Dr. Les Wyatt, president of the ASU System, issued the following statement about Rhodes’s appointment:

"Ron Rhodes is a longtime friend and advocate for Arkansas State University. In the 35 years since his graduation, he has been devoted to ASU interests. He has been a donor, and he has worked to send students from his area to the ASU campuses. He has been a booster and fan for the athletic program, and he has been a primary advocate for the interests of ASU in Sharp County. He is well known to Gov. Beebe and other members of our Board of Trustees, and he has their confidence. We will enjoy working with Mr. Rhodes on the basis of our former association, but also because he represents an interest in the future development of the university. We are hopeful that he can be persuasive to the governor, to other donors, and to corporations and foundations to increase support for the mission of the ASU campuses. We look forward to our association with him."

Members of the Board of Trustees, which has oversight responsibilities for the Arkansas State University System, serve staggered five-year terms. Rhodes succeeds Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dallas Wood of Paragould, whose term expired. Other members are Mike Gibson of Osceola, chair; Mike Medlock of Jonesboro, vice chair; Florine Tousant Milligan of Forrest City, secretary; and Howard Slinkard of Rogers.