ASU-Newport names new vice chancellor for academic affairs

Martha Shull
Martha Shull

NEWPORT — Martha Shull is Arkansas State University-Newport’s new vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, and she looks forward to working in her new position.

Her official first day was Jan. 6.

“I’ll be supervising, directing and leading the deans in general education,” Shull said.

She will oversee the university’s entire academic program.

Before her appointment as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, she was ASU-Newport’s PACE grant lead for the areas of developmental education and English.

According to ASU-Newport, Shull has been involved in higher education for more than 40 years. Before taking her first job at ASU-Newport, she was director of a Perkins Grant for Retention of Faculty and Mentoring At-Risk Students at Black River Technical College in Pocahontas.

Her career in higher education hasn’t been only in Arkansas; she has worked all over the globe.

Before serving in Pocahontas, she was chair of English, communications and humanities for the University of Maryland in Asia. She also worked in Europe and the Middle East for the University of Maryland.

When she left Black River Technical College, Shull said, she looked forward to moving to Newport.

“[My husband and I] had friends in Newport, and we love it,” she said.

Shull said she’s been at ASU-Newport for two years.

“I’ve loved working here,” she said. “The faculty and administrators are wonderful. They are warm and friendly. We’re like a family.”

Shull said she is impressed with the university and the opportunities it offers students, both traditional and nontraditional.

“I think what ASU-Newport does the best is reaching out and working with individual students. A lot of times, at large universities, students can get lost. At ASU-Newport, each student is a live human being,” Shull said.

ASU-Newport’s chancellor, Sandra Massey, said she is excited to have Shull in this new position.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and certainly has the respect and admiration of everyone in the ASU-Newport family,” Massey said in a news release.

“Her experience in academics throughout her career and during her time at ASU-Newport will prove to be invaluable, and the guidance and leadership she brings to the position will have a positive effect on all three campus locations,” Massey said.

ASU-Newport has campuses in Jonesboro, Marked Tree and Newport. Shull wants to see the education program thrive while she is vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“I want us to maintain what we’re doing,” Shull said. “We’ve got a very fine program, but I would like to see us expand it and make sure we meet the needs of the community.”

Staff writer Lisa Burnett can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or lburnett@arkansasonline.com.

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