Delta Center For Economic Development

05/26/2026

Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields has been selected to serve as president of the ASU System beginning July 1.

As president, Shields will lead the ASU System, which oversees Arkansas State University in Jonesboro; Henderson State University in Arkadelphia; ASU-Beebe; ASU-Newport; ASU-Mountain Home; ASU Mid-South; ASU Three Rivers; and A-State Campus Queretaro in Mexico. In this role, he will help guide systemwide priorities, partnerships, and long-term strategy while continuing to advocate for A-State’s growth and success.

The ASU System Board of Trustees unanimously approved Shields’ appointment during a special meeting, along with the appointment of Dr. Calvin White, A-State’s executive vice chancellor and provost, as interim chancellor.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence the ASU System Board of Trustees has placed in me through my appointment as president,” Shields said. “I am grateful for their trust, their leadership and their steadfast commitment to expanding educational opportunity across our state and beyond. While I am excited about this new opportunity to serve, my heart is filled with gratitude for the relationships that my wife Karen and I have built in Jonesboro. We have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community partners who believe deeply in this university and its ability to transform lives and strengthen our region.”

Since joining A-State as chancellor in 2022, Shields has led a period of significant momentum for the university, including an enrollment increase of nearly 30%, the launch of the state’s first College of Veterinary Medicine, the establishment of the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing, and expanded workforce training partnerships across Northeast Arkansas.

“As I begin this next chapter, please know that my commitment to A-State remains unwavering,” Shields added “As system president, I will continue to be a strong advocate and resource for A-State, working to ensure that the university has every opportunity to build upon its success and continue changing lives. The future of A-State is bright, and I look forward to helping facilitate continued achievements in the years ahead.”

Executive vice chancellor and provost Calvin White will serve as interim chancellor during the transition beginning July 1, helping continue the university’s momentum and priorities.

Letter from Dr. Shields and Full ASU System Release: https://t.e2ma.net/webview/iyihlh/6a7244fb5e1d3dd5cd09457c5e5e7167

05/22/2026

📢 We’re Hiring!

The Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University is hiring a Manager of Client Services. This role will support manufacturers across Arkansas through lean manufacturing, operational improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

📍 Jonesboro, AR
🕒 Full-Time Position
📅 Application Deadline: June 3, 2026

If you’re passionate about manufacturing, leadership, and helping businesses grow, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply here:

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) is seeking a hands-on manufacturing improvement leader to help Arkansas manufacturers improve operations, strengthen workforce effectiveness, and increase competitiveness.The Manager of Client Services works directly with manufacturers across the state to lead....

05/20/2026

The Executive Director of the Delta Center for Economic Development, Andrea Allen, had the honor of presenting Todd Shields with the Rural Advocate of the Year award at the 2026 Arkansas Rural Development Conference. Chancellor Shields was selected by the Arkansas Rural Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Rural Services for his leadership and commitment to strengthening rural communities across Arkansas.

05/20/2026

Kicking off the 2026 Arkansas Rural Development Conference ✨

Andrea Allen, Executive Director of the Delta Center of Economic Development, moderated a fireside chat with Craighead County Judge Marvin Day and Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver. The discussion centered around local leadership and the importance of collaboration and partnerships.

Andrea was appointed to the Arkansas Rural Services Commission in 2024.

05/13/2026

Thank you, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for sharing your story with the NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator class.

05/13/2026

This week’s Accelerate NEA session in Lawrence County focused on leadership, regional collaboration, higher education, tourism, and economic growth across Northeast Arkansas.

Participants heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers and community leaders throughout the day:

• Dr. Jim Washam, Dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University, guided the class through the first phase of creating a regional Value Statement for the region.

• Dr. Martin Eggensperger, President of Black River Technical College, Dr. Stan Norman, President of Williams Baptist University, and Graycen Bigger, Executive Director of the NEA Intermodal Authority, participated in a panel discussion on higher education and the regional economy.

• Bobby Finster of the Arkansas Rural Recreational Roads Program served as keynote speaker, and he presented on the economic impact of outdoor recreation including the Arkansas Graveler, an annual cycling event that will focus on the Arkansas Delta this year.

• Dr. Adam Long, Director of Heritage Sites at Arkansas State University, led the “Mission Possible” exercise exploring how small towns can attract visitors and strengthen regional connections.

• Dr. Brett Cooper, Vice President of Creative Services at Williams Baptist University, Walnut Ridge Mayor Charles Snapp, and Terrence Ward, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, shared how Beatles on the Ridge has created lasting impact for Walnut Ridge and the surrounding region.

Thank you to Williams Baptist University, Black River Technical College, City of Walnut Ridge, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and all of our partners for an engaging and impactful session.

05/07/2026

Look what happens when industry and higher education partner!

Arkansas State University is partnering with Kalmer Solutions to launch the Red Wolf Security Operations Center (SOC), a student-led cybersecurity center designed to give students hands-on experience while strengthening the university’s digital infrastructure.

Set to launch in Fall 2026, the Red Wolf SOC will provide undergraduate and graduate students with real-world training in threat monitoring, incident response and cybersecurity operations alongside A-State IT professionals and industry mentors.

A-State extends its thanks to Kalmer Solutions for its investment, mentorship, and support in helping create this opportunity. The partnership will help students build the skills, experience and professional connections needed to succeed in high-demand cybersecurity careers while supporting workforce needs across the region and beyond.

Students interested in the Red Wolf Security Operations Center can learn more and apply at https://RedWolv.es/SOC

05/04/2026

Unlock your team’s potential with The Working Genius.

This powerful assessment helps individuals and teams discover their natural strengths and thrive at work and in life.

Dr. Cliff E. Jones at Delta Center is certified to lead Working Genius training sessions for businesses, nonprofits, higher education, and community groups.

Interested in bringing this to your team? Contact us to learn more.

05/01/2026

Registration for the 2026-2027 Leadership in Banking Series is open! The series is a monthly gathering of banking professionals and provides an opportunity to learn more about contemporary issues, lending, management, communication and leadership.

You may register via the QR code on the flyer. If you have further questions or interest, please contact the Delta Center 870-972-3000

05/01/2026

Please join us in welcoming Gina Wells to the Delta Center for Economic Development as our new CREST Career Counselor!

Gina brings over a decade of experience in workforce development and career services, with a passion for helping individuals achieve career success through coaching, planning, and meaningful opportunities. As an Arkansas State University alum, she is excited to return and support students and job seekers across our region.

We’re thrilled to have her on the team and look forward to the impact she will make!