Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, has announced her retirement at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.
“Without a doubt, I will miss the people,” Poulter said. “UCA is a special and transformative place because of the people who have chosen to work and study here. Every college and unit on campus has something to offer, and I will miss being able to find ways to support them in their goals.”
Poulter has worked at UCA since July 2018 and said she will miss many aspects of the campus environment after her May retirement; “I will also miss the many opportunities we have on campus to engage in so many amazing events. And of course, I will miss our beautiful campus.”
Poulter chose to retire for one main reason — her family.
“As much as I love my work, it became clear to me that nothing is more important than choosing to prioritize my family. I want to be present for my mother, siblings, children and grandchildren. No day is promised to any of us.”
Poulter’s role at UCA is a busy one, and one students may not have heard of before.
She is “responsible for helping shape the academic vision for the campus, as well as trying to find the means to support the academic vision and delivery of instruction, research and creative activity and service.”
As provost, Poulter “oversees initiatives to ensure [academic visions] align with the university’s strategic vision as well as the mission, values, and scope of the institution.”
Multiple “vital units” across campus report to Poulter, and she says that every day in her job is different.
For a typical day, Poulter said she works with the leadership in these units “to ensure challenges are being addressed, initiatives are supported and all institutional, state and federal regulations are followed.”
She also works with academic leadership “in the areas of accreditation, — both institutional and program-specific — outreach and workforce development, professional development for faculty and staff, and responsiveness to continuous improvement.”
“All budgets for academic affairs flow through our office, and so I have to approve all faculty and staff searches, hiring, purchases, student employment funds, approve contracts and other operational matters,” Poulter said.
“As a member of the President’s cabinet, I am responsible for representing all areas under Academic Affairs at the university level,” she said. “I present regularly to the Board of Trustees on state of academic affairs, represent the university at a variety of internal and external events, and promote UCA to external constituents. I work closely with the Faculty Senate and serve on the Faculty Handbook Committee.”
Poulter’s departure will leave big shoes to fill and may institute a national search; “President Davis will be announcing the process, but I believe a national search will take place this year.”
She said that she has high hopes for the university’s success in filling the position, “UCA is well-known as a place of excellence and integrity. I am confident there will be a rich and diverse applicant pool.”
During her tenure at UCA, Poulter said it is hard to name just one person who has impacted her most; “There have been so many encounters with truly special people that have enriched my life, taught me more about myself and the world, and helped me continue to find purpose and meaning.”
“I can say, however, that I have never worked with a president as effective, focused, student-centered, principled, and committed to higher education as Dr. Davis. He is the best leadership partner I’ve ever had,” she said.
Poulter’s best career advice is to “never forget what inspired you to start on your path. Know when to ask for help,” and “Very rarely do you have to solve something immediately, so try to take some time to consider the implications of the options. And most importantly, treat everyone you meet with dignity.”