After being named the interim replacement on July 1, Dr. Calvin White Jr. became the fifth chancellor of Arkansas State University after being appointed by the System Board of Trustees on Sept. 28. 

Succeeding previous chancellor and current A-State system president Todd Shields, White received recommendation from his predecessor for the position. 

Shields said in his statement to the board that White will help bolster the university with the experience he brings.

“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,” Shields said.

In an email to the university on Monday, White said he will strive to build upon the foundation at A-State to continue growing and adapting to the record-breaking number of enrolled students.

“We will be ambitious about what comes next,” White said. “We should be proud of how far we have come, but never satisfied with where we are.”

In his vision for bringing more students to A-State, White said education was a vital part in the path to his position and for his future as chancellor, he plans to make it more obtainable for all students.

“Education changes lives, strengthens families and creates opportunities across generations. I know that personally,” White said. “That means working to keep an A-State education within reach, reducing financial barriers and creating an environment where our students can succeed.”

On Sept. 19, White detailed his long-term ideas for improving the housing issues on campus in an email to the university. 

He assured A-State’s population that his administration is working on solutions to the lack of dormitory space on campus in comparison to the number of students, but is considering the consequences of each idea.

“We must also weigh affordability, housing capacity, the residential experience our students expect, and our responsibility to be good stewards of university resources,” White said.

After the announcement of his appointment, different areas of A-State’s leadership celebrated the new chancellor.

A-State women’s basketball coach Destinee Rogers vouched for the new chancellor in a statement on social media, noting his connection to the community.

“He understands this university, the students, faculty, staff, and athletics,” Rogers said. “There isn’t anyone else who would have more pride being the chancellor than him.”

A-State football head coach Butch Jones also held high praise for White in a statement on social media.

“(Dr. White) is a proven leader and an individual who possesses a tremendous vision for our campus, athletics programs, and community,” Jones said. “There is no one better or more qualified than Dr. White to lead our university as we continue our upward trajectory.”

As White assumes the role of chancellor, he shows optimism in the future of the university and pride in the position.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as your chancellor. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together,” White said.

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