Dr. Johnny Moore Accepts Position at Rust College
NEWPORT, Ark. – Arkansas State University-Newport Chancellor Dr. Johnny Moore has been selected as the new president of Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss.
Dr. Johnny M. Moore, ASU-Newport Chancellor
Moore, who joined ASUN in February 2021, said serving as chancellor “has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.” Joining Rust College – a private, four-year, historically Black college – “represents a unique and deeply meaningful opportunity for me and my entire family,” he said.
“I am especially proud of the transformative progress we’ve made,” Moore added. “In fall 2021, we launched an inclusive strategic planning process that reaffirmed our mission and values while charting a bold course for the future. Our institutional priorities empowered us to pursue new opportunities — boosting enrollment, retention, and completion rates; establishing an Honors College and strengthening signature programs; improving operational efficiency; elevating our marketing and branding; building deeper community partnerships; and achieving record breaking fundraising outcomes.”
During his tenure, ASUN also launched an intercollegiate athletics program and earned the Carnegie Foundation’s designation as an Opportunity College, highlighting ASUN as an institution that serves as a model for fostering student success through access, opportunity and workforce outcomes. Since 2021, ASUN has introduced new academic programs aligned with labor market needs, including radiologic technology, data science/data analytics and U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships.
“We are grateful for Johnny’s leadership and contributions to the success of ASU-Newport during the past four and a half years and wish him well in his new role,” said ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly. “He has worked hard to enhance student experiences and meet student needs. We want to build on the progress the institution has made, and this transition is a good opportunity to review our assets, as well as our opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Moore, who became ASUN’s third chancellor after succeeding Dr. Sandra Massey, has served as a member of the board of directors of the Newport Economic Development Commission. He joined ASUN after spending four years as president of Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont, W.Va. The native of Old Washington, Ark., served as president and CEO of Philander Smith College in Little Rock from 2012-2014.
His last day as chancellor will be July 31.
Kelly said he will spend time on the ASUN campuses visiting with faculty, staff, students and administrators about next steps regarding the search for a new chancellor and the overall vision for ASU-Newport.
“We will proceed expeditiously while ensuring that we engage with our campus constituencies to make the best possible decisions to serve our students and meet the needs of the communities and employers to which we are in service,” Kelly said.
Established in 2001, ASU-Newport is a two-year community college serving 4,200 students annually in Northeast Arkansas with campuses in Newport, Jonesboro and Marked Tree.
#####