs and increase the healthcare workforce as well as partnering with entities across the state, including nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, to develop strategies, programs and initiatives that support the strategic academic access and workforce development goals of UAMS.
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Relations serves as the senior executive liaison with government officials concerning issues and proposed legislation that may affect UAMS funding, education, research, operations and economic development initiatives. The primary role of Institutional Relations is to advocate on behalf of UAMS by building and promoting positive relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders to ensure legislative funding and policy initiatives reflect the needs of UAMS. Legislative and funding priorities will be coordinated through the Office of the Chancellor.
Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing leads the office responsible for external and internal communications and marketing at the state’s only academic health center and largest public employer. Communications & Marketing also oversees media relations, public relations, social/digital media, executive communications, UAMS publications, advertising, websites and web marketing, multi-media services, video production, publications, media training for faculty and staff, and crisis communications for UAMS. The Vice Chancellor serves as the official UAMS spokesperson, and is the primary contact for national media and for media requests made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Vice Chancellor for Clinical Programs and CEO of UAMS Medical Center is responsible for UAMS hospital, outpatient clinics in central Arkansas, digital health clinics, and clinics at regional campuses across the state. He/she also serves as chair of the board of directors of the Baptist Health-UAMS Accountable care Alliance.
The Division of Institutional Advancement is responsible for cultivating private investment to support the UAMS Foundation Fund and advance the threefold mission of UAMS – education, clinical care and research. The Division supports fundraising efforts for all units of UAMS, including its colleges, institutes, centers of excellence and departments. Building strong relationships between friends of UAMS and its programs is key: we engage and involve friends in meaningful relationships with UAMS through one-on-one conversations and special events throughout the year.
Vice Chancellor of Institutional Support Services and COO leads, plans and directs Institutional Support Services and the 434 bed Hospital missions including Campus Operations, Information Technology, Security Support Services, Finance and Administration, Emergency Management, Police, Screening Program and Chief Operating Officer for hospital and state-wide facilities.
Vice Chancellor for Finance & CFO, The Finance Division provides management oversight and coordination of core functions including financial accounting and reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, decision support, treasury operations, revenue cycle, supply chain, procurement, grants accounting, student accounts and financial aid, and contract services. It is our mission to ensure the financial integrity of UAMS through effective stewardship of resources, to utilize current financial best practices within health care and higher education, to offer exceptional customer service, and to work closely as a business partner with our clinical, research and academic leadership. For a comprehensive view of the Finance Division, we invite you to access the various links on our website which provide further information about our operations and services, reports, publications and financial data, current news and updates on important projects.
Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation is to provide leadership in formulating and enacting strategies to expand research activities across UAMS. We encourage and support innovative interdisciplinary research to raise the competitiveness of UAMS in securing extramural funding from the state, federal, national and international agencies. Our immediate goal is to elevate UAMS to the next level of research excellence. Together, with an amazing cadre of basic, population-based and clinical researchers, we embark upon broad and challenged missions like reducing health disparities, establishing a leading-edge clinical practices, commercializing our intellectual properties, and attaining designation from the National Cancer Institute for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. With a clear direction, effective team management, and unwavering commitments we aim to better the health of Arkansans and of others in the region, nation and the world.
Vice Chancellor for Regional Programs will facilitate and coordinate clinical, education, and research activities throughout the Regional sites across the state. This will be done in collaboration with the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office as well as Service Line leaders.
Vice Chancellor for Compliance & Managing Associate General Counsel is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the efforts and programs of the compliance and legal divisions at UAMS. These two divisions assure that the actions of UAMS and its employees are compliant with all aspects of federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as UAMS policies. The Vice Chancellor for Compliance & Managing Associate General Counsel will advise the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, as well as UAMS’ officers, administrators, faculty and staff on legal issues affecting the campuses and units of the University, including, but not limited to legal matters involving litigation, contracting, employment, education, and health care.
Vice Chancellor and Chief Officer of the Department of People and Culture is responsible for developing and implementing a Human Resources Strategic Plan consistent with the university’s strategic plan, charting a course for change management, process improvements, leadership development, and greater organizational effectiveness for the university.
- Council of Deans
This is a monthly meeting of all the Deans together with the Provost for the purpose of discussion of key issues, strategic planning, policy final approvals, etc.
B. Campus Assembly (UA board policy 1210.1)
● Constitution
● Academic Senate
UAMS Academic Senate provides an organization that will permit a broad base for campus governance. It generates and promotes understanding, collaboration, and a sense of community, while providing a representative forum for the communication and exchange of ideas. The Academic Senate have the authority to make recommendations to the Provost on any matter of faculty affairs or campus-wide concern, including such matters as research facilitation, education, faculty appointment, promotion, tenure, dismissal, and non-reappointment as well as safety, security, salary and compensation, fringe benefits, work schedules, work conditions, job evaluations, grievances, and appeals and broad academic policies and programs at UAMS.
- Faculty Affairs Committee: The committee’s primary responsibilities encompass the overall support and facilitation of faculty affairs at UAMS. It serves as a platform for the exchange of valuable suggestions, concerts, and complaints within this domain, generating recommendations to the Senate on all faculty issues, as well as educating faculty on the resources, support available to them. The committee’s focus areas include the formulation of policies pertaining to the recruitment and retention of faculty, as well as a comprehensive examination of faculty perspectives on incentives, promotion, tenure, and related policies.
- Members and Elections Committee: This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and representative electoral process within the academic community. Tasked with meticulous planning, the committee is responsible for formulating a slate of nominees for each open office, taking care to include a diverse representation from both Colleges and campus-wide appointments. This slate, presented at the final Academic Senate meeting before the election, serves as a foundation for the democratic nomination process.
● House of Delegates
The House of Delegates, as the Complements the Faculty Senate when it comes to the shared governance of the university, oversees all faculty, staff and students, and reports to the chancellor’s office on matters including traffic, working conditions, fringe benefits, good neighbor policies etc. If a member of Faculty Affairs relays an issue that has something to do with campus safety, fringe benefits or working conditions, this issue could be brought up and the House of Delegates would address it through the house to the chancellor’s office or HR. Any faculty, staff or student can attend the meetings and join the house to become a voting member. The composition and responsibilities are listed in the Constitution of the Campus Assembly document 1210.1. The House of Delegates meet as a group monthly during the academic year and the Executive committee meets monthly year-round.
C. UAMS Campus-wide Committees:
- Academic Affairs Advisory Committee
The Academic Affairs Advisory Committee aims to establish a platform for academic leadership to engage in discussions on pertinent matters, communicate with the broader academic community, and provide guidance to academic administrators. Areas where advice may be sought include course scheduling, budgeting, academic policies, new faculty orientation, annual reports, and outcomes assessment.
- Academic Emergency Preparedness Committee
The Academic Emergency Preparedness Committee was originally formed to develop the UAMS All Hazards plan and is charged with bringing forth issues dealing with EP from the Academic side of UAMS. This committee has been on pause since the start of COVID-19, but will be starting activities again soon.
- Academic Policy Committee
The Academic Policy Committee is responsible for creating policies that offer guidance on pertinent matters concerning educational programs, processes, student affairs, faculty concerns, and other academic and administrative issues. It assesses and puts forth recommendations for approval by the Council of Deans regarding proposed policies. The committee engages in the creation of new policies, the revision of existing ones, and the review of student and faculty policies at the university level, as published by colleges and the Graduate School. This is done to ensure that the information remains up-to-date and consistent. Additionally, the Academic Policy Committee evaluates policies related to the academic enterprise put forward by UAMS units or individuals.
- Academic IT Steering Committee
The purpose of the Academic Information Technology (IT) Steering Committee (AISC) is to provide overall governance and guide planning for academic technologies at UAMS. The committee includes stakeholders and representatives from IT, the colleges, and academic administration. The group is to serve as a mechanism to review, advise, and endorse information technology projects and products related to the UAMS academic mission. The committee also will promote communication of projects to the constituent colleges and technology users to ensure awareness and productivity. The committee will make strategic technology recommendations to the IT Executive Committee (ITEC) that are aligned with UAMS strategic priorities. This will be accomplished through review and approval of academic software and hardware infrastructure purchases and projects greater than or equal to $25,000 (resource allocation and/or software/technology purchases). Purchases and projects greater than or equal to $100,000 require ITEC approval.
- Biosafety Committee
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) purpose is to review and evaluate investigator-generated safety protocols for the proposed use of biohazardous agents. Based on this review, the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) shall approve or disapprove the safety protocols with periodic reports to the Safety Coordinating Committee. In addition, the Biosafety Committee shall make recommendations to the Safety Coordinating Committee regarding biohazards that may exist or arise on the UAMS campus.
- Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee is comprised of a cross-section of employees who are devoted to implementing the mission and goals of the UAMS Diversity Initiative. The major goals of the committee is to recognize and cultivate our diversity by implementing cultural awareness and education as well as to promote practical interactive pluralism which advances the well-being and success of each participant in our multicultural community. The committee meets once a month to discuss issues related to diversity awareness on campus.
- Conflict of Interest Committee
The Academic Conflict of Interest Committee is a standing committee of UAMS, appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Compliance. The committee identifies and manages conflicts of interest of Academic Staff Members. The committee consists of not fewer than 7 voting members representing a variety of constituencies at UAMS and a number of non-voting ex-officio members. Members serve renewable 3-year terms. The committee meets monthly and on an ad hoc basis.
See UAMS Administrative Guide policy 4.4.10 for more detail.
Outside Employment requests should be made before engaging in outside activities. They are made here: https://secure.uams.edu/OutsideEmployment/Login.aspx
This allows for the appropriate DC and Dean to approve the outside activity and identify/manage any conflict of commitment.
This is not a system owned by the Conflict of Interest (COI) Office. This system does not feed information to the COI system (https://muse2.uams.edu). This means that employees must disclose these new interests to the COI system once they have been approved by the appropriate members of leadership. Under the COI policy, all employees are required to update their disclosures to the COI office within 30 days of acquiring or learning of a new interest.
The COI Office and COI Committees do not approve outside employment but do review outside engagements against an Academic Staff Member’s funded research and procurement authority at UAMS.
Note: having a personal consulting relationship with a research sponsor is highly likely to be ruled a conflict of interest. Typical management strategies employed by the Academic COI Committee are also in the policy (4.4.10).
Reference guide for Faculty engaging in outside consulting activities: (https://coi.uams.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/152/2020/10/UAMS-Consulting-Policies-Summary-final.pdf)
- Diverse Faculty Program
This program is designed to identify and meet the needs for faculty development and career success for all faculty as well as creating an inclusive and welcoming faculty community where everyone feels valued and that they belong.
- Gateway for UAMS Students (GUS) Steering Committee (Student Database)
The GUS Executive Steering Committee (ESC) assumes executive oversight and provides support for all aspects of the Student Information Systems (SIS) project, serving as the ultimate decision-making authority. ESC sets the overarching goals for the SIS project, establishes the project structure and governance, approves personnel, roles, responsibilities, scope of the work, funding and timelines for the project. It also gives approval for policy and procedure changes as well as for all major change requests for implementing new business. ESC monitors the progress of the GUS, provides mediation of issues, ensures that all project activities align with expertise-wide goals. ESC establishes a structure and organization to manage the SIS in the future, covering governance, administration and holds final decision-making authority for the SIS project. Members of the committee include, the provost, VC of Finance, VC of IT, associate provost of Academic Affairs, associate provost of Enrollment Services & Academic Administration, assistant VC of IT, and IT project manager and a manager from Academic Computing.
- Intercollegiate Faculty Council
It has representatives from Associate Deans in Faculty Affairs/Development across the 5 colleges and the Graduate School. There are representatives from Regional Programs, NW Campus, ACH campus, and the Academic Senate. The council meets monthly to discuss key faculty affairs issues, collaborative faculty development program creation, communication and sharing of programs working at the college level, as well as to address classroom technology issues, class spaces, eLearning technology etc.
- Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is established to safeguard the rights of individuals involved in research trials (clinical or social). Whether your research involves conducting a survey in the outpatients clinic or a drug study on the inpatient wards, obtaining approval from the UAMS IRB, facilitated through the CLARA system, is imperative. While the IRB process may involve some length and detail, the UAMS CLARA system has significantly improved the efficiency, simplifying the submission process for our researchers.
- Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee
The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) at the UAMS is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and ensuring the conduct of accurate and valid scientific research. This is achieved through the oversight, coordination, training, guidance, and thorough review of every project involving the use of vertebrate animals. Similar to the procedures employed in monitoring research involving human subjects, the IACUC employs well-established processes for the review and monitoring of animal research, teaching, and testing projects conducted under the university’s auspices. The IACUC is responsible for approving, mandating modifications to, or prohibiting the use of vertebrate animals in research, teaching, or testing activities. Beyond reviewing and approving applications and protocol modifications related to animal use, the committee also plays a role in approving alterations to the university’s policies governing animal care and use. Additionally, the IACUC conducts both announced and unannounced inspections of locations where animal care and use activities occur.
- Library Advisory Committee
The Library Advisory Committee’s primary purpose is to act as an advisory body to the Library Director and Library Administration regarding Library policies and issues related to services, collection resources and user needs within the Library’s physical space. Committee members advocate for the Library throughout the various mission arms of UAMS. The members are provided an in-depth insider’s view into the daily issues and challenges facing an academic health sciences library. In return their input helps Library Administration stay abreast of ongoing changes in programs and initiatives on campus. Representation on the committee includes all colleges and graduate school, students, Associate Provost for Academics, Academic Affairs, Center for Health Literacy, Educational Student Success Center, Office of Interprofessional Education, Northwest Campus, Research and Innovation, and UAMSHealth. See webpage for additional committee information. https://libguides.uams.edu/library-advisory-committee/home
- Patents and Copyrights Committee
The Patent and Copyright Committee functions to implement the University of Arkansas Patent and Copyright Policy (Board Policy 210.1) at UAMS. The Committee provides a review process for disclosures of patent, copyright, and other intellectual property developed by members of the UAMS community. The Committee evaluates the patentability and desirability of obtaining patent or other protection for the submitted disclosures as well as any patent obligations to research sponsors outside of the University. Recommendations by the Committee are submitted to BioVentures.
- Research Committee
The UAMS Research Committee (URC) is an advisory group to the Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation . The URC is composed of 2 members from each of the colleges (i.e. College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, and College of Health Professions), as well as the Dean of the Graduate School, Academic Senate member, and non-voting Division of Research and Innovation, Ex officio members. The Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation and the Chair of the UAMS Research Committee may invite others to present at URC monthly meetings as appropriate.
- Teaching and Learning Support Committee
This committee has representatives from all the colleges to address classroom technology issues, class spaces, eLearning technology etc.. It gives us an opportunity to communicate challenges, vote on changes, and allows colleges to bring up issues.
- Women’s Faculty Development Caucus
The Women’s Caucus was founded in 1989 as a professional development and mentoring program to help women advance their career and assume leadership positions. Our professional development efforts have resulted in an expanding organization that addresses the needs of all UAMS faculty members. We provide leadership training, mentoring/advising, faculty handbook publications, faculty development, and networking opportunities. The Caucus Committees, lead by rotating chairs and co-chairs, are pathways to leadership and provide the energy and effort behind WFDC activities.
D. UAMS Academic Affairs:
The Division of Academic Affairs for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) encompasses 16 units. The division is responsible for providing central administration and services in support of the teaching, learning missions of UAMS.
The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer and works with the Deans of the five UAMS colleges and graduate school, along with other institution leaders to maintain and improve the university’s academic programs along with the general intellectual environment of the campus. The Provost represents UAMS in external relations involving academic programs, such as the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, accrediting bodies, regulatory agencies and other colleges and universities.
Division Leadership
- Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Provost and Chief Academic Officer; and UAMS Chief Strategy Officer
- Associate Provost for Academics
- Associate Provost for Students and Administration
- Associate Provost for Faculty
- Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Finance and Administration
Division of Academic Affairs Departments and Units
Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence — The Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence is a statewide organization established in 1991 by the state Legislature to enhance the coordination in providing services to victims of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence. ACCARDV is housed within UAMS, which allows for integration and the support of other departments and colleges.
Campus Life and Student Support Services — The Department of Campus Life is committed to strengthening the campus community and creating an atmosphere that enhances each student’s academic experience and connection to UAMS. Activities, facilities and organizations facilitated by this department include: Campus Housing, the Student Center, Associated Student Government, Recognized Student Organizations, Intramural Sports, Social and Interprofessional Events & Activities for students, Student Health Insurance Verification, and the Student Life mobile app.
Center for Faculty Excellence — The Center for Faculty Excellence offers an array of resources and support for UAMS faculty members at all stages of their career. These resources include the Onboarding Program for new faculty, the Faculty Excellence Seminar series, the Mentorship Program, the Executive Coaching program, the Mediating Disputes program, several leadership development opportunities, the Women’s Faculty Development Caucus activities, Promotion & Tenure guidance and support, recognition programs and other resources to help UAMS faculty members succeed.
Center for Health Literacy — The Center for Health Literacy is a nationally recognized, award-winning interprofessional team of health literacy experts dedicated to improving individual and population health by making health information easy to understand and use. The center provides plain language services to individuals and organizations across the globe who communicate health information with patients and the public. The group includes experts in: Health communication, Health education, Spanish language interpreting and translation, and Community health.
Centers for Simulation Education — The centers encompass the Center for Clinical Skills, Simulation Center and the Standardized Patients program, offering state-of-the-art medical simulation technology to allow students, residents, fellows and employees to perform assessments and practice their clinical skills in a safe environment while receiving feedback about their encounters. With facilities on both the Little Rock campus and UAMS Northwest Campus in Fayetteville, the centers provide high quality simulation activities with high-tech manikins and standardized patient encounters with persons coached to simulate actual patients.
Culinary Medicine — Started in 2018, the Culinary Medicine program delivers the Health-Meets-Food curriculum to medical students, as an interprofessional activity for health professions students and in cooking classes for employees and the community in an on-campus teaching kitchen. Culinary medicine combines the art of cooking with the science of healthy diets and nutrition in lessons that equip health professionals with new techniques for counseling patients on eating better.
Educational & Student Success Center — The Educational & Student Success Center (ESSC) provides teaching and learning support to all UAMS faculty and students. The center, housed on the 3rd floor of the UAMS Library, facilitates faculty development in teaching by offering workshops, facilitated book discussions, teaching consultations, and observations. It also offers student support through academic coaching, peer tutoring, technology assistance, and writing support.
Institutional Research, Policy, and Accreditation — Institutional Research, Policy, and Accreditation performs administrative functions in support of the academic enterprise – the colleges and the Graduate School – as well as for the UAMS Provost and the campus at large. This includes work to ensure the institution, and its academic programs remain accredited and in compliance with academic policies. The department’s many roles also include academic reporting, policy development and program review.
Library — The Library serves the faculty, staff, and students from its main campus location and resources on the Northwest Campus, Arkansas Children’s and UAMS Regional Campuses across the state. The Library team offers educational and research services and maintains access to a physical and digital collection of books and journals. The Library is also home to the Historical Research Center and the Active Learning Center for team-based learning activities.
Office of Academic Services — The Office of Academic Services coordinates support services to UAMS faculty, staff, and students on the Little Rock and Northwest campuses. Academic Services is composed of three support divisions: Room Scheduling, Laboratory Support and Instrumentation Repair.
Office of Continuing Education — The Office of Continuing Education works with UAMS departments and health-related organizations, medical associations or societies, and other organizations to jointly provide accredited continuing education activities. The office also provides conference planning services.
Office of Educational Development — The Office of Educational Development provides consultation on Blackboard and other eLearning software and tools, as well as houses the Teaching Scholars program for faculty interested in educational research and scholarship. OED services and resources are free to UAMS faculty and include faculty development workshops, Blackboard and Collaborate support, interactive module development, and video recording and editing.
Office of Interprofessional Education — The office contributes to the curriculum development, scholarship productivity, research infrastructure, and collaborative practice environment across all five UAMS colleges and the graduate school. The office also coordinates an interprofessional curriculum that is a graduation requirement for all UAMS students.
Office of the University Registrar — The OUR coordinates enrollment/registration and student information services across the UAMS colleges and graduate school. The office also maintains the UAMS Academic Catalog, the academic calendar, facilitates the UAMS Commencement Ceremony.
Office of Strategy Management — Coordinates accountability and progress on the UAMS 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2029. Also facilities and leads strategic initiatives for the UAMS Chief Strategy Officer.
Title IX/ADA Office — The UAMS Title IX/ADA coordinator, working with the colleges, is a central point of contact to coordinate responses to gender equity questions or requests for academic adjustments or accommodations.
Additional Related Units
Division of Research and Innovation — The Division of Research and Innovation provides leadership in formulating and enacting strategies to expand system-wide research activities. As part of that effort, the UAMS Research Committee (composed of representatives from all UAMS colleges, the Academic Senate, and Graduate School) meets monthly to discuss research policy, processes, strategic planning, grant submissions, and collaborative research initiatives.
Translational Research Institute — The Translational Research Institute was established in 2009 under the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). The institute supports and stimulates research discovery across UAMS and its rapid transfer to interventions that improve the health of individuals and communities.
UAMS Northwest Campus — The UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, in Fayetteville, was established in 2007 to meet the growing demand of health care professionals and to support the growth in the Northwest Arkansas region. Academic programs on the campus include the colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Radiologic Imaging Sciences, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
For More Information
Division website: https://academicaffairs.uams.edu