Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields recently announced the selection of Dr. Calvin White Jr. as the next executive vice chancellor and provost at the university’s flagship campus in Jonesboro. His selection comes after a national search for the provost’s position, and his appointment is effective July 1. White is the first African American to serve as provost at A-State.

“I welcome, with great enthusiasm, this opportunity to work with the excellent faculty, staff, students and community of Arkansas State,” Dr. White said. “I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead, and to continuing to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of A-State’s thriving research, academic programs and overall vital intellectual campus life. 

“As a native Arkansan, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute as a leader to research, innovation and discovery that directly improves the lives of all Arkansans. My entire academic career has been focused on the overall intellectual growth of students, colleagues, peers, the institution, community, and state,” he added. 

White completed his Ph.D. in history at the University of Mississippi after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Central Arkansas. Focusing on the history of the American South, his research in the African American experience – particularly in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta region – has led to multiple publications. His first book, The Rise to Respectability: Race, Religion, and the Church of God in Christ, was released in October 2012. His most recent book is a biography about the first African American elected to U.S. Congress in the 20th century, Oscar Stanton DePriest. 

A native of Stuttgart, White enjoys spending time with his wife of 21 years, Shatara Porchia-White, and their daughter, Monroe Adeline Catherine, 10. One of his other great joys is travel. White has spent extensive time in East and West Africa, Europe, and numerous o