Arkansas State University System

We're excited about meeting a critical need in Arkansas for veterinarians and giving Arkansas students the opportunity to remain in the state for this advanced education at an R2 research institution. ASU-Beebe has the state's only veterinary technician program that will complement the College of Veterinary Medicine at A-State.

High school students from six area schools recently pitched their best business ideas (Shark Tank style) at A-State’s Thrown to the Wolves competition! This annual event challenges students to develop and present business plans to a panel of judges. Congratulations to Walnut Ridge High School student Jersie Cunningham who won first place. With this honor, he will receive a mentoring session with a local celebrity innovator and venture capitalist; $1,000 for the student and $1,000 for the teacher sponsor's classroom; a $500 A-State scholarship; free workspace and membership at A-State Innovate for one year; free patent help, prototyping development and manufacturing advice; and a marketing package valued at $7,500. #WolvesUp! #AStateMade

The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a legislative reception Tuesday at the ASU System Office. Thanks to President & CEO Shelley Short and Arkadelphia business leaders for their ongoing partnership with Henderson State University. Joining the event were Henderson Chancellor Trey Berry, ASU System President Brendan Kelly, and First Lady Tressa Kelly.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders today at the Saline County Career Technical Campus of Arkansas State University Three Rivers announced Arkansas LAUNCH, a skills-based platform designed to connect job seekers with opportunities and help employers find the skilled workers they need. https://lnkd.in/eY_dNid9

ASU System President Brendan Kelly will be a panelist at the National Association of Higher Education Systems conference in March.

Arkansas State University alumnus Johnny Allison, one of the Red Wolves’ most steadfast supporters of all-time, was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Friday evening at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Allison, along with three other highly-respected members of the 2025 class, was honored at the induction ceremony for his significant impact as a business leader, commitment to community improvement and demonstration of ethical business practices. The founder, chairman and CEO of Home BancShares, Allison played on the 1968 A-State football team, served on the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees from 1979-84 and was named an Arkansas State University Distinguished Alumni in 1998. He was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from his alma mater in the spring of 2020. Over the last 11 years, Allison is responsible for two $5 million gifts to the Red Wolves Foundation that each represent the largest individual donations ever to A-State Athletics. His contributions to A-State athletics and the university far exceed the two historic gifts, which have both helped transform Centennial Bank Stadium into one of the finest and most unique football facilities in the country. Along with an additional $5 million donation by Centennial Bank, the first of his two personal $5 million gifts was used in conjunction with A-State’s 2014 “Centennial Expansion” project that included new construction and renovations to the stadium’s press box and concourse-level amenities. The press box now bears the name “Johnny Allison Tower.” In 2017, the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees voted to name A-State’s football field “Allison Field” and its state-of-the-art north end zone facility (construction completed in 2019) “Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center” in recognition of a combined $10 million from the Allison family and Centennial Bank to the Red Wolves Foundation. Congratulations Johnny Allison!

Northeast Arkansas is on the threshold of unprecedented economic and industrial growth, and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is proud to play a key role in driving this transformation. https://lnkd.in/ge5j6c3D

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions recruited graduate students Thursday at Nurses Day at the State Capitol. A-State offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing through traditional and online classes.The college produced 861 medical profession graduates in 2024 and enrolls nearly 3,700 students who will meet healthcare needs throughout Arkansas and the Mid-South! All of our ASU System campuses are working to develop the pipeline of healthcare professionals for the future!

We look forward this week to celebrating the induction of Arkansas State University alumnus John W. Allison into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame! Johnny serves as chairman and CEO of Home BancShares Inc. of Conway and is the namesake for Allison Field at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro. He is a 1998 A-State Distinguished Alumnus and former member of the ASU System Board of Trustees.

Henderson State University has announced growth in freshman, sophomore, and transfer student enrollment for Spring 2025. Overall enrollment decreased 3% with 1,820 students in Spring 2025 compared with 1,879 students in Spring 2024. Preliminary 11th-day reporting shows a 28% jump in freshmen with 335 in Spring 2025 compared with 262 in Spring 2024. The sophomore class grew by 3% with 256 students versus 248 students year-over-year. Transfer enrollment has reached a five-year high point with 66 transfer students enrolled for Spring 2025. This reflects a 43% increase year-over-year and tops a high of 64 transfer students enrolled in Spring 2023. “We are excited by the growth in our freshman, sophomore, and transfer enrollment. Students and parents are responding to the personal outreach of our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends here at the School with a Heart,” Chancellor Trey Berry said. https://lnkd.in/gZGVfhQ5