A-State Chancellor Todd Shields named Rural Advocate of the Year
by May 20, 2026 10:26 pm 158 views
Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields has been named the 2026 Rural Advocate of the Year by the Arkansas Rural Development Commission.
The honor was presented to Shields by Becca Caldwell, director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services, during a luncheon held Wednesday (May 20) at the annual Rural Development Conference at the Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro.
“Chancellor Todd Shields is making a significant impact in Northeast Arkansas, driving new educational initiatives and workforce development projects in the region,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are honored to name Chancellor Shields as the 2026 Rural Advocate of the Year and look forward to his continued success advancing education and workforce development in Arkansas.”
Shields has served as the chancellor of Arkansas State University in 2022, focusing on building partnerships with the local community and industry leaders to strengthen the Northeast Arkansas region and create opportunities for A-State students. He is the fourth appointed chancellor and the 14th individual to lead the university since its inception.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition and proud to stand alongside the educators, local leaders, and industry partners across our state who are making a difference in rural Arkansas,” said Shields. “Higher education changes lives, and I remain committed to supporting efforts that help every part of our state, no matter its size, continue to grow and succeed.”
Since 2022, Shields has spearheaded several initiatives at Arkansas State University. These initiatives include the state’s first College of Veterinary Medicine, which will accept its first student class this fall; a new Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing; and securing competitive workforce grants to expand training opportunities in partnership with Arkansas Northeastern College and ASU-Newport.