JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr. has announced the appointment of Dr. William McLean as the institution’s permanent provost and executive vice chancellor. McLean, a graduate of A-State and a faculty member for over two decades, has served in the interim role since July.
Chancellor White commended McLean’s leadership and collaborative skills, calling him “a problem solver and a consensus builder” with a deep understanding of both the university’s history and its future direction. “He has been my right hand as we have worked to expand access, grow our research enterprise, and strengthen academics across campus,” White said in a prepared statement.
McLean, who described the appointment as an honor, emphasized his commitment to the institution. “My career has been shaped by A-State at every stage,” he said. “I appreciate Chancellor White’s leadership and the trust he has placed in me, and I’m grateful to the faculty, staff, and students whose work defines this university.”
An Arkansas native and first-generation college graduate, McLean earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from A-State, completing them in 1994 and 1995, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of New Orleans in 2003. His academic career began at the University of Northern Iowa before he returned to A-State in 2002 as an assistant professor of political science.
Over his tenure, McLean has served in various leadership roles, including director of the Master of Public Administration program, chair of the Department of Political Science, and associate vice chancellor for faculty relations. In 2022, he was promoted to senior vice provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research. During his time as department chair, McLean oversaw the growth of A-State’s online Master of Public Administration program to over 300 students.
As provost, McLean will serve as A-State’s chief academic officer, overseeing the university’s academic and research programs. One of his immediate priorities will be leading national searches for permanent deans of the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
McLean has been instrumental in advancing several key initiatives at A-State. These include the development of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the launch of new academic programs, and the creation of accelerated academic pathways. He has also played a role in expanding professional academic advising, strengthening faculty development, and increasing opportunities for student success. On the research front, McLean has contributed to major 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.
“Every student who comes to A-State should feel supported from day one and leave with a degree that opens doors,” McLean stated. “We will invest in great teaching, grow research and creative activity, and remove barriers to success.”
A native of Keiser, McLean resides in Jonesboro with his wife, Shari; their son, Tyson; and their Labrador retriever, Koda. He has been active in the local community, serving on the Jonesboro Parks Advisory Committee and Jonesboro Economical Transportation System.
McLean’s appointment signals continued efforts to enhance academic excellence and expand opportunities at Arkansas State University as it moves forward under his leadership.