Arkansas State University has appointed Calvin White Jr. as its first African-American chancellor, following a recommendation approved by the university’s board of trustees on Monday. White, who previously served as executive vice chancellor and provost, has been the university’s interim chancellor since July. He succeeds Todd Shields, who recently transitioned to the role of president of the ASU System.
“These appointments provide strong leadership and continuity at two institutions with tremendous opportunities ahead,” Shields said in a statement.
White, a first-generation college graduate, brings a background in academia and institutional development to his new role. He holds a doctorate in history from the University of Mississippi and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Central Arkansas. Joining Arkansas State in 2023 as the university’s first African-American provost, White has been credited with advancing academic quality, enhancing institutional growth, and prioritizing research and workforce development, according to the university.
“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,” White stated. “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.”
The board also named Ike Wheeler as the new chancellor for ASU-Newport, a two-year community college within the ASU System. Wheeler has served as interim chancellor at ASU-Newport since August 2025 and previously held the same temporary role in 2021. He succeeds Johnny Moore, who left the post to become president of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Wheeler, an Arkansas State alumnus with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university, has been associated with ASU-Newport for more than 35 years.
“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.”
ASU-Newport, established in 2001, serves approximately 5,000 students annually across its campuses in Newport, Jonesboro, and Marked Tree, providing educational and workforce training opportunities to northeast Arkansas.
Both leaders will guide their respective institutions as they embrace missions focused on academic excellence, institutional progress, and community engagement.