The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Charles L. Welch as its new President and CEO, effective January 15, 2024. Currently, he is the President of the Arkansas State University System, a role he has held since April 2011.
Welch, recognized for his dynamic leadership, is the youngest person to have served as president or chancellor of an Arkansas community college and the youngest university president in the state. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Arts in Political Management from George Washington University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
His career is distinguished by various leadership roles, including president of Henderson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and vice chancellor for academic affairs at ASU-Beebe. Welch has been instrumental in significant expansion initiatives within the ASU System, overseeing mergers and the opening of new campuses.
Welch’s appointment comes as a pivotal move for the AASCU as it navigates the evolving landscape of higher education. His extensive experience and proven leadership skills position him uniquely to lead the organization towards continued success and impact. Welch succeeds Mildred García, who led the AASCU for over five years before becoming chancellor of the California State University system.
A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Welch was a first-generation college student and the first in his family to receive a graduate degree. His achievements have been recognized widely, including being named one of the “Powerful Men of 2013” by AY Magazine and selected for Arkansas Business’s “40 Under 40” list in 2005. He is also actively involved in community service, serving on various boards, including Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.
