Jonesboro, Ark. – Arkansas State University announced on Oct. 5 that William McLean will serve permanently as provost and executive vice chancellor, ending his interim tenure that began in July. Chancellor Calvin White Jr. praised McLean as a calm, problem‑solving consensus builder who understands the university’s history and future direction.
Deep Roots at A‑State
McLean is a two‑time graduate of Arkansas State, earning a bachelor’s in political science in 1994 and a master’s in the same field in 1995. A first‑generation college graduate, he later completed a doctorate in political science at the University of New Orleans in 2003.
After an early faculty stint at the University of Northern Iowa, McLean returned to A‑State in 2002 as an assistant professor of political science. He directed the Master of Public Administration program and served a decade as chair of the Department of Political Science, beginning in 2011. Under his leadership, the department launched an online MPA program that now serves more than 300 students.
Administrative Experience
McLean moved into university‑wide administration in 2022 as associate vice chancellor for faculty relations. He later became senior vice provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research before stepping into the interim provost role. His senior‑level work includes helping develop the College of Veterinary Medicine, new degree programs, accelerated pathways, professional advising, and faculty‑development initiatives.
He also contributed to major research and workforce projects such as the Windgate Art and Innovation Center, the Career Readiness Education and Skills Training Center, the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, and the Institute for Rural Initiatives.
Vision for the Future
McLean said his top priorities will be recruiting permanent deans for the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He added, “I want every student who comes to A‑State to feel supported from the first day and to leave with a degree that opens doors. To get there, we will invest in great teaching, grow our research and creative activity, and tear down barriers along the way.”
He will continue teaching political science, focusing on public administration, public policy, political behavior, and American political institutions.
Community Ties
A native of Keiser, McLean lives in Jonesboro and has served on the Jonesboro Parks Advisory Committee and the Jonesboro Economical Transportation System, underscoring his long‑standing commitment to the local community.
With more than two decades of service to Arkansas State University, McLean’s appointment signals continuity and a forward‑looking agenda aimed at strengthening academic quality, expanding research opportunities, and enhancing student success across the campus and the broader region.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
