"Chancellor"

Job Details

CHANCELLOR

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY MID-SOUTH

Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis seeks an experienced, visionary higher education professional with demonstrated executive leadership to serve as Chancellor. The Chancellor must embody the community-focused, student-first culture that defines the college today while embracing a community engagement mission that builds connections among students and employees internally, and leaders, businesses and organizations externally.

For complete information, See the Profile here:

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/ASU-Mid-South_Chancellor-FINAL.pdf

ABOUT ASU MID-SOUTH

Arkansas State University Mid-South (ASU Mid-South) in West Memphis provides high quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities throughout Eastern Arkansas and the Mid-South region. In 1982, the institution opened its doors as Mid-South Vocational Technical School. While it became Mid-South Technical College in 1991 and later in 1993 a community college, it was chartered as Arkansas State University Mid-South in 2015.

Serving more than 1,000 students, ASU Mid-South offers a wide array of opportunities for growth academically, socially, and professionally. ASU Mid-South offers tutoring, academic support, and encouragement to students as well as Career Pathways, a state educational and financial assistance program, which offers funds for childcare, transportation, tuition, and books to students who qualify. The Barbara C. Baxter Learning Success Center provides tutoring, testing, career coaching, online learning support, and other assistance necessary for students to succeed in their academic endeavors.

Centrally located on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River, ASU Mid-South welcomes students from Southwest Tennessee, Northwest Mississippi, and the Arkansas Delta. The college offers a full range of certificates and associate degrees that can lead to careers in multiple areas of business, allied health, computer programming, teaching, machining, and more. The college recently established programs in commercial truck driving, auto/diesel maintenance technology, and paramedic training. Individual programs are accredited or certified by specialized agencies for the respective programs, including aviation technology, certified Cisco networking associate, certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician and advanced emergency medical technician, machine technology, and paramedic science. The campus also supports student organizations which offer opportunities for service, leadership development, and fellowship, such as: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta (English honor society), and the Student Government Association (SGA).

ASU Mid-South is committed to the economic development of the Arkansas Delta by developing a world-class workforce and targeting new industry to the region. In support of those goals, the college participates in a number of regional partnerships which support economic growth and provide a comprehensive array of training services for business and industry. The institution remains aggressive and determined in its efforts to meet the current and future employment needs of the region so that students will be prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The mission of Arkansas State University Mid-South is to enrich lives through high quality educational programming that fosters student success, workforce development, and lifelong learning.

ASU MID-SOUTH FOUNDATION

The Arkansas State University Mid-South Foundation is an independent charitable organization founded in 1992 to raise and oversee funds donated to ASU Mid-South to support the people, programs, and priorities of ASU Mid-South. From individual scholarships to the development and expansion of the college, the Foundation works to make the educational future of its students possible.

ASU MID-SOUTH VISION: LENS

Leading: To be recognized as innovative and collaborative in developing and utilizing promising practices to ensure a quality learning environment, strategic organizational efficiency, and regional economic development.

Empowering: To be known for our commitment to celebrating the strength and diversity of our people and our determination to help our students obtain knowledge, self-understanding, and autonomy.

Nurturing: To be recognized for consistently displaying compassion and concern for individuals and providing the learning resources and support services necessary to meet their educational goals.

Serving: To be viewed by our constituents as their educational provider of choice, meeting the diverse educational and cultural needs of our communities; supporting student interests through a range of organizations and activities; meeting the region’s employment demands; and broadening access to higher education opportunities.

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 Mid-South. The Chancellor must embody the community-focused, student-first culture that defines the college today, while having the vision, energy, and communication skills to grow programs, deepen partnerships, and ensure the college is aligned with regional workforce and education needs, and advance the institution to create outcomes that advance the people and communities it serves. The Chancellor must be present, authentic, and adaptable, with a clear respect for the institution’s past and a strategic vision for its future.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal Degree: A Ph.D., Ed.D., or other terminal degree in 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 Arkansas State University Mid-South 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.

WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS

Located directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, West Memphis has a population of more than 24,000. Bounded to the east by the Mississippi River and both I-55 and I-40 traveling through it, West Memphis is known as the “crossroads of America” in the trucking industry.

Primarily because of its central location and transportation infrastructure, West Memphis has become a hub for distribution and assembly operations. Healthcare is a noteworthy component of the city’s economy, including Baptist Memorial Hospital, various clinics, medical suppliers, and nursing homes located in town. Some of the major employers in the city include Schneider National Carriers, Southland Casino Hotel, Family Dollar Distribution, FedEx National LTL, Google, and Robert Bosch Power Tools. A deepwater port, West Memphis facilitates transloading among trucks, barges, and trains.

Most of West Memphis is served by the West Memphis School District while a portion of the is within the Marion School District. While there are many public schools in West Memphis, there are also several private schools as well.

West Memphis, Arkansas, offers a welcoming community rich in cultural heritage and outdoor recreation, making it an inviting place to live. Situated along the scenic Mississippi River, residents enjoy fishing, boating, and walking or biking through nearby parks and trails. The city also hosts lively festivals and events that celebrate its deep blues music roots, honoring legends like B.B. King. With affordable living, a close-knit atmosphere, and easy access to the amenities of nearby Memphis, West Memphis provides a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and convenient urban connection.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

All application packets must include the following:

• A letter of application that outlines the candidate’s (a) interest in and qualifications for the position,
• and (b) leadership philosophy.
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé
• At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)

Submit application materials online, preferably as PDFs. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before January 12, 2026. All submitted applications and materials are subject to Arkansas FOIA.

Nominations

Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultants

Arkansas State University System has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Search Committee in its identification and review of candidates. Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, and Brianna Douglas, Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, are the lead consultants for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search by e-mailing KennyDaugherty@myersmcrae.com or BriannaDouglas@myersmcrae.com.

*Arkansas State University Mid-South does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, veteran status or marital status in any of its practices, policies or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, employment, admissions, educational services, programs or activities which it operates or financial aid.*