The ASU System has realized growth across many dimensions during the past decade, including its number of institutions and enrolled students, and especially through increased impact and influence in the state of Arkansas. The health of the System is strong, rooted in a high functioning Board of Trustees whose members are deeply committed to the System, to its institutions, and to the transformative role that higher education plays in lifting the quality of life for all Arkansans. There is a palpable sense of momentum that extends from the Board to the ASU System leadership team and to the proud and talented leaders of the seven campuses.
The next President of the ASU System will have opportunity to build upon the legacy of Dr. Chuck Welch, who provided outstanding System leadership for 13 years. The ASU System President will be expected to work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, System leaders, and campus executives to sustain the momentum of the past decade and advance the following priorities:
The growth of the ASU System during the past decade has been significant, yet it remains a relatively young system of higher education. This serves as a strength and opportunity as its Trustees and leaders are open and poised to find ways to improve and expand its operations and services. During the next 10 years, the President will engage key stakeholders in creating a vision for extending the reach of the System and to strategically strengthen the System's service to the state of Arkansas. The President will work to build understanding and pride in the unique differences of each campus and collaborate with campus leaders to leverage these distinctions and achieve institutional priorities, such as development of the new A-State College of Veterinary Medicine and continuing stabilization of Henderson State University. At the same time, the President will encourage and promote systemwide collaboration and coordination that leads to realization of efficiencies.
There is an ambition that the ASU System and its institutions become the top choice for Arkansans by offering a diverse and rich array of institutions, degree and certificate programs, and learning modalities that support economic and workforce development and meet the needs of employers and potential students. The new President will be expected to stabilize and ideally grow enrollment across the System. The President must also serve as an ambassador for higher education, working to refine and articulate the value proposition and benefits of higher education to all Arkansans, including governmental leaders, parents, and students.
The ASU System presidency has great reach and influence, cultivated over the years by President Welch and due to the geographic, institutional, and programmatic diversity of the ASU System institutions. The new President must extend these efforts and serve as the leading voice and advocate for the ASU System and on behalf of higher education in Arkansas. The new President will also continue to attract, grow, and retain talented leaders at the System and institutional level. Critical to the capacity for advocacy and leading is the ability to work and build trust with a wide range of constituents, including governmental, business, and philanthropic executives as well as campus faculty, staff, and alumni.
The financial stability of the ASU System has created new opportunities for service and support across the State, and a keen understanding of the mission, work, and business of higher education is essential to the future health and potential growth of the System. The new President will be expected to be a thoughtful, wise, and careful steward of financial resources. The President will need to articulate financial and operational details of the System and its institutions to governmental leaders and others to make the case for investment and growth. The President will also make decisions informed by data and be willing to take calculated risks in concert with the Board of Trustees and System and campus leaders and be open to new opportunities, innovative partnerships, and collaborations designed to strengthen the System.
