Introduction for Speaking Engagements

Robert L. Potts
Chancellor, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro

Dr. Robert L. Potts is the first chancellor of Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. After an extensive search process, the veteran administrator in higher education was selected to lead the Jonesboro campus. Arkansas State University-Jonesboro numbers its student enrollment at 10,869 in the fall of 2007. The institution also has more than 59,000 alumni.

Arkansas State University enjoys a reputation as a quality regional institution of higher education now moving toward doctoral/research status.  Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the university values its high quality instructional role, while increasing its research activity.  The university provides students with the broad educational foundations that help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, decision-making capabilities, and communication skills. 

Dr. Potts has had a distinguished career in higher education, most recently serving as the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System. Previously, he served as president of the University of North Alabama for more than 14 years. He also served as general counsel for the University of Alabama system and was managing partner in the Florence, Ala. law firm Potts & Young, with an emphasis in educational law.

Dr. Potts graduated cum laude from Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tenn., with a Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1966. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1969 with a Juris Doctor degree, and served as an editor of the Alabama Law Review. He graduated from Harvard University with the degree Master of Laws in 1971.

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