PHOTOS: MCT CAMPUS, RYAN MILLER, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: KATE BEEBE
Dorrell’s Fiance Remains at UA by JACK SUNTRUP Staff Writer
The fiance of the woman involved in an “inappropriate relationship” with former Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino remains on the athletic staff, officials said. Despite reports to the contrary by the website SwimSwam.com that state his information has been removed from the athletic department website, Josh Morgan “remains a member of the athletic department,” said Kevin Trainor, associate athletic director. Though Morgan is still a member of the athletic department, officials would not comment on his status as director of swimming and diving. The Traveler found that Morgan’s biography and email address are still posted online.
Alumni Remain Positive by KRISTEN COPPOLA Staff Writer
Wednesday, the day after the announcement of Bobby Petrino’s termination, the Arkansas Alumni Association received only three calls or e-mails. “We’ve gotten three either e-mails or calls this morning, and all of them have been positive. That’s not a huge reaction for people,” said Mike Macechko, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Even leading up to the period of time from last Thursday until [Tuesday] we hadn’t received a lot of comments at all,” he said. Of the few comments alumni provided on Wednesday, all were positive toward Athletic Director Jeff Long.
Expansion Plans to Remain Unfazed by JANNEE SULLIVAN Staff Writer
Petrino’s absence will likely not affect ticket sales, donations or expansion plans, officials predicted. Although it is too early to tell if Petrino’s firing will affect ticket sales, the University has received overwhelming support within and outside the state, said John Diamond, the associate vice chancellor of University Relations. “We have a history of a very loyal and very broad donor base,”
Diamond said. Donors and friends understand that Long’s position reflects the integrity that the University and its athletic department are held to, Diamond said. The construction of a new football center is already underway, including 217 parking spaces and an expansion of the sports facilities, according to the University Relations website. A revised funding proposal estimated that the total cost of the program will be more than $40 million,
according to the University Relations website. The project is a part of the overall campus Master Growth Plan, according to the University Relations website. “There are no plans to change any of the expansion plans due to Jeff Long’s decision,” he said. The football complex is set for completion in Fall 2012, according to University Development. Joe Kieklak contributed reporting to this article.
Construction of Centennial Gate, Walkway Putters Along by MANDY MCCLENDON Staff Writer
The Pi Beta Phi Centennial Gate and walkway extension outside of Old Main are still in the early stages of construction. The gate, which is part of an extension to the campus walk, celebrates Pi Phi’s 100 years of active membership on UA campus. Both the gate and the extension were funded by Pi Beta Phi and the UA. The gate is a way to recognize Pi Phi’s long-time involvement and membership at UA, said Sarah Sabatino, president of Pi Beta Phi. “Pi Beta Phi celebrated its centennial in 2009, and this is our gift to the university,” Sabatino said. Jay Huneycutt, director of UA planning, said the total cost of
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012 VOL. 106, NO. 101 12 PAGES UATRAV.COM
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MARY MCKAY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Students have to walk around the Pi Phi centennial gate construction to get to Old Main. The gate has been under construction since the ground breaking on February 25, 2011.
Candidates Prep for Quorum Court Race by JACK SUNTRUP Staff Writer
If students are getting amped up for partisan mud-slinging this election year, they may be disappointed—at least in the District 8 Quorum Court race. The incumbent, Democrat Barbara Fitzpatrick, a UA administrative assistant, seemed more interested in talking issues than about the actual election. “I really don’t know that much about [challenger Brenda Taylor],” Fitzpatrick said. “I know she’s a tax lawyer and I believe that she’s in the Tea Party faction of the Republican Party, but that’s pretty much what I know about her.” Her opponent, Brenda Taylor, is in fact a tax attorney and does side with the Tea Party on some issues. Taylor said the only groups she belongs to, however, are her “faith and family.” Taylor does not anticipate fulfilling the Republican paradigm of late--at least nationally--in stonewalling county issues, she said. “I’ve worked in the area of compromise in nearly every single step of my law practice,” she said. “That’s what my business is about. A lawyer that doesn’t compromise doesn’t understand how to practice law.” During her tenure on the court, Fitzpatrick said the 13 justices have done a good job of working together. Getting a “good” deal as opposed to the “best” possible one is always an objective she said. “That kind of divisive partisan
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