The Arkansas Tech University board of trustees announced that it voted unanimously during a special called meeting on Saturday to fire President Robin Bowen without cause.
Bowen has been on leave since July, when she underwent a scheduled medical procedure. The board provided Bowen with 60 days advance written notice of the firing.
Russell Jones will continue to serve as acting interim president. In that role, he’ll oversee administration, management and operations for the university in Russellville during the 60-day period before Bowen’s firing takes effect and afterward.
Jones joined ATU in July 2020 as dean of the college of business, which has since been renamed the ATU College of Business and Economic Development.
“The board is grateful for the services Dr. Bowen has provided to Arkansas Tech during her tenure,” Jim Smith, chair of the board of trustees, said in a statement. “We do not take this action lightly and appreciate all she has done as president at Arkansas Tech.”
Bowen became the university’s first female president in July 2014. She previously worked as vice president for academic affairs, executive vice president and provost at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, from 2011 to 2014.
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