Dr. Bill Carr Named Acting VPASA

JACKSONVILLE -- May 16, 2001 -- Jacksonville State University President William A. Meehan has named Dr. William D. Carr as acting vice president for academic and student affairs effective in early June.

"We regret that we are losing our current vice president, Dr. W. David Watts, who has done an outstanding job throughout his tenure at JSU and has accepted the position of president of the University of Texas in Permian Basin. We are fortunate to have someone so qualified as Dr. Carr to serve in the interim," said Dr. Meehan.

"Dr. Carr's distinguished career in higher education administration, and the fact that he has served as acting vice president before, makes him well-suited to serve during this time of transition."

Carr has served as dean of JSU's College of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education since 1982. He also served as acting vice president for academic affairs at JSU in 1988.

Before joining JSU, Carr was associate executive director for academic affairs at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. He has more than 33 years of experience in higher education in the areas of teaching, research, and academic administration. Carr also served as assistant dean of students at the University of Texas at Austin.

A search committee has been appointed and will begin screening applicants for the permanent position of vice president for academic and student affairs.

''I am honored to be asked to serve in this role,'' Carr said. ''I feel fortunate to have the able assistance of outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators.''

Carr said he believes there will be a smooth transition to a permanent vice president. He said he would not be a candidate for the position.