§ 25-7-101 - Creation -- Director -- Organization -- Personnel.
25-7-101. Creation -- Director -- Organization -- Personnel.
(a) There is created a Department of Higher Education.
(b) The executive head of the department shall be the Director of the Department of Higher Education. The director shall be appointed by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board through a search and selection process that includes substantial input, review, and recommendation from the Presidents Council, subject to confirmation by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(c) The department shall consist of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and any other divisions which may be created by law and placed under the department.
(d) The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions. All of the personnel of the department shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the director. Provided, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right which an employee shall have under any civil service or merit system.
(e) Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions of the department as he or she shall deem desirable or necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
(f) The several institutions of higher education in this state shall be requested to cooperate with the department in an effort to coordinate their programs.