Bryant resident Shane Broadway will add the title “chancellor” to the others he’s accumulated in his career – State Representative, State Senator, Speaker of the House, Director and Vice President. Read more below.
The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees announced Monday the appointment of Broadway as interim chancellor of ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. The board approved the appointment during a special meeting on April 27, assigning Broadway—currently the system’s vice president for university relations—to take on the additional leadership role beginning May 15.
The leadership transition follows the announcement that current chancellor Dr. Steve Rook will resign effective July 1 to become president of Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma. Rook has led ASU Three Rivers for the past decade.
In response to the change, ASU System Interim President Dr. Robin Myers said Broadway is a trusted colleague who is familiar with the campus and its initiatives, including its workforce development partnership with the Saline County Career and Technical Campus.
Broadway, who joined the ASU System in 2015 after serving as director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, said he is honored to guide the institution during the transition period.
He noted the importance of the moment for the college and expressed appreciation for the service of Steve and Connie Rook to both the school and the Malvern community. Broadway also has a longstanding connection to the institution, having received an honorary associate degree when it was Ouachita Technical College in 2011.
Before his work in higher education administration, Broadway served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives and two terms in the Arkansas Senate, representing portions of Saline and Pulaski counties.
He was elected Speaker of the House in 2001, becoming the youngest person in Arkansas history to hold that position. His career also includes leadership roles with the Southern Legislative Conference and the Southern Regional Education Board.
