Lasting ties seen as retiring UAM chancellor’s legacy
MONTICELLO — When Jack Lassiter peers out of the large picture window in his office, the chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello sees a much different campus than the one he began leading a decade ago.
Many of the changes are physical, but there are also important community bridges that have been built, local leaders said. Lassiter said these accomplishments have made him confident that when he retires Jan. 5, the next UAM leader will have “a strong blueprint for the future.”
UA System President Donald Bobbitt has begun a national search for someone to replace Lassiter, and candidates are expected to be identified early next year.
Bobbitt praised Lassiter for his service to UAM, saying that “throughout that time, he led UAM with a keen awareness and passion for the university’s mission as an open-access public university that provides opportunities for people to better their lives and community through education.”
Lassiter, 69, said a desire to spend more time with his family, including several grandchildren, and working on personal projects drove his decision to retire.
“It was a difficult decision,” Lassiter said. “This is a place I truly love. But I am not moving. My wife and I have bought a house in Monticello. We love this community and want to continue to be a part of it.”
During his tenure, UAM has seen growth in its student population. When Lassiter took over as chancellor in 2004, there were about 2,100 students enrolled at the university; this year, there are more than 3,900.
Lassiter also has overseen numerous building projects during his tenure at UAM,
including construction of the George H. Clippert Forestry Annex — which added more than 15,000 square feet of classroom, office and laboratory space to the School of Forest Resources — and the renovation of Bankston Hall, converting the onetime all-male residence hall to a co-educational residential facility.
In addition, Lassiter instituted what has become one of the most popular events on campus after opening the area surrounding Weevil Pond for tailgating before football games.
A native of Greenville, Texas, Lassiter and his wife, Judy, first arrived at UAM in 1977, living in an apartment in Horsfall Hall. Lassiter worked as director of the Learning Development Center while completing his doctorate, and his wife served as director of Horsfall Hall.
Lassiter returned to Texas in 1978 to serve two years as dean of college and student services at Wharton County Junior College before returning to UAM in 1980 as vice chancellor for university relations and student services, beginning a 17-year stay on the Monticello campus.
In 1993, he became the institution’s chief academic officer when he was named vice chancellor for academic affairs and student services.
Lassiter left UAM in 1997 to become chancellor of the UA Community College at Batesville before accepting an offer from UA System President B. Alan Sugg in 2001 to work as executive vice president of the UA System in Little Rock.
After three years there, he took the helm at UAM. His leadership was briefly interrupted in 2009 when he suffered a stroke. But he was back on the job a short time later.
In the community, Lassiter has made many friends who have helped him form partnerships involving the university and the city. Lassiter said such relationships are key to ensure success.
Bennie Ryburn III, vice chairman of the board at Commercial Bank in Monticello, sat on UAM’s board of visitors for several years and credits Lassiter for “opening the university’s gate to the community,” something he said had never been done before.
“Jack and Judy really brought the community onto campus and made them feel welcome there,” Ryburn said. “He opened it up so meetings could be held there and other events, and that was just a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.”
Ryburn said he had anticipated that Lassiter would retire soon, but when the official announcement came, “I realized that we were going to be losing a really big ally for the university. Of course, he will still be here locally. And that will be a big plus.”
Back on campus, UAM faculty assembly Chairman Gregory Borse said in an emailed statement that he and other faculty members have had “a mixture of sadness and gratitude” since learning of Lassiter’s retirement plans.
Borse added, “Dr. Lassiter’s student- and faculty-centered approach to higher education has created a productive and convivial atmosphere on campus.
“The faculty wishes to extend its appreciation to both Dr. Lassiter and his wife, Judy, for their lasting contributions to the life of the University and to extend our heartfelt best wishes for their future. They will both be missed.”