At the end of the spring semester, Patricia Poulter, who has served as the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at UCA will be retiring.

Poulter announced her retirement in September 2023.

“I believe it is vital that, regardless of one’s age, one takes time to regularly reflect on one’s life and one’s priorities,” Poulter said.

”Prioritizing my family, especially my grandsons, emerged as the most important thing I could identify. I feel very good about the work I have done, and I am convinced Dr. [Michael] Hargis, as the next provost, will be able to move UCA forward from here.”

Poulter started working at UCA in the summer of 2018 and said she will have many memories to cherish.

“Some of my most memorable moments include weathering the pandemic as a campus and a community while keeping our values at the center of our decisions and actions; time spent with students and seeing how compassionate and dedicated they are to making the world a more just and sustainable place; seeing campus come together for celebrations large and small — from commencements to pinning ceremonies; participating in the campus’s Angel Bear Tree and Winter Feast programs; music, art and theater performances and exhibitions — and most recently, experiencing the total solar eclipse on campus.”

Vaughn Scribner, faculty senate president, spoke about Poulter’s contributions to the school and what he will miss most about her.

”Patty will be greatly missed,” Scribner said. “She was integral in guiding UCA’s faculty through COVID-19 as well as helping President [Houston] Davis successfully implement his ROI strategy, which has set UCA up to continue to thrive into the future.”

Scribner said he got to know Poulter during his time as faculty senate president and has high regard for all of Poulter’s projects.

”She was also instrumental in a number of other exciting developments at UCA, including the opening of the Windgate Center and the creation of UCA Commitment,” Scribner said. 

Poulter has also been a trusted friend and advisor for Scribner and other UCA residents.

”She has helped me through a variety of situations and has always provided excellent counsel and advice,” Scribner said. “She is a trusted advisor and friend who has created an incredible on-ramp for our next provost, Michael Hargis.”

Poulter said she wants to advise students who strive to be successful in their careers and life.

”You must have humility, be willing to ask for assistance, have the desire to help others succeed, read daily about the world, and do your best to understand the landscape of higher education,” Poulter said. “Finally, never lose your curiosity about the world and find ways to separate your personal life from your work.”

As Poulter prepares to leave the UCA campus, she said the future of UCA looks bright and in good shape.

“UCA is on a trajectory of success and excellence. The leadership at all levels is willing to engage in difficult questions and complex problem-solving, and I expect this culture to continue,” she said. “No place is perfect — we are a collection of imperfect beings in an imperfect world. But as the people of UCA continue to devote themselves to improving the lives of others, no matter what their role at the institution, the future is bright.”

SGA passed a resolution April 15, co-sponsored by President Davis and Vice President Robin Williamson, recognizing Poulter’s hard work as provost.

“Dr. Poulter has wonderfully represented UCA, the Department of Academic Affairs to the UCA Board of Trustees, other UCA stakeholders and communities of higher education across the country.

“So the Student Government Association of the University of Central Arkansas, graciously extends our appreciation and thanks to Dr. Patricia Poulter for her service and work for the university as provost and executive vice president, and wishes her well in all her future endeavors,” Sen. Matthew Moix said.