(a) There is created a Division of Higher Education.
(b)
(1) The executive head of the Division of Higher Education shall be the Director of the Division of Higher Education.
(2) The director shall be appointed, in consultation with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(3) The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Education.
(c) The Division of Higher Education shall consist of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and any other divisions which may be created by law and placed under the Division of Higher Education.
(d) The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, and the Secretary of the Department of Education, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions. All of the personnel of the Division of Higher Education 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 Division of Higher Education 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 Division of Higher Education as he or she shall deem desirable or necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Division of Higher Education.
(f) The several institutions of higher education in this state shall be requested to cooperate with the Division of Higher Education in an effort to coordinate their programs.