The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Calvin White Jr. as chancellor of Arkansas State University and Ike Wheeler as chancellor of ASU-Newport.
The board approved the appointments during a special meeting following recommendations from ASU System President Todd Shields.
White, formerly A-State’s executive vice chancellor and provost, had served as interim chancellor since July, when Shields became system president. Wheeler, previously ASU-Newport’s vice chancellor for institutional advancement, had served as interim chancellor since August 2025.
“These appointments provide strong leadership and continuity at two institutions with tremendous opportunities ahead,” Shields said. “Calvin has helped shape A-State’s recent growth in enrollment, academics, research and workforce development, and he has a clear vision for where the university can go next. Ike’s three decades of service to ASU-Newport give him a deep understanding of its people, its mission and its role in the communities it serves. I look forward to working with both as we continue to strengthen the ASU System.”
Board Chair Robert Rudolph also congratulated the new chancellors.
“I am delighted to congratulate Ike Wheeler and Calvin White on their appointments,” Rudolph said. “As chair of the Board of Trustees, I recognize that one of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that our institutions have the right leadership to move them forward. I believe these gentlemen understand that higher education is about more than buildings, programs and degrees. It is about people, creating opportunities, changing lives and preparing students for a brighter future. I want to thank Dr. Shields for his leadership throughout this process and my fellow trustees for their commitment to the continued growth and success of the ASU System.”
White joined A-State in 2023 and, as provost and executive vice chancellor, served as the university’s chief academic officer. He led the Office of Academic Affairs and Research, which encompasses 12 academic colleges, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, A-State Heritage Sites, two museums and the A-State Reserve Officer Training Program regiment.
During his tenure, White played a role in academic growth, research advancement and workforce development. A-State launched Arkansas’ first College of Veterinary Medicine in fall 2026, while fall enrollment grew to 18,775 students and annual enrollment reached 23,430.
A first-generation college student, White becomes the first African American to serve as chancellor of A-State. He was also the university’s first African American provost.
“I am grateful to the ASU System Board of Trustees for their confidence in me and to Dr. Todd Shields for his trust and support,” White said. “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. 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 has been associated with ASU-Newport for more than 30 years and previously served briefly as interim chancellor in 2021.
He succeeds Dr. Johnny Moore, who announced in July 2025 that he would leave ASU-Newport after four and a half years to become president of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Wheeler was named vice chancellor for leadership and community engagement in December 2019. In 2023, his title changed to vice chancellor for institutional advancement to better reflect his fundraising responsibilities. His work has also included campus outreach events and alumni relations.
“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. I am humbled by this opportunity and appreciate the confidence of Dr. Shields and the Board of Trustees. I am eternally grateful to my wonderful network of friends, faculty and staff, and most especially the students and communities driving our work. I will strive ardently to remain worthy of this trust.”
Feature Photo: Dr. Calvin White Jr. (left), Ike Wheeler
READ ALSO: Cotton to Hegseth: Secure Defense Supply Chain
