Vision, Mission & Leadership
Vision Statement
The Arkansas State University System will create better educated citizens prepared for a global and technological society by providing quality undergraduate and graduate education, useful research, and dedicated public service.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Arkansas State University System is to contribute to the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of Arkansas by providing quality general undergraduate education and specialized programs leading to certificate, associate, baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctoral degrees; by encouraging the pursuit of research, scholarly inquiry, and creative activity; and by bringing these intellectual resources together to develop the economy of the state and the education of its citizens throughout their lives.
Each component of the Arkansas State University System will be characterized by:
- A supportive learning environment; personal development, leadership, and service opportunities; and facilities, technologies and support necessary to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff;
- Instructional technologies, student support services, and on-line and distance education to advance the purposes of teaching and learning;
- A commitment to sharing human, physical, information, and other resources among system components, and with state agencies, schools and higher education institutions, to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Arkansas.
Leadership
A seven-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor governs the system.
Dr. Brendan Kelly serves as president of the ASU System at its administrative offices in Little Rock. The chancellors are Dr. Todd Shields at Arkansas State, Dr. Trey Berry at Henderson State; Dr. Jennifer Methvin at ASU-Beebe, Ike Wheeler (interim) at ASU-Newport; Dr. Bentley Wallace at ASU-Mountain Home, Dr. Debra West at ASU Mid-South; and Dr. Steve Rook at ASU Three Rivers.
Dr. Les Wyatt was designated President Emeritus of the ASU System in 2010 after serving as the first system president from 2006-2010, and Dr. Chuck Welch was designated President Emeritus in 2024 after serving as its second president from 2011-2024.