Rep. Bruce Cozart has filed House Bill 1472 in the Arkansas General Assembly on behalf of ASMSA’s community of learning. Sen. Alan Clark will serve as the primary sponsor in the Senate. Co-sponsors include Sen. Greg Leding, Rep. Les Warren, and Rep. Richard McGrew. The bill accomplishes two goals that were discussed as part of ASMSA’s 2025 Strategic Plan.
First, the bill creates ex-officio seats on the ASMSA Board of Visitors for the following groups: the faculty and staff Governing Council; the Association for Alumni and Friends of ASMSA; and the ASMSA Foundation Fund Board of Ambassadors. With existing seats for the Student Government Association, Parents Association, and partnering state agencies, the resulting change ensures that all campus affinity groups are engaged participants in the advisory and advocacy work of the Board of Visitors.
Second, the bill would enable ASMSA to implement a growth pathway for faculty that recognizes their excellence in teaching, mentoring student research, and service over time. ASMSA’s enabling legislation currently notes that faculty shall not “hold rank.” While not a formal system of tenure, which is also prohibited, this amendment will allow campus leadership, the Governing Council, and the University of Arkansas System to develop a framework for professional advancement that is consistent with our peer institutions.
As a program funded almost exclusively by state revenues, it is essential that students, parents, alumni, and friends of the school communicate with legislators and decision-makers on the critical role ASMSA plays not only in the lives of our students but also in the intellectual, economic, and social development of the state. ASMSA is an investment in the future potential of Arkansas. You can identify your local legislators and their contact information at the following link:
https://argis.ualr.edu/DistrictFinder/index.html
HB1472 is a commitment to shared governance and continued investment in the talented faculty who challenge and inspire ASMSA students on a daily basis. Please do not hesitate to contact Director Corey Alderdice (alderdicec@asmsa.org) or Dr. Sara Brown (brownsa@asmsa.org) with any questions you might have about the legislation.