Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees on Monday approved the appointment of Dr. Calvin White Jr. as the next chancellor of A-State.
White was formerly the executive vice chancellor and provost at A-State, being named in 2023. After previous chancellor Dr. Todd Shields was named ASU System President in late May, White has served as interim chancellor. White was previously the associate dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
The board also approved naming Ike Wheller as chancellor of ASU Newport (ASUN). Wheeler was previously ASUN’s vice chancellor for institutional advancement and has also served as its interim chancellor.
“These appointments provide strong leadership and continuity at two institutions with tremendous opportunities ahead,” Shields said in a statement. “Calvin has helped shape A-State’s recent growth in enrollment, academics, research and workforce development, and he has a clear vision for where the university can go next. Ike’s three decades of service to ASU-Newport give him a deep understanding of its people, its mission and its role in the communities it serves. I look forward to working with both as we continue to strengthen the ASU System.”
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During White’s tenure as provost and executive vice chancellor, he oversaw the Office of Academic Affairs and Research, which includes 12 academic colleges, the Arkansas Bioscience Institute, A-State Heritage Sites, two museum, and A-State’s Army ROTC regiment.
He is a first-generation college student and the first Black man to serve as A-State’s chancellor. He was also A-State’s first Black chancellor.
“I am grateful to the ASU System Board of Trustees for their confidence in me and to Dr. Todd Shields for his trust and support,” White said in a news release. “It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as chancellor of Arkansas State University, and I accept this responsibility with tremendous respect for the people who make this university special. A-State has incredible momentum, and I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters to build on that momentum, expand opportunity and continue moving this university forward.”
White has received numerous academic awards throughout his career. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi and earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.
ASU System Board Chair Robert Rudolph said in a statement: “I am delighted to congratulate Ike Wheeler and Calvin White on their appointments. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I recognize that one of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that our institutions have the right leadership to move them forward. I believe these gentlemen understand that higher education is about more than buildings, programs and degrees. It is about people, creating opportunities, changing lives and preparing students for a brighter future. I want to thank Dr. Shields for his leadership throughout this process and my fellow trustees for their commitment to the continued growth and success of the ASU System.”
Wheeler has worked with ASUN for over 30 years and has been part of the school’s growth from 600 students to 2,235. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from A-State.
“It is my highest honor to serve ASU-Newport as chancellor,” Wheeler said in a statement. “Spanning some 35 years, my connection with this institution has been my proudest association. I am humbled by this opportunity and appreciate the confidence of Dr. Shields and the Board of Trustees. I am eternally grateful to my wonderful network of friends, faculty and staff, and most especially the students and communities driving our work. I will strive ardently to remain worthy of this trust.”
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to include information from an ASU System news release.
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