Arkansas State University chancellor named new system president

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees on Tuesday selected Chancellor Todd Shields to become the system’s fourth president effective July 1. 

Shields served as a dean at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for nine years before being named ASU’s chancellor in 2022. He succeeds Brendan Kelly, who left ASU in December to become president of his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Robin Myers will continue to serve as interim president until July 1.

Broadway appointed Arkansas State University Three Rivers interim chancellor

Based in Little Rock, the Arkansas State University System serves nearly 39,000 students annually on campuses in Arkansas and Querétaro, Mexico, and globally online, according to a news release. 

The board also voted Tuesday to name Calvin White, executive vice chancellor and provost at Arkansas State, as interim chancellor effective July 1. 

In a statement, Shields said he was honored by the decision and has an unwavering commitment to the Arkansas State system. 

“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,” he said. “The future of A-State is bright, and I look forward to helping facilitate continued achievements in the years ahead.” 

During his time at the University of Arkansas, Shields served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and dean of the Graduate School and International Education. He was also founding director of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society.

Shields earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from Miami University in Ohio. He also earned a master’s degree and doctorate in political science at the University of Kentucky.