MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Arkansas State University-Mountain Home today announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Shurley as Provost, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Dr. Bentley Wallace, Chancellor of ASUMH, said Shurley’s selection reflects his longstanding commitment to student success and his deep connection to the campus and community.
“Every accomplishment we pursue at ASU-Mountain Home begins and ends with our students, and Dr. Shurley has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for them,” Wallace said. “He brings a depth of institutional knowledge and leadership experience, and I am confident he will elevate our mission and impact our college even further as Provost.”
A native of Jonesboro, Shurley began his career at ASUMH in 2009 as a mathematics faculty member. Over the years, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Faculty Senate President, Director of Banner Institutional Services, and most recently, Dean of Business, Arts & Sciences. His work has consistently focused on strengthening academic programs, supporting student success, and advancing ASUMH’s mission.
Dr. Shurley holds multiple degrees from Arkansas State University, including a Master of Science in Mathematics, and earned his Doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He and his wife, Jennifer Coffman, live in Norfork.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the ASUMH campus and the communities of the Twin Lakes region,” Shurley said. “ASUMH’s vision of ‘Creating Opportunities – Changing Lives’ guides everything we do, and in this role I look forward to expanding those opportunities and helping current and future TrailBlazers reach their goals.”