Hardin handed UCA helm

Lu Hardin, director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, celebrated two milestones on Monday -- he turned 51 and became the eighth president of the University of Central Arkansas.

The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees voted 5-2 on Monday to hire Hardin. The total compensation is $190,000 annually with a three-year contract. As director of higher education, Hardin's salary was $120,000.

"I'm excited. I'm passionate. And I'm ready to go to work," Hardin said.

Hardin applied for the position at UCA more than a year ago and was one of 12 finalists for the position when Dr. Winfred L. Thompson was hired in 1988.

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Dr. Michael Stanton of Conway and Dalda Womack of Star City voted against hiring Hardin.

Stanton said there were "some things about the process I didn't feel good about."

The process was controversial because Gov. Mike Huckabee wrote a letter to board members asking them to "consider an early visit with Lu" and stating that hiring Hardin would improve the school's standing.

Stanton said it was "obvious to everybody involved there was a lot of disagreement on this board. I can't think of anything that was ever unanimous. That's OK, but I had to vote my conscience."

Stanton said his vote was not anything personal against Hardin and he looks forward to working with him. "I'll work with him in any way I can to further the university."

Hardin said the other finalist, Dr. Perry Moore, provost of Wright State University, was "an outstanding candidate," and he respects Stanton's decision. "This has been a very deliberative process," Hardin said.

Board member Rickey Hicks said that up until two weeks ago he wasn't sure if he was going to vote for Hardin.

"I have had a sour taste in my mouth about the whole process and how it's taken place."

Although he believes it was "perfectly acceptable" for Huckabee to write a letter recommending Hardin, he said "the way things were handled, intentionally or unintentionally, some board members felt either you do what the governor wants or else ... then UCA might have to face the wrath of the governor."

He said as time went on, he didn't think board members felt pressured by Huckabee to vote for Hardin, but "the process should have been far less threatening."

Hardin has said he was "amused" by all the clamor over Huckabee's letter.

Hicks said he decided to vote for Hardin because of his concern for the retention and recruitment of African-American students.

"Mr. Hardin showed by far the most passion for that issue," Hicks, who is black, said.

Hardin said his number one priority will be to "rebuild trust" on the university between the president and the faculty, board, students and staff.

"I want absolute and unequivocal trust," he told those gathered for a press conference after the board meeting.

He said removal of censure imposed on UCA by the American Association of University Professors is crucial as well. It was imposed for issues concerning tenure and academic freedom during Thompson's tenure.

Hardin did give Thompson credit for doing a "wonderful job" of building beautiful facilities on campus, and he said other priorities will be renovating classrooms and offices in Old Main and building housing on campus for students.

His daughter, Mallory, a freshman at UCA, and his wife, Mary, joined him at the podium during the press conference.

Hardin told those present that the next legislative session will be the toughest in 30 years.

"We're going to have to raise some money," he said.

"We are going to have a heavy marketing campaign," Hardin promised. UCA has lost enrollment in the past few years to the present 8,600, and Hardin said the goal is to get to at least 9,000.

As a former professor, Hardin said he is excited to be back on campus with the students and plans to teach classes.

"I've had a wonderful run as director of higher education," where he saw scholarships for college students double and the college-going rate increase by 12 percent, he said. "It's a wonderful opportunity, almost a ministry, to be involved in education."

Hardin praised Dr. John Smith, interim president. "This institution owes a great deal of gratitude to John Smith. He has done an outstanding job in the interim," and will be given a key position in the administration.

Huckabee said Monday that Hardin "will bring to the job a unique blend of experience as a college professor, state senator, attorney and state department director. He's a highly respected public servant who's known as a bridge builder and peacemaker."

Dr. Perry Moore said Monday evening that he is disappointed and he believed he had a chance at the job.

"I understand the board's decision. ... There was the hope that Mr. Hardin can provide the political support for the university" that will provide funding. "UCA is a really great place. ... I hope Mr. Hardin can be a great leader for the institution. It certainly deserves the best."