Dr. Lynita Cooksey named Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Provost
JONESBORO, AR – Dr. Lynita Cooksey has been named as Arkansas State’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and university Provost according to ASU Chancellor Tim Hudson. Cooksey has served both roles on an interim basis since July. Dr. Hudson made the appointment following an extensive consultative process that included discussions with key academic constituencies and organizations across campus including the Executive Committee of Faculty Senate, the Department Chairs Council and others.
“Dr. Cooksey is a proven academic leader and has done an outstanding job throughout this transitional period dating to last year,” said Dr. Hudson. “After taking counsel from key individuals in our academic community about the qualities we would want in a provost, I concluded we already had the right person in place.”
“We have developed an easy rapport in my months here on campus,” Hudson continued. “I believe our management styles and philosophy of higher education complement each other. Dr. Cooksey provides a wealth of institutional knowledge and a thorough understanding of the operations of higher education. She is a persistent advocate of faculty development and student welfare. Her expertise will be a valuable asset as we continue moving Arkansas State forward.”
Cooksey has held several leadership roles since joining the Arkansas State faculty in 1993. Prior to her appointment as associate vice chancellor for Academic Services in 2000, she was associate dean of the then-College of Arts and Sciences, and taught for several years in the Department of Biological Sciences where she also held chair and associate chair positions.
Other appointments have included Dean of University College, where she was instrumental in establishing the First-Year Experience program at ASU. She is currently in charge of facilitating and coordinating the accreditation process with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
“I’m extremely pleased and honored to serve my university as Vice Chancellor and Provost,” Dr. Cooksey said. “I appreciate the confidence Dr. Hudson and the campus community has placed in me. I look forward to remaining a part of strong academic and leadership teams and assisting Dr. Hudson with his vision for the next era of our institution.”
Cooksey earned her doctoral degree in entomology at Oklahoma State University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State University. She is a graduate of Jonesboro High School and is married to Dr. Larry Hilburn.
“Dr. Cooksey is an excellent choice for Provost,” said Julie Isaacson, chair of the Faculty Senate and associate professor of nursing. “She is highly regarded in the realm of higher education and throughout the state. She’s very faculty- and student-focused, and has significant experience in the accreditation process. She and Dr. Hudson will be a visionary, progressive academic leadership team for Arkansas State University.”
