Executive Q&A: Captain’s Log, A Sea of Change
Arkansas State University System President Dr. Chuck Welch
The Arkansas State University school system has grown across the state over the last several years. The acquisition of universities into the system, such as Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, as well as the ASU System’s ability to emphasize education during a pandemic, has made some Arkansans curious about who is at the helm of the ship.
Dr. Charles L. Welch serves as president of the Arkansas State University System and as one of the state’s leading advocates for higher education. He is also Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities and systems, and he serves on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education. He is the youngest person to ever serve as president or chancellor of an Arkansas community college and is the youngest university president in Arkansas. Arkansas Money & Politics recently had the opportunity to ask Dr. Welch a few questions about the pandemic, Henderson, and the ASU system as a whole.
AMP: How would you describe the Arkansas State University System’s status coming out of the pandemic?
Welch: We’re grateful to have returned to some normalcy after two extremely challenging years. Through careful financial planning and conservative budgeting, we were equipped to weather the sudden revenue declines in enrollment and services, such as housing. We continue to believe strongly in the value proposition of higher education and its substantial impact on lifetime earnings and overall well-being. Our four-year universities and two-year institutions are committed to meeting the needs of students and employers, whether through research or workforce training. Our campuses are affordable and deliver a strong return on investment by students and their families. Arkansas State University was recently elevated to Carnegie R2 research status in recognition of its heightened role in research and doctoral-level credentials. Efforts to develop the state’s first veterinary school on campus continue, as well as planning for the Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, with collaborations across academic fields.
AMP: What is the current financial situation at Henderson State University?
Welch: It’s improving, but we’re progressing through a multi-year process to overcome the significant financial challenges we inherited with the Henderson State merger into the ASU System. We have made many difficult financial decisions with substantial reductions in operating expenses and personnel. But we’re confident we can continue to deliver quality instruction and services for students.
AMP: In March, Henderson was reported as seeing financial improvement after joining the ASU System. In May, 88 faculty positions and 25 degree programs were approved to be cut. What led to this decision in May?
Welch: After more than two years of significant cuts in operating expenses, the reduction in faculty positions and degree programs was the final major step in addressing Henderson’s budget. Our data showed that the number of credit hours being taught didn’t justify the level of instructional spending. Additionally, we determined that general education courses could be taught through less expensive means. Degree programs that were cut included those that didn’t result in enough student success, didn’t meet regional workforce demands or were cost-prohibitive. We will narrow our degree programs’ focus to ensure we can maximize student outcomes and teach them efficiently.
AMP: Will Henderson see a name change now that it has been adopted into the ASU System?
Welch: No. The historic Henderson name has a positive legacy as one of the state’s oldest institutions. Support to maintain the Henderson name was very strong.
AMP: What has been the greatest challenge in course-correcting the status of Henderson?
Welch: We have made very difficult personnel decisions regarding cuts in both positions and compensation. This has created burdens and challenges for our employees. We’re losing some talented people — many of whom I knew from my time as president of Henderson — who care greatly for Henderson and our students. It’s a sad time, but we have a responsibility to do everything possible for the long-term success of Henderson.
AMP: How is the search for a new chancellor for Arkansas State University in Jonesboro coming along?
Welch: I hope we will have announced a new chancellor by the time your July edition is distributed. We attracted an outstanding pool of applicants who understand what a terrific opportunity we have at A-State.