(LITTLE ROCK) Sept. 1, 2016 –Fred Harrison, general counsel of the University of Arkansas for more than 30 years, has stepped down from the role and will continue working on a part-time basis in the General Counsel’s office on an “of counsel” basis.
University of Arkansas System President Donald R. Bobbitt has appointed JoAnn C. Maxey to General Counsel of the University of Arkansas.
“Mr. Harrison has given the UA System more than three decades of steadfast and unparalleled legal counsel and his dedication, expertise and vast institutional knowledge will be genuinely missed,” Bobbitt said. “He has been a loyal colleague and friend, and we are fortunate he has agreed to stay with us on a part-time basis as we continue our mission as the premier system of higher education in Arkansas focusing on student achievement and success.”
Maxey has served as associate general counsel with the UA System since January 2012. She previously spent five years as partner at Little Rock firm Williams & Anderson PLC, and 25 years as principal at Kaplan, Brewer, Maxey & Haralson. Maxey also taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, is former chair and board member of the Volunteer Organization of Central Arkansas Legal Services, and former chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the Arkansas Bar Association. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1977 and law degree from the UALR School of Law in 1982.
“Mrs. Maxey has worked very closely with Fred over the years and I am very confident her skills and expertise will help us navigate the many challenges and exciting projects on the horizon for the UA System,” Bobbitt said. “I am thrilled she agreed to accept this role and look forward to working with her moving forward.”
Both Maxey’s and Harrison’s new roles became effective Sept. 1.
“I have enjoyed working as the University’s general counsel for such a long time, and I have been fortunate to serve with many excellent lawyers over the years, as well as three exceptional Presidents and numerous members of the board of trustees and dedicated chancellors and other administrators,” Harrison said. “JoAnn Maxey is a highly qualified lawyer who has the respect of the legal staff located on several campuses and in the system office and has contributed in many ways to help deliver quality legal services and sound advice to administrators and our other clients throughout the university. I am pleased President Bobbitt selected her for this position and I have the highest expectations for her service.”