Richard Pierson, a vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, is retiring Nov. 1.
Pierson, 68, has worked for UAMS for 31 years, and was its vice chancellor for clinical programs and executive director of the UAMS Medical Center.
UAMS will start a national search to find his replacement, which could be difficult.
“He has directed the Medical Center during an unprecedented period of growth in both clinical programs and facilities,” UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn said in a statement to UAMS employees. “He took a lead role in the planning and construction of the 10-story, 540,000-square-foot hospital that opened in 2009.”
Pierson also has been active in the hospital association, both at the state and national levels, including service on three committees of the American Hospital Association. In 2010 he received the A. Allen Weintraub Memorial Award, the Arkansas Hospital Association’s highest award given to an individual.
For the fiscal year that ended June 30, Pierson’s salary was $297,582.