Monticello Live

The names and faces are the same, but the job titles and responsibilities have changed or expanded.

In a major administrative reorganization announced recently by University of Arkansas at Monticello Chancellor Jack Lassiter, Dr. Clay Brown, formerly vice chancellor for student affairs, has been named vice chancellor for advancement and university relations. Jay Hughes, formerly dean of students, will replace Brown as vice chancellor for student affairs. Scott Kuttenkuler, formerly director of advancement, will become dean of students and director of governmental relations. Director of Admissions Mary Whiting is now dean of enrollment management while Controller Debbie Gasaway and Business Manager Lathan Hairston have been named associate vice chancellors in the Office of Finance and Administration.

Lassiter said the new titles and reorganization “reflect the institution’s efforts to recognize the talents of our administrative staff and to maximize those talents for the benefit of the institution. Each of these individuals has shown a willingness to take on new challenges and each has a long record of outstanding service to the university.”

Lassiter said Brown will be asked to “expand our advancement efforts at a time when private fund-raising is a critical to offset shortfalls in state funding. Dr. Brown has a broad background in higher education and understands the importance of cultivating relationships with alumni and friends of the institution.”

Brown came to UAM in 2001 as assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. He was appointed vice chancellor for student affairs in 2005 and became vice chancellor for student affairs and university relations in 2009.

Jay Hughes has a long connection with UAM, beginning as an All-American football player for the Boll Weevils in the early 1980s. Much of Hughes’ career was spent as a public school administrator before joining the UAM staff as partnership coordinator for the School of Education. After a return to public education, Hughes returned to UAM in 2009 as dean of students and director of residence life.

“Jay’s experience as a public school principal and his background in higher education made him the logical choice to replace Dr. Brown as vice chancellor for student affairs,” said Lassiter. “As a former student of this institution, Jay has a unique insight into the challenges faced by our students as well as their needs to be successful, not only in the classroom, but as well-rounded individuals.”

Mary Whiting’s new title of dean of enrollment management is a “reflection of her expanded role in not only admissions, but in recruitment and direction of our scholarship program,” said Lassiter. “Mrs. Whiting is one of those unsung heroes who works very hard behind the scenes to get UAM’s message out to potential students. Her efforts are a big reason for our phenomenal growth over the past five years.”

Whiting joined the UAM staff in 2000 as an admissions representative before becoming director of admissions, scholarships, recruitment and international services. She also oversees the university’s program in special student services.

Scott Kuttenkuler came to UAM in 2003 as an instructor of speech and eventually assumed leadership of the university’s award-winning debate and forensics program in 2004. He became director of advancement in 2009 before being named dean of students and director of government relations.

“Scott’s first love has always been working with students and this gives him an opportunity to do that,” said Lassiter. “He was doing a wonderful job in advancement but missed his association with students. I expect great things from Scott as our dean of students.”

Debbie Gasaway graduated from UAM in 1983 and joined the finance and administration staff as an accountant. She later became accounting supervisor, project coordinator, controller and budget director before being promoted to associate vice chancellor.

Lathan Hairston joined the UAM staff in 1984, left twice to pursue other opportunities, then returned as business manager before being named an associate vice chancellor.

“We are very fortunate to have people like Mrs. Gasaway and Mr. Hairston as part of our finance and administration team,” said Lassiter. “They both have a long history with the institution and have been invaluable to our efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility during tough economic times.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 7:07 am and is filed under UAM News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.