University of Arkansas loses a 'spirit' of the city

University of Arkansas (UA) stalwart Fred Vorsanger, who served as vice president of Business Affairs for two decades and later came out of retirement to manage the Bud Walton Arena, died recently at the age of 88.

"In every aspect of his life, Fred Vorsanger was truly a difference maker for our community, the University of Arkansas and Razorback Athletics," Frank Broyles, a former director of Athletics, said. "His astute leadership in a variety of important roles helped shape the growth of the university and our region."

Vorsanger joined UA in 1968 and oversaw a period of intense expansion, with 18 buildings constructed under his tenure. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Common Fund and was the first director of the University of Arkansas Foundation, which he helped found. Broyles convinced him to come out of retirement in 1992 to manage the Bud Walton Arena, and even after his second retirement, Vorsanger served on the steering committee for the university’s Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, in which he chaired the North Arkansas Region.

"Fred Vorsanger was not only an effective ambassador for Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas, but also a wise counselor and adviser," John White, chancellor emeritus, said. "Fred's breadth and depth of experience made him my 'go to' person when I was faced with difficult decisions regarding people and policies. I was most fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him during my years as chancellor."

Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan said that he had often sought Vorsanger's advice over the years.

"Fred always gave the soundest advice," Jordan said. "His spirit will be a part of this city forever, and we will miss him."