ASU System Board Approves Chancellor Appointments at A-State, ASU-Newport

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees today in a special meeting approved the recommendation of President Todd Shields to appoint Dr. Calvin White Jr. as chancellor of Arkansas State and Ike Wheeler as chancellor of ASU-Newport.

White, formerly executive vice chancellor and provost at A-State, had been serving as interim chancellor since July, when Shields was named system president. Wheeler, who was previously ASUN vice chancellor for institutional advancement, had served as interim chancellor since August 2025.

“These appointments provide strong leadership and continuity at two institutions with tremendous opportunities ahead,” Shields said. “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.”

Board Chair Robert Rudolph said: “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.”

As provost and executive vice chancellor, White was the university's chief academic officer. He led the Office of Academic Affairs and Research, the institution's largest division, which includes 12 academic colleges, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, A-State Heritage Sites, two museums and the A-State Reserve Officer Training Program regiment.

Since joining A-State in 2023, White has played a strategic role in advancing the university’s academic distinction and contributing to its institutional growth, while strengthening research advancement and workforce development. Under his leadership, the university launched Arkansas’ first College of Veterinary Medicine in fall 2026. During this period, fall enrollment expanded to 18,775 students and annual enrollment has reached 23,430 students.

White is a first-generation college student and becomes the first African American to serve as chancellor at A-State. He was also the first African American provost at A-State. 

“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. “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.”

A native Arkansan with deep ties to the Delta, White is a historian who has been awarded numerous teaching and mentorship accolades and whose research focuses on the African American experience in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta, which has led to multiple publications.

He served as a fellow in the SEC Academic Leadership Program and earned numerous top teaching, advising and service awards, including the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award and the Dr. John and Mrs. Lois Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas’s Teaching Academy and served as a Gilder-Lehrman Fellow at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York. Further, White has lectured at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, and presented research at the Obama Institute at the University of Mainz, in Mainz, Germany.

White earned a Ph.D. in history at the University of Mississippi and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Central Arkansas.

Wheeler succeeds Dr. Johnny Moore, who announced July 2025 that he would leave ASU-Newport after four and a half years to become president of the four-year Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss. He previously served as interim chancellor at ASU-Newport for a brief time in 2021.

He has been associated with ASU-Newport for more than 30 years. In December 2019, he was named vice chancellor for leadership and community engagement. He accepted his current title in 2023 to better reflect his role in fundraising for the institution and has responsibility for campus outreach and events and alumni relations.

“It is my highest honor to serve ASU-Newport as chancellor,” Wheeler said. “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.”

During Wheeler’s career with ASU-Newport, he has been part of growth from a small technical college with 600 students to a three-campus entity with enrollment of 2,235 students.
A resident of Swifton, Wheeler is a member of Arkansas Community Colleges, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, Jackson County Historical Society and Iron Mountain Regional Arts.

He received both his Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University.

Established in 2001, ASU-Newport is a two-year community college serving 4,994 students annually in Northeast Arkansas with campuses in Newport, Jonesboro and Marked Tree.

In other business, the Board:

• Approved a permanent water line easement to City Water and Light of Jonesboro to support construction of the Career Readiness Education & Skills Training Center on the A-State campus.
• Approved application for a grant from the Arkansas Department of Human Services to continue participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

What They're Saying

Bryan Barnhouse, President & CEO, Arkansas Research Alliance:
“Arkansas is moving forward with the selection of Dr. Calvin White as chancellor of A-State. He sees the university’s potential and has helped turn that vision into action through strategic investments in research — from steel and advanced materials and coatings to stress-tolerant rice and cancer treatment through plant biotechnology. His leadership is helping A-State attract talented students and faculty while building research partnerships with industries that drive Arkansas’ economy. As chancellor, he can build on that momentum for A-State and the state of Arkansas.”

Shane Broadway, Vice President for University Relations for the ASU System and Interim Chancellor of ASU Three Rivers:
“I’ve had the privilege to work with Chancellor White for many years as a legislator, Director of ADHE, and now as part of the ASU System. His background as a native Arkansan and one who has experience throughout our state in higher education and his passion for our history and the Delta, which has always been a major part of A-State’s mission, make him uniquely qualified to lead my alma mater. That background and experience will serve our faculty, staff and students well and will increase the opportunity and reach of A-State into important areas for our state’s future.”

Davy Carter, Regional President of Centennial Bank:
“Since Dr. White arrived at Arkansas State University in the spring of 2023, he has been a strong leader both on campus and in the community.  I am confident that he will continue to do so as our new Chancellor.  I am very excited about the future of our great University."

Harold Copenhaver, Mayor of Jonesboro:
“Chancellor Calvin White is an exceptional leader whose vision, energy, and dedication are making a meaningful difference at Arkansas State University and throughout our region. He leads with purpose, builds strong partnerships, and understands the vital role A-State plays in creating opportunities for our students' economic growth. Chancellor White’s commitment to excellence and genuine passion for the university are helping position A-State for an even brighter future. Jonesboro benefits from having a leader of his caliber guiding an institution that means so much to our city and all Northeast Arkansas.”

Dr. Deacue Fields III, Vice President, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture:
"Arkansas State couldn't have chosen a more committed leader than Dr. White.  He has the compassion for faculty, staff and students and the drive for excellence that will cultivate an environment for success.  He is willing to make tough decisions that are grounded in wisdom and integrity, which will open doors for growth.  I am excited about his commitment to collaboration that will lead to new partnerships with the UA Division of Agriculture. He has been an agent for positive change in every leadership position throughout his career, and I look forward to the remarkable progress to come from his vision for ASU."

Dr. Pam Henderson, A-State Staff Senate President:
“On behalf of the A-State Staff Senate, we are excited to welcome Dr. White as our next chancellor of Arkansas State University. Dr. White has already been a valued part of the A-State community during his time as provost, and we value the open communication and collaborative relationship he has developed with staff during that time. We look forward to continuing that partnership and strengthening the connection between university leadership and staff as we move forward together, building on the strong foundation already established. Our staff members are deeply invested in the success of A-State, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to being part of this next chapter.”

Dr. John Hershberger, A-State Faculty Senate President:
“Dr. White’s unique background as an educator and leader gives him a valuable perspective on the work of our faculty and the mission of Arkansas State University. I congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working together to support our faculty, staff, and students to help advance the university.”

Butch Jones, Arkansas State Head Football Coach:
“The appointment of Dr. Calvin White to chancellor is momentous for Arkansas State University. He is a proven leader and an individual who possesses a tremendous vision for our campus, athletics programs and community. Serving as our interim chancellor the last three months, and provost and executive vice chancellor prior to that, Calvin has been instrumental in our unprecedented institutional growth. There is no one better or more qualified than Dr. White to lead our university as we continue our upward trajectory.”

Kate Malone, SGA President, Arkansas State University:
“Open communication and collaboration between university leadership and students are essential to building a campus community where every student feels heard and supported. I am excited about Dr. White’s appointment and look forward to working with him as he engages with students and the broader A-State community. I am confident that he will continue to place students first as he carries out the initiatives and vision of Arkansas State University.”

Phillip Poston, Chief Administrative Officer, Hytrol Conveyor Company:
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Dr. White and have tremendous respect for his leadership. His actions have shown that he listens, understands what matters, and has the vision and ability to build on Arkansas State’s momentum and take the university to an even higher level. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead under Calvin’s leadership.”

Destinee Rogers, Arkansas State Head Women’s Basketball Coach:
“I am so excited that Dr. Calvin White has officially been named Chancellor of Arkansas State University. Calvin is the epitome of a great leader, not only for the University but for the community as well. He understands this university, the students, faculty, staff, and athletics. There isn’t anyone else who would have more pride being the chancellor than him. We are thankful for Calvin and excited to support him in his new journey being our campus leader. From one Arkansas kid to another, congrats Professor! God is good!”

Natalie Rogers, President of the A-State Alumni Association:
“On behalf of the A-State Alumni Association, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Calvin White as Chancellor of Arkansas State University. Dr. White brings a deep commitment to A-State, a strong record of academic leadership and a genuine passion for our students and the university’s future. Our alumni are proud to stand behind his leadership as A-State continues to build on its momentum and strengthen its impact across Arkansas and beyond.”

Arkansas Senator Jamie Scott:
“I am incredibly proud to see Dr. Calvin White selected to serve as Chancellor of Arkansas State University. This appointment is especially meaningful to me because Dr. White was one of my professors many years ago during a summer course at Pulaski Technical College. He was one of my absolute favorite professors, and his impact on my life extended far beyond the classroom.

Dr. White had a remarkable ability to challenge his students, inspire us to think more deeply, and see potential in us that we did not always recognize in ourselves. I am grateful to have been one of his students and to have experienced firsthand his commitment to education and developing others.

To now see someone who helped shape my own educational journey entrusted with leading Arkansas State University is truly a full-circle moment. I know Dr. White will bring that same passion for students, excellence, and transformative leadership to this role. I could not be more excited for him, for the university, and for the generations of students who will have the opportunity to benefit from his leadership.”

Dr. Shane Speights, Dean, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University:
"Dr. White is a bold, forward-thinking, charismatic leader who has been an outstanding partner to our medical school throughout his time in Jonesboro. It means a lot to me that he is from the state and grew up in a small community. I've very much enjoyed working with Dr. White in his previous roles, and I look forward to continuing to do so as he assumes this well-deserved promotion. From all of us at NYITCOM at A-State, a huge congratulations to Dr. White."