Bobbitt to Recommend Shonk as Next Chancellor at UACCB

LITTLE ROCK (Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021) — University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt will recommend Brian Shonk, Ed.D., currently vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), as next chancellor of the two-year institution. 

Former Chancellor Deborah Frazier, who was named chancellor at UACCB in 2007, retired May 31 and Zachary Perrine has been leading the institution as interim chancellor since June 1. Bobbitt and Chris Thomason, vice president for planning and development for the UA System, led the national search for the UA System with input from a committee, which received interest from 23 states and two countries.

Bobbitt’s recommendation will be considered by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for final approval at its regularly scheduled meetings later this week at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

“The impressive group of finalists identified by our committee brought unique and desired characteristics for the position, but in the end Dr. Shonk’s institutional knowledge and his eagerness to keep the campus working toward many of the goals he’s already very familiar with proved to be the best fit for UACCB at this time,” Bobbitt said. “He’s been on that campus for nearly a decade and has earned a great deal of respect from faculty, staff and students, as well as the entire Batesville community, and I feel that he is equipped to be the right chancellor at the right time to keep UACCB poised to continue its upward trajectory.” 

Shonk earned two associate degrees in criminal justice and electronics technology from Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Troy University. He received a Master of Public Administration degree and a doctorate in education, curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida. He is currently vice chancellor for academic affairs at UACCB, where he has served since 2013. Shonk has also served as dean, associate dean and director of public safety NWFSC.

“I’m truly honored to have been chosen to help lead the campus that I’ve grown to love and respect during the last decade of my time here,” Shonk said. “We have very unique campus and civic communities here and great momentum heading into the future, and I’m very excited about continuing that mission and working to find impactful ways to improve students’ and graduates’ lives and the communities they live in.” 

Shonk is expected to begin his new role Jan. 1, 2022.