OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Laurence B. Alexander has been nominated by University of Arkansas System President Donald Bobbitt to become the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Alexander is the associate dean of the graduate school and director of the Office of Minority Programs at the University of Florida, and was one of four finalists from a nationwide search.

Calvin Johnson has served as interim chancellor since April of last year. According to a UA system news release, Bobbitt will make his recommendation at a special meeting of the UA board of trustees that will be conducted by phone later this week.

If approved, Alexander is expected to begin his new duties on July 1.

“I’m pleased to nominate Dr. Laurence Alexander, who I believe has the right combination of experience and enthusiasm to help shape a positive, successful future for UAPB,” Bobbitt said in the release. “Dr. Alexander understands the important role that UAPB plays in the higher education portfolio of our state and in the Pine Bluff community. It’s a university that has grown and developed throughout the past two decades, and I am excited about the leadership Dr. Alexander will provide to help the campus and its students, faculty and staff achieve at the highest levels. While we know there will be challenges ahead, I look forward to working with Dr. Alexander to ensure a successful future for UAPB.” read more…