William McLean Named Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at A-State

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University has named William McLean its permanent provost and executive vice chancellor, Chancellor Calvin White Jr. announced Oct. 5.

McLean, a two-time A-State graduate and longtime faculty member and administrator, has served in the role on an interim basis since July.

As the university’s chief academic officer, he oversees academic and research operations. Among his first priorities will be searches for permanent deans of the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, according to the university.

“He is calm under pressure, a problem solver and a consensus builder who brings people together to move our university forward,” White said. “He understands our history and culture, but also where we are going.”

McLean earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from A-State in 1994 and a master’s degree in the same field in 1995. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his doctorate in political science from the University of New Orleans in 2003.

He began his academic career at the University of Northern Iowa before returning to A-State in 2002 as an assistant professor of political science. He later directed the Master of Public Administration program and served for a decade as chair of the Department of Political Science, beginning in 2011.

During his time as department chair, McLean oversaw the launch and growth of the university’s online Master of Public Administration program to more than 300 students, according to A-State.

“My career has been shaped by A-State at every stage,” McLean said. “I arrived as a student, returned as a faculty member, and have spent more than two decades seeing how this university changes lives. That’s why I approach the role of provost with such care.”

McLean moved into university-level administration in 2022 as associate vice chancellor for faculty relations. He later served as senior vice provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research before becoming interim provost and executive vice chancellor.

The university said his work in senior academic leadership has included helping develop and launch the College of Veterinary Medicine, new degree programs, accelerated academic pathways, professional academic advising and initiatives supporting faculty development and student success.

He also helped develop research and workforce initiatives, including 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, according to A-State.

“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,” McLean said. “To get there, we will invest in great teaching, grow our research and creative activity, and tear down barriers along the way.”

McLean remains a professor of political science. His teaching and research have focused on public administration, public policy, political behavior and American political institutions.

A native of Keiser, McLean lives in Jonesboro. His community service has included work with the Jonesboro Parks Advisory Committee and Jonesboro Economical Transportation System.