Board of Trustees unanimously decided to terminate Arkansas Tech University’s president

Little Rock, Arkansas – According to a press release, the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees decided in an emergency meeting on Saturday to dismiss ATU President Dr. Robin E. Bowen without explanation.

The board is grateful for the services Dr. Bowen has provided to Arkansas Tech during her tenure,” said Jim Smith of Fayetteville, chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees. “We do not take this action lightly and appreciate all she has done as president at Arkansas Tech.

The ATU Board of Trustees and Bowen signed an employment contract on September 6, 2018, which stipulates that in the event of a termination without cause, the board must give Bowen 60 days’ written notice in advance. Following the board meeting on Saturday, September 9, the board gave Bowen that notice.
According to Smith, Dr. Russell Jones, the acting temporary president of ATU, will continue to lead Arkansas Tech’s administration, management, and operations during the upcoming 60-day term and will continue in that position until the 60-day period is over.

Dr. Bowen will act in such a manner and provide such services to Dr. Jones to provide for the ease and administrative convenience of an effective and seamless transition of the Office of President to Dr. Jones in his capacity as interim president and to support Dr. Jones in these endeavors,” said Smith.

“Dr. Jones, in his capacity for being responsible for the management, administration, and operations of Arkansas Tech, will be responsible for all events pertaining to Arkansas Tech University during this 60-day period, specifically including the designation of speakers, presenters, hosts, invitees and guests at Tech events,” he said.

“The goal is to provide for the ease, convenience, and proper administration of Tech during this fall semester,” continued Smith. “We are grateful to Dr. Jones for his continued service as well as the rest of the executive committee, which has done an outstanding job in helping start the fall semester.”