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Vision, Mission & Leadership

Vision Statement

Through the leadership of the Board of Trustees, System President and staff, Chancellors, faculty, staff, and campus communities, the Arkansas State University System will align and support a differentiated network of institutions that expands educational opportunity, prepares career-ready graduates, advances innovation, and strengthens the economic, cultural, and social vitality of Arkansas. 

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas State University System is to facilitate and assist its institutions of higher education as they improve the educational, cultural, and economic prosperity of Arkansas through a coordinated, student-centered focus that delivers high-quality, accessible, and workforce-aligned education; fosters research, innovation, and creative activity; and strengthens communities through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship of shared resources.

The System fulfills this mission by:

  • Promoting collaboration and alignment across campuses to maximize efficiency, access, and impact
  • Developing and supporting campuses as they employ a talented, skilled, and exceptional workforce of faculty and staff
  • Assisting and supporting the campuses as they develop and deliver innovative academic programs aligned with regional and statewide workforce needs
  • Supporting the campuses as they leverage technology, data, and cybersecurity to enhance operations and decision-making
  • Supporting and promoting guardrails among system institutions that sustain financial strength through proactive resource stewardship, assistance, facilitation, and financial guidance
  • Supporting the campuses as they improve student success through holistic, equitable, and seamless educational experiences
  • Assisting and supporting campuses as they engage, create, and maintain external partners to strengthen visibility, trust, and economic development

 

Leadership

 

A seven-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor governs the system.

Dr. Todd Shields serves as President of the ASU System at its administrative offices in Little Rock. The chancellors are Dr. Calvin White Jr. (interim) 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 Shane Broadway (interim) 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. Dr. Brendan Kelly was the third president and served 2024-2025.