Arkansas State University appoints its first African-American chancellor 

Calvin White Jr. became Arkansas State University’s first African-American chancellor when the board of trustees approved a recommendation to appoint him to the post Monday. 

The board also appointed Ike Wheeler as chancellor of ASU-Newport. He had served as interim chancellor since August 2025. 

White was executive vice chancellor and provost at Arkansas State before becoming interim chancellor in July. He replaced former chancellor Todd Shields, who was named system president.

Trustees elect University of Arkansas’ first Black chancellor

“These appointments provide strong leadership and continuity at two institutions with tremendous opportunities ahead,” Shields said in a press release. 

White is a first-generation college student who was Arkansas State’s first African-American provost. He earned a doctorate in history at the University of Mississippi and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Central Arkansas.

Since joining Arkansas State in 2023, White has been important to “advancing the university’s academic distinction and contributing to its institutional growth, while strengthening research advancement and workforce development,” according to the release. 

“It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as chancellor of Arkansas State University, and I accept this responsibility with tremendous respect for the people who make this university special,” White said. “A-State has incredible momentum, and I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters to build on that momentum, expand opportunity and continue moving this university forward.”

Wheeler succeeds Johnny Moore, who announced in July 2025 he would leave ASU-Newport to become president of the four-year Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Wheeler also served as interim chancellor at ASU-Newport for a brief time in 2021.

Established in 2001, ASU-Newport is a two-year community college serving about 5,000 students annually in northeast Arkansas with campuses in Newport, Jonesboro and Marked Tree.

“It is my highest honor to serve ASU-Newport as chancellor,” Wheeler said. “Spanning some 35 years, my connection with this institution has been my proudest association.”

Wheeler received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State University.