Gearhart to take top post at UA Fayetteville (UALR Public Radio) - The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to name G. David Gearhart as the Fayetteville campus' next chancellor. The 10-member board approved the 55-year-old Gearhart today at Little Rock after meeting in executive session for about 40 minutes.

Gearhart told the board he would do all he can to provide an administration that has a combination of academic vision -- inspirational leadership -- a strong commitment to financial viability -- and a climate of openness and tolerance and acceptance of all peoples of diverse backgrounds. He said that will all accelerate the progress of the University of Arkansas.

Gearhart, the school's vice chancellor for university advancement and an education professor, replaces John White, who retires June 30th after 10 years.

A native of Fayetteville, Gearhart also is graduate of the university. University system President B. Alan Sugg said Gearhart will be paid about $280,000 in his new position.

University officials credited Gearhart with guiding the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, which raised more than $1 billion for the Fayetteville campus between 1998 and 2005.
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