Little Rock, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields will be the next ASU System President.

The ASU System Board of Trustees, in a special-called meeting on Tuesday, unanimously voted in favor of Shields’ hiring after nearly an hour-long executive session. The board also unanimously voted to name current A-State provost and executive vice chancellor Dr. Calvin White as A-State’s interim chancellor. Both of their positions are effective July 1.

Trustee Price Gardener will work to negotiate contracts with both before the board’s next regular meeting, set for June 3 at 10 a.m. at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Jonesboro Right Now

“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 in a press release announcing his appointment. “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.”

“As I begin this next chapter, please know that my commitment to A-State remains unwavering,” Shields added in the press release. “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.” 

Shields, who will be the fourth ASU System president, will succeed Dr. Brenden Kelly, who announced in December 2025 that he was stepping down to serve as president of Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Robin Myers has served as interim system president since then.

Shields was named as A-State’s chancellor in 2022. He previously served as dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville.

White was named provost in 2023 and previously served as the associate dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at UA.

“A-State belongs to the people of Arkansas and throughout this transition, my focus will remain firmly on the mission that defines us: educating students, expanding opportunity, conducting impactful research and strengthening the communities we serve,” White said in the press release. “The accomplishments of Arkansas State are the result of dedicated faculty and staff, engaged students, loyal alumni, generous supporters and strong community partners united around a common purpose. I look forward to working with our campus community as we build on our momentum and continue advancing the priorities that are shaping Arkansas State’s future.”

Editor’s Note: This story was updated with additional information from an ASU System press release.

| DAILY BRIEF: Sign up for the Jonesboro Right Now Daily Brief Newsletter