ASU’s Welch to lead national higher-ed group

Chuck Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, has been appointed chairman-elect of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities board of directors.

He will move into the chairmanship in 2020.

The association is a Washington, D.C.-based higher-education group of nearly 420 public colleges, universities and systems whose members share a learning and teaching-centered culture, a commitment to underserved students, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.

The group, among other things, is an advocate at the federal level, working to guide policy that strengthens academic quality; access and inclusion; regional stewardship and economic progress; and educational innovation.

Welch was first elected to the board in November 2016.

He will succeed F. Javier Cevallos, president of Framingham State University in Massachusetts, who will serve as chairman in 2019.

“I’m honored to serve this outstanding organization,” Welch said.

“I’ve been an active member of this professional association during my seven years with ASU and previously while at Henderson State. Our members benefit from discussing common opportunities and challenges, and we serve as an important national voice for higher education.”

Welch became president of the ASU System in April 2011. He is chairman of the board of the Arkansas Association of Public Universities, and co-chairman of the executive council of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

The ASU System has nearly 23,000 students.