JONESBORO — Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr. has announced the permanent appointment of Dr. William McLean as the university’s provost and executive vice chancellor.
McLean, who has been part of the A-State community for over two decades, has served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor since July. The appointment was confirmed this week by Chancellor White, who praised McLean for his leadership and steady presence.
“Will has become one of my most trusted colleagues and has been my right hand as we have worked to expand access and opportunity, grow our research enterprise and strengthen academics across campus,” White said. “He is calm under pressure, a problem solver and a consensus builder who brings people together to move our university forward. He understands our history and culture, but also where we are going.”
McLean expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility,” he said. “I appreciate Chancellor White’s leadership and support, and I am grateful to the faculty, staff and students whose work defines this institution.”
A native of Keiser, Arkansas, and a first-generation college graduate, McLean earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from A-State in 1994 before completing a Master of Arts from the same department in 1995. He received his doctorate in political science from the University of New Orleans in 2003.
McLean’s career at Arkansas State began in 2002 when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant professor of political science, following time at the University of Northern Iowa. He achieved early tenure and promotion, led the Master of Public Administration program, and served as chair of the Department of Political Science for a decade. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of A-State’s online Master of Public Administration program, which grew to more than 300 students.
“My career has been shaped by A-State at every stage,” McLean said. “I arrived as a student, returned as a faculty member, and have spent more than two decades seeing how this university changes lives. That’s why I approach the role of provost with such care.”
Since moving into university-level administration in 2022, McLean has taken on several leadership roles, including associate vice chancellor for faculty relations, senior vice provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research, and, most recently, interim provost.
In his new role, McLean will serve as the university’s chief academic officer, overseeing academic and research operations across A-State. Among his immediate priorities are leading searches for permanent deans of the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
McLean’s efforts in senior academic leadership have already contributed to significant initiatives, including the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the development of new degree programs, and the expansion of accelerated academic pathways. He has also spearheaded faculty development projects, professional advising programs and student success initiatives. His work on workforce development efforts includes involvement in projects such as the Windgate Art and Innovation Center, the Career Readiness Education and Skills Training (CREST) Center, and the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence.
Chancellor White commended McLean’s dedication to A-State, highlighting his deep ties to the institution. “Will is a great example of homegrown talent,” White said. “He knows Arkansas State, understands our mission and appreciates the people who make this university special. I am grateful that he has agreed to continue serving A-State in this important role, and I am excited to have him alongside me as we write the university’s next chapter.”
In addition to his administrative service, McLean continues to teach and conduct research as a professor of political science. His academic work focuses on public administration, public policy, and political behavior, with particular attention to rural election administration and public opinion.
McLean resides in Jonesboro with his wife, Shari, their son, Tyson, and their Labrador retriever, Koda. Active in the community, he has been involved with groups such as the Jonesboro Parks Advisory Committee and the Jonesboro Economical Transportation System. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, and smallmouth bass fishing, as well as cheering on A-State’s Red Wolves.