'82 Prairie Grove Graduate Promoted

A Prairie Grove High School graduate was tapped last year to become vice president for student affairs at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Gene Fitch, Jr., a 1982 Prairie Grove graduate, assumed his new position June 1. 2015. He previously served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Fitch replaced Darrelene Rachavong, who retired after 32 years.

UT Dallas President David E. Daniel describes Fitch as a "student-focused leader" who will effectively manage the overall needs of students in an expanding University.

"Dr. Fitch is well-prepared to step into this key leadership position and to ensure that Student Affairs continues to meet the needs of our rapidly growing student body," Daniel said.

In his role as vice president, Fitch said he will focus on growing the on-campus population by adding student housing, boosting student participation at athletic events and collaborating with faculty to build stronger partnerships to enhance student development.

With his new position, Fitch is overseeing more than 200 people in 16 units.

Fitch came to UT Dallas from Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee. He previously was an administrator at the University of Arkansas and has more than 25 years' administrative, leadership and program planning experience. Fitch holds an doctorate of education degree from the University of Arkansas and a master's in education and a bachelor's degree from Arkansas Tech University.