Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – As Arkansas State University prepares for a new era of leadership, incoming Arkansas State University System President Dr. Todd Shields and Interim Chancellor Dr. Calvin White say one thing should reassure students, faculty, staff and the community:
Don’t expect a dramatic change in direction.
During a special edition of the Arkansas State Media Network’s Built with A-State, hosted by Heather Nelson, Shields and White described the leadership transition less as a changing of the guard and more as “changing seats at the table.”
The two administrators have worked together for nearly two decades, first as dean and department chair, then as chancellor and provost, building what they describe as a partnership rooted in trust, shared decision-making and a common vision for Arkansas State.
“The intentions and goals,” Shields said, “are the same. We’re just sitting at different places in the relationship.”
White echoed that sentiment, telling viewers the university’s major priorities—including continued enrollment growth, development of the College of Veterinary Medicine, expansion of research, workforce initiatives, housing needs and industry partnerships—remain firmly in place.
“We have a lot on the plate right now,” White said. “I don’t see any major new initiatives coming. What we’re doing has been working. Now it’s time to refine it, improve it and make sure it’s producing the results we want.”
Throughout the conversation, both leaders repeatedly pointed to teamwork—not individual accomplishments—as the driving force behind Arkansas State’s recent momentum. Shields credited campus leaders across enrollment, academics, student affairs, finance, research and athletics for helping reverse a decade-long enrollment decline while launching projects such as the veterinary school, the Crest Center, expanded workforce partnerships and the Freshman-to-Physician program.
“The team did it,” Shields said. “Great things happen when great teams work together.”
White said one reason the transition should be seamless is because the two have already spent years making decisions together.
“The face on the door may change,” White said, “but the thought process is still there.”
Rather than leading through top-down directives, both men described a leadership philosophy centered on listening, building consensus and giving employees the confidence to solve problems themselves. White said effective leadership in higher education requires explaining the “why” behind decisions while allowing faculty and staff to participate in the process before major changes are made.
Another recurring theme was communication.
Shields and White said Arkansas State has spent the past several years becoming much more intentional about telling the university’s story—not only across Northeast Arkansas but throughout the state. They believe increased visibility has helped elevate Arkansas State’s role as a major research university while strengthening alumni pride and expanding relationships with business and industry.
“We have a great story to tell,” White said, noting the university’s strategic location near major transportation corridors and growing industrial development in Northeast Arkansas. “We just hadn’t told the story.”
As president of the ASU System, Shields said he plans to expand communication among the system’s campuses while helping each institution build on its own strengths rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions. He described Arkansas State as becoming “the workforce pipeline and applied research engine” for industries across Arkansas.
Despite assuming different responsibilities, neither expects their partnership to end.
“We talk three or four times a day,” Shields joked.
White compared the relationship to a successful quarterback and wide receiver combination.
“Why would you break them up?” he said. “We’re stronger together.”
As the fall semester begins, White said he wants faculty and staff to experience stability more than anything else.
For both leaders, the message was clear: Arkansas State’s leadership may be changing titles, but the mission—and the momentum—remain the same.