LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees approved the appointments of Dr. Calvin White Jr. as chancellor of Arkansas State University (A-State) and Ike Wheeler as chancellor of ASU-Newport during a special meeting on Thursday. ASU System President Todd Shields recommended both appointments.

White, who had served as interim chancellor of A-State since July and previously held the role of executive vice chancellor and provost, is the first African American to serve as chancellor at A-State. He joined the university in 2023 and has played a key role in expanding enrollment, workforce development, and research initiatives, including the establishment of Arkansas’ first College of Veterinary Medicine. Fall enrollment has grown to 18,775 students, with total annual enrollment reaching 23,430 under his leadership.

“I am grateful to the ASU System Board of Trustees and Dr. Shields for their confidence in me,” White said. “It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as chancellor of Arkansas State University. I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, and students to build on our momentum, expand opportunities, and advance this institution.”

A native of the Arkansas Delta, White holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi and has received numerous awards for teaching and mentorship. His research on the African American experience in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta has earned him recognition internationally.

Ike Wheeler, who has been with ASU-Newport for over 30 years, moves into the permanent role of chancellor after serving as interim chancellor since August 2025. Wheeler, who most recently served as vice chancellor for leadership and community engagement, has overseen significant growth at the institution, which now operates three campuses with an annual enrollment of 4,994 students.

“It is my highest honor to serve ASU-Newport as chancellor,” Wheeler said. “My connection to this institution spans more than three decades, and I am humbled by the confidence of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Shields. I am committed to serving our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we represent.”

Wheeler, a Swifton resident, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State University. During his tenure, he has helped transform ASU-Newport from a small technical college to a multi-campus institution.

ASU System President Todd Shields called the appointments a step forward for the system, noting both leaders’ deep ties to Arkansas and their records of service. “Calvin White and Ike Wheeler bring vision, experience, and a strong dedication to their respective institutions,” Shields said. “I am excited to work with them as we continue building on the growth and success of the ASU System.”

Additional praise for White came from state officials, A-State faculty and staff, and community leaders, who cited his collaborative approach and vision for the university’s future. White’s leadership was particularly lauded by the mayor of Jonesboro, Harold Copenhaver, who emphasized the importance of A-State’s role in regional economic growth, and by Arkansas-based industry leaders who have partnered with the university on workforce initiatives.

ASU-Newport, established in 2001, serves eight counties in Northeast Arkansas with campuses in Newport, Jonesboro, and Marked Tree. Wheeler’s appointment was similarly praised by his colleagues and community members, reflecting his decades-long commitment to the institution.

Board of Trustees Chair Robert Rudolph expressed confidence in both appointments. “Leadership in higher education is about creating opportunities and preparing students for brighter futures,” Rudolph said. “Dr. White and Mr. Wheeler have demonstrated their understanding of these priorities, and I congratulate them on their appointments.”