Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr. has announced the permanent appointment of Dr. William McLean as provost and executive vice chancellor.

McLean, a two-time graduate of A-State and longtime faculty member and administrator, has served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor since July.

“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.”

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility,” McLean said. “I appreciate Chancellor White’s leadership and support, and I am grateful to the faculty, staff and students whose work defines this institution.”

| READ MORE: Calvin White Named as Next A-State Chancellor

McLean has spent more than two decades at A-State, giving him experience with the university from nearly every perspective. A first-generation college graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from A-State in 1994 and a Master of Arts in political science in 1995. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of New Orleans in 2003.

After beginning his academic career at the University of Northern Iowa, McLean returned to A-State in 2002 as an assistant professor of political science and earned early tenure and promotion. He later served as director of the Master of Public Administration program and, beginning in 2011, spent a decade as chair of the Department of Political Science. During that time, he oversaw the launch and growth of A-State’s online Master of Public Administration program 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.”

McLean moved into university-level administration in 2022 when he was appointed associate vice chancellor for faculty relations. He later advanced to senior vice provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research before being named interim provost and executive vice chancellor in July.

“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.”

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As provost and executive vice chancellor, McLean serves as the university’s chief academic officer and provides executive leadership for A-State’s academic and research enterprise. In that role, one of his first priorities will be leading the searches for permanent deans of the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

During his time in senior academic leadership, McLean has helped advance several of the university’s major academic and research initiatives.

His work has included the development and launch of the College of Veterinary Medicine, new undergraduate and graduate degree programs, expanded accelerated academic pathways, professional academic advising, and initiatives designed to strengthen faculty development and student success.

McLean also played a role in the development of major research and workforce initiatives, including the Windgate Art and Innovation Center, the Career Readiness Education and Skills Training (CREST) Center, the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence and the Institute for Rural Initiatives.

“I want every student who comes to A-State to feel supported from the first day and to leave with a degree that opens doors,” McLean said. “To get there, we will invest in great teaching, grow our research and creative activity, and tear down barriers along the way.”

In addition to his administrative leadership, McLean is a professor of political science whose teaching and research have focused on public administration, public policy, political behavior and American political institutions. His scholarly work includes research on rural election administration, public opinion, public administration and policy.

A native of Keiser, McLean lives in Jonesboro with his wife, Shari; their son, Tyson; and their Labrador retriever, Koda. He has served the community through organizations including the Jonesboro Parks Advisory Committee and Jonesboro Economical Transportation System.

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