For best consideration, complete applications should be received before January 12, 2026. All submitted applications and materials are subject to Arkansas FOIA.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Arkansas State University-Newport seeks an experienced, engaged, professional and demonstrated higher education leader to serve as Chancellor. The candidate must be passionate about the opportunity to operate in multiple communities and lead an institution with campuses in three different cities. The Chancellor must be a community-focused, student-centric leader, who is able to effectively shape the future of Arkansas State University-Newport in a multi-campus environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the President of the Arkansas State University System, the Chancellor serves as the chief executive officer of the college. The Chancellor is responsible for overall planning, resource allocation, program evaluation, and the administration of campus affairs of ASU Newport, while effectively leading in a multi-campus environment. The next chancellor must have the vision, energy, and communication skills to grow programs, deepen partnerships, and keep the college aligned with regional workforce needs. They must respect the institution’s past while having an excellent plan for its future.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal Degree: A terminal degree in education, public administration, or a relevant field.
• Leadership: Executive-level leadership in higher education (vice chancellor or vice president level; 2-year or 4-year institution)
• Community College Experience: Experience in a community college setting in administration, teaching, or student services, and knowledge of dual enrollment, career and technical education (CTE), or non-credit programs.
• External Relations and Fundraising: Experience with community engagement, government relations, partnership development, or fundraising and the ability to work with foundations, legislators, and business leaders to secure resources and partnerships.
• Accreditation and Policy Knowledge: Familiarity with regional accreditation standards and state/federal education policies and experience leading institutions through accreditation reviews or compliance processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Chancellor of ASU Newport serves as the chief executive and visionary leader of the institution, entrusted with authority to guide its daily operations and long-term growth.
• The Chancellor plays a central role in shaping institutional strategy, resource allocation, and program evaluation while ensuring alignment with the ASU System’s overarching goals and policies.
• The Chancellor’s leadership is instrumental in fostering academic excellence across all programs.
• The Chancellor supports and oversees faculty and staff to cultivate a thriving educational environment, driving innovation, and quality. Additionally, the Chancellor will oversee all aspects of student life—from admissions to career services—and ensure a welcoming campus culture that supports every student’s success and well-being.
• Managing the financial health and operational effectiveness of the institution is a key role. The Chancellor oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with relevant policies, while also supervising facilities, procurement, and maintenance to provide a safe and inspiring physical environment.
• The Chancellors role extends to personnel management, ensuring a fair and supportive workplace for faculty, staff, and administrators.
• In the community, the Chancellor champions fundraising efforts, alumni engagement, and community partnerships to fuel ongoing growth and opportunity.
• The Chancellor contributes to systemwide initiatives by developing strategic master plans and maintaining open, transparent communication with the President and all campus constituencies.

The role of chancellor offers a unique chance to lead with impact, shaping the future of higher education in meaningful ways.

NEWPORT, ARKANSAS

Located on the White River and in the heart of Arkansas’s Delta, Newport is 84 miles northeast of Little Rock and 43 miles southwest of Jonesboro. With a population exceeding 8,000, Newport boasts the wonderful qualities of small-town America, while also having access to big city conveniences just a short drive away.

School choice offers a diverse opportunity to receive a quality education from kindergarten through college. The Newport School District also has after-school programs for all students K-12. Newport has a charter school and several private schools, as well. While Unity Health has both a hospital and medical center in Newport, the city also has several clinics and numerous physicians from which to choose.

In and around Newport, there are lots of things to do and enjoy, including the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts, the Rock and Roll Highway 67 Museum, Jacksonport State Park, the Newport Cultural Heritage Center, the Jackson County Historical Society Museum, Pioneer Village, Searcy Art Gallery, Hourglass Escape Rooms, Bradbury Art Museum, Craighead Forest Park, Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, and the Arkansas State University Museum in Jonesboro that showcases the pioneer and Native American histories of the region.

Whether it is educational opportunities in the public schools or ASUN, cultural activities at Jacksonport State Park, through the local festivals held year-round, or a cost of living that is lower than the state and national averages, there’s a lot to do and like about Newport.