Arkansas State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arkansas State University has 9 executives leading key functions including academic strategy, financial oversight, administrative operations, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, Arkansas State University delivers comprehensive education, behavioral science, and nursing programs to empower students across the region through rigorous research and instruction.

Leadership Roles at Arkansas State University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Csstorm Csstorm
  • Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Russ Hannah
  • President - Harrison Herget
  • President & S Ambassadors Chancellor - Alex Young
  • President-Elect - Dena Prior
  • President - Eugene Smith
  • President - Philip Jackson
  • Chief of Staff - Lane Schmidt
  • Deputy Director - Cliff Jones
  • Csstorm Csstorm - Chief Financial Officer

    Csstorm Csstorm, the Chief Financial Officer at Arkansas State University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary management for the institution. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the allocation of funds to support nursing classes, behavioral science research, and math and science departments. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Csstorm Csstorm ensures the long-term sustainability of university programs. This role involves regular reporting to the board regarding revenue streams and expenditure efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer evaluates investment opportunities to expand educational infrastructure. Through careful analysis of market trends, Csstorm Csstorm mitigates financial risks while maximizing available resources for student success. The position requires deep integration with academic leadership to align spending with institutional priorities. By optimizing the financial health of the university, the Chief Financial Officer enables the continued growth of academic offerings. The role remains central to the fiscal stability and strategic development of the entire organization.

    Russ Hannah - Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Russ Hannah, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Arkansas State University, manages the comprehensive financial and administrative framework of the institution. The Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer oversees the budgeting for nursing, math, and science departments to ensure adequate funding for academic excellence. By directing administrative operations, Hannah maintains the physical and digital infrastructure necessary for student learning. This role involves balancing complex fiscal requirements with the need for high-quality behavioral science instruction. Russ Hannah collaborates with other leaders to implement policies that improve operational efficiency across the campus. The Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer monitors institutional expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Through strategic financial planning, Hannah supports the long-term growth of the university. The position remains vital for maintaining the fiscal integrity and operational success of the entire academic community.
    Russ Hannah

    Harrison Herget - President

    Harrison Herget, the President at Arkansas State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. The President oversees the expansion of behavioral science, nursing, and math and science programs to meet regional educational demands. By setting institutional priorities, Herget ensures that the university remains a leader in academic innovation. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure resources and support for the university mission. Harrison Herget directs the executive team to achieve excellence in teaching and research. The President evaluates the effectiveness of academic policies to improve student outcomes. Through consistent advocacy for the university, Herget strengthens the institution's reputation within the state. The position requires balancing the needs of faculty, students, and the broader community. By fostering an environment of academic rigor, the President drives the long-term success and growth of the university in its commitment to providing quality education.

    Alex Young - President & S Ambassadors Chancellor

    Alex Young, the President & S Ambassadors Chancellor at Arkansas State University, leads the institution in both executive strategy and ambassadorial outreach. The President & S Ambassadors Chancellor directs initiatives that connect the university with external partners to support nursing and behavioral science programs. By representing the institution at high-level forums, Young promotes the value of the university's math and science curricula. This leadership role involves building relationships that enhance the university's profile and resource base. Alex Young coordinates with academic leaders to ensure that external partnerships align with internal educational goals. The President & S Ambassadors Chancellor manages the strategic outreach efforts to attract students and faculty. Through effective communication, Young strengthens the university's impact on the regional education landscape. The position requires a focus on both internal operational excellence and external engagement. By bridging these areas, the President & S Ambassadors Chancellor drives the overall advancement of the university.

    Dena Prior - President-Elect

    Dena Prior, the President-Elect at Arkansas State University, prepares for the transition into the primary leadership role by evaluating current academic and administrative strategies. The President-Elect reviews the performance of nursing, behavioral science, and math and science departments to identify opportunities for future growth. By engaging with the current executive team, Prior gains insight into the operational challenges and successes of the university. This leadership role involves developing a vision for the future that aligns with the institution's long-standing mission. Dena Prior analyzes institutional data to inform upcoming strategic decisions. The President-Elect collaborates with faculty and staff to understand the needs of the academic community. Through careful preparation, Prior ensures a seamless transition that maintains the momentum of the university's educational programs. The position requires a deep commitment to the values and goals of the institution. By focusing on continuity and innovation, the President-Elect prepares to lead the university toward continued academic success.

    Eugene Smith - President

    Eugene Smith, the President at Arkansas State University, defines the strategic trajectory for the institution's academic and research initiatives. The President oversees the development of nursing and behavioral science programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the student population. By directing the executive leadership team, Smith fosters a culture of academic excellence and institutional growth. This leadership role involves managing the university's resources to support high-quality math and science instruction. Eugene Smith engages with the board to align institutional goals with the broader mission of the university. The President evaluates the impact of academic programs on student success and regional development. Through proactive leadership, Smith addresses the challenges of the modern educational landscape. The position requires a focus on both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic planning. By championing the university's commitment to education, the President ensures the continued advancement of the institution's academic and research capabilities.

    Philip Jackson - President

    Philip Jackson, the President at Arkansas State University, guides the institution through the implementation of its core educational and research strategies. The President manages the oversight of nursing, behavioral science, and math and science departments to ensure high standards of instruction. By directing the university's administrative and academic functions, Jackson maintains the quality of the student experience. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to promote innovation in teaching and learning. Philip Jackson monitors institutional performance to ensure that the university meets its strategic objectives. The President engages with the community to support the university's role as a provider of quality education. Through effective management of resources, Jackson enables the growth of academic programs. The position requires a focus on maintaining the university's reputation for excellence. By leading with a clear vision, the President ensures that the institution continues to fulfill its mission of providing comprehensive education to students.

    Lane Schmidt - Chief of Staff

    Lane Schmidt, the Chief of Staff at Arkansas State University, facilitates communication between executive leadership and academic departments. The Chief of Staff manages strategic projects that support the delivery of behavioral science and nursing education. By coordinating high-level initiatives, Schmidt ensures that institutional goals remain consistent with the university mission. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules and prioritizing executive focus on critical academic outcomes. Lane Schmidt acts as a liaison to ensure that administrative decisions reflect the needs of the faculty and student body. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of university-wide programs to guarantee timely execution. By fostering collaboration among diverse departments, Schmidt drives organizational cohesion. The position requires a deep understanding of the university landscape to navigate administrative challenges effectively. Through proactive management of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff supports the overall advancement of the institution and the success of its academic programs.

    Cliff Jones - Deputy Director

    Cliff Jones, the Deputy Director at Arkansas State University, manages daily operational workflows across academic departments. The Deputy Director coordinates cross-functional initiatives to ensure alignment with the university mission of providing high-quality education and behavioral science courses. By streamlining administrative processes, Jones improves resource allocation for nursing and science programs. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with faculty to maintain academic standards. Cliff Jones monitors institutional performance metrics to drive efficiency in student support services. Through the implementation of data-driven strategies, the Deputy Director optimizes the delivery of math and science curricula. The position requires balancing immediate operational needs with long-term institutional goals. By fostering a culture of accountability, Jones supports the broader objective of academic excellence. The Deputy Director remains focused on enhancing the overall student experience through improved operational infrastructure and strategic resource management across the Arkansas campus.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arkansas State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arkansas State University?
    Arkansas State University is led by Csstorm Csstorm (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Russ Hannah (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and Harrison Herget (President).
    Who is part of Arkansas State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arkansas State University includes leaders such as Csstorm Csstorm (Chief Financial Officer), Russ Hannah (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer), Harrison Herget (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arkansas State University have?
    Arkansas State University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arkansas State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arkansas State University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration & Chief Financial Officer, President, President & S Ambassadors Chancellor, President-Elect.