Calvin White, Ph.D., is the new vice chancellor and provost at Arkansas State University, Chancellor Todd Shields announced this morning. 

“I am extremely excited that Calvin is joining our team at Arkansas State,” Shields said in a press release. “I am also appreciative of the incredible work our advisory committee put into finding the right leader for this pivotal role. Their enthusiastic support and feedback was that we should offer the position to Calvin. We cannot wait to welcome him to Jonesboro and to the Pack.”

Bill Smith, chief communications officer, commented on White’s appointment. 

“We’re all just excited he’s coming,” Smith said. 

White is currently the associate dean of humanities in the Fulbright College of Arts and Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. 

“I welcome, with great enthusiasm, this opportunity to work with the excellent faculty, staff, students and community of Arkansas State,” White said. “I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead and to continuing to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of A-State’s thriving research, academic programs and overall vital intellectual campus life.

His appointment will be confirmed at the next ASU System Board of Trustees meeting on June 8.

White’s appointment is effective July 1. Len Frey, Ph.D., will continue to serve as interim provost until then. 

White is the first Black provost to serve at A-State.

“Don’t run around saying I’m lucky because I’m the Black provost. I should never hear you say that,” White said in his public forum on March 7, when speaking about how people may think he got the position due to his race. 

“I’m well acquainted with Calvin’s work from our previous time together and I’m looking forward to everyone at A-State getting to know what an outstanding administrator and colleague he is,” Shields added. “In higher education as a whole, the road ahead will be demanding and Arkansas State, with the selection of White as our next provost, is better positioned to meet these challenges head-on.”

White plans to “communicate the value of higher education” to combat the 2025 enrollment cliff, increase research and boost the graduation rate from 53% to 65%. More details about his plans for A-State can be found here. 

A-State is working on a date and time for a reception to introduce him to the campus community.

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