05/26/2026
Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields has been selected to serve as president of the ASU System beginning July 1.
As president, Shields will lead the ASU System, which oversees Arkansas State University in Jonesboro; Henderson State University in Arkadelphia; ASU-Beebe; ASU-Newport; ASU-Mountain Home; ASU Mid-South; ASU Three Rivers; and A-State Campus Queretaro in Mexico. In this role, he will help guide systemwide priorities, partnerships, and long-term strategy while continuing to advocate for A-State’s growth and success.
The ASU System Board of Trustees unanimously approved Shields’ appointment during a special meeting, along with the appointment of Dr. Calvin White, A-State’s executive vice chancellor and provost, as interim chancellor.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence the ASU System Board of Trustees has placed in me through my appointment as president,” Shields said. “I am grateful for their trust, their leadership and their steadfast commitment to expanding educational opportunity across our state and beyond. While I am excited about this new opportunity to serve, my heart is filled with gratitude for the relationships that my wife Karen and I have built in Jonesboro. We have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community partners who believe deeply in this university and its ability to transform lives and strengthen our region.”
Since joining A-State as chancellor in 2022, Shields has led a period of significant momentum for the university, including an enrollment increase of nearly 30%, the launch of the state’s first College of Veterinary Medicine, the establishment of the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing, and expanded workforce training partnerships across Northeast Arkansas.
“As I begin this next chapter, please know that my commitment to A-State remains unwavering,” Shields added “As system president, I will continue to be a strong advocate and resource for A-State, working to ensure that the university has every opportunity to build upon its success and continue changing lives. The future of A-State is bright, and I look forward to helping facilitate continued achievements in the years ahead.”
Executive vice chancellor and provost Calvin White will serve as interim chancellor during the transition beginning July 1, helping continue the university’s momentum and priorities.
Letter from Dr. Shields and Full ASU System Release: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/iyihlh/6a7244fb5e1d3dd5cd09457c5e5e7167
