Arkansas State University System

05/28/2026

Five graduates of Arkansas State University System two-year institutions have been selected as 2026 Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars.

The Presidential Scholars program was created in 2024 to honor the legacy of Welch, President Emeritus of the ASU System, for his nearly 13 years of service. The annual program honors a deserving scholar from each ASU System two-year institution who transfers successfully to an ASU System four-year university. Each of this year’s honorees will receive a $1,000 stipend.

The 2026 Welch Presidential Scholars are:

• ASU-Beebe – Emma Lee Joplin of Mountain Home. She received an Associate of Science degree in agriculture, Associate of Science degree in liberal arts and sciences and a Technical Certificate in agriculture.

• ASU-Mountain Home – Ty Tilton of Gassville. He received an Associate of Science degree in business and will transfer to Arkansas State University to pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a focus in healthcare administration.

• ASU-Newport – Eli Jamar Tate of Concord. He received an Associate of Arts degree in secondary education and will transfer to A-State to pursue studies as a physical education educator.

• ASU Mid-South – Cedarius Sanders of West Memphis. He received an Associate of Arts degree and will transfer to A-State to pursue studies in mechanical engineering.

• ASU Three Rivers – Savanna Null of Malvern. She received an Associate of Arts degree in general education and will transfer to Henderson State University to pursue studies in psychology.

Contributions to the Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars fund may be made through the ASU System Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 1990, State University, AR 72467, with “Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars Fund” designation on the memo line. If you wish to make a donation online, use this link and note “Welch Scholars Fund.”

05/27/2026

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

05/27/2026

“As the trailblazing Jonesboro DO school celebrates its 10th anniversary, it's worth noting that while true perfection is never possible, NYITCOM at A-State has come pretty close.”

It’s been an exhilarating few days celebrating our 10th anniversary Thursday and the Class of ‘26 Commencement and Hooding on Friday. A huge thanks to Dana D. Kelley for his thoughtful column in Friday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette / ArkansasOnline.com

05/26/2026

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees today in a special meeting selected Dr. Todd Shields, chancellor of Arkansas State University since 2022, to become the fourth president of the ASU System effective July 1.

At the recommendation of interim president Dr. Robin Myers, the board also voted to name Dr. Calvin White, executive vice chancellor and provost at A-State, as interim chancellor effective July 1.

Following an executive session, the board unanimously voted to approve both appointments. Shields will succeed Dr. Brendan Kelly, who left the system in December to become president of his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Robin Myers will continue to serve as interim system president until July 1.

Chair Robert Rudolph said Trustee Price Gardner of Little Rock will work to negotiate contracts with both Shields and White prior to the board’s next regular meeting on June 3.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University on 10 years of success! 🩺 🥼 💙 💛

For the past decade, NYITCOM at A-State has made a lasting impact on medical education, healthcare access and the future of physicians in Arkansas and beyond. This milestone is a celebration of the students, faculty, leaders, community partners and supporters who have helped shape its success.

A 10th anniversary celebration dinner will be held tonight to honor this important milestone, featuring remarks from Barbara Ross-Lee, founding dean of NYITCOM at A-State, along with NYITCOM leadership and community partners.

Read more about the celebration: https://events.nyit.edu/event/nyitcom-arkansas-10th-anniversary-celebration

05/19/2026

Henderson State has been awarded a $440,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation to expand its nursing program and address critical workforce needs across Arkansas and the region. This investment will allow Henderson to increase its nursing cohort size with the addition of nursing faculty, renovations within the nursing building, and the purchase of additional high-fidelity simulators.

Read more at go.hsu.edu/windgate2026!

05/15/2026

Check out the May edition of the ASU System E-Newsletter, featuring news and initiatives that highlight academic and workforce partnerships throughout the state. These are our stories about impactful initiatives that are serving students, building the talent pipeline for Arkansas employers and promoting our seven outstanding universities and colleges.

Highlights this month:
• New college scholarship targets nontraditional students in Arkansas.
• Collaborative CREST Center will develop Northeast Arkansas job-ready talent.
• Henderson, Mid-South serve aviation industry .
• A-State partners with Epicenter Memphis and Kalmer Solutions.
• Arkansas State Media Network launched.

Arkansas State University System # Campus News & Workforce Initiatives Welcome to the Arkansas State University System monthly e-newsletter, which highlights academic and workforce initiatives and partnerships throughout the state. These are our stories about impactful initiatives that are serving s...

05/12/2026

Arkansas adults who have historically faced financial hardships in pursuing a college education or workforce training may be eligible for a new, privately funded Arkansas State University System Educational Scholarship Fund.

Applications are being accepted for scholarship funds for adults who are U.S. citizens, have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 13 months and have at least three years’ life experience after high school without attending college. Full-time or part-time students who want to attend classes either on an ASU System campus or through online courses are eligible.

Scholarship funds are available for use at any ASU System institution, including Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home, ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South in West Memphis and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. Online students in the ASU System are also eligible.

The renewable scholarship is ideal for adults whose personal or financial circumstances delayed college early in life, said Dr. Robin Myers, interim president of the ASU System.

“These funds are designed to assist adults who have reached a stage where they are ready to pursue college after previously experiencing challenges that made it impossible earlier in life,” Myers said. “Applicants might also be adults who are ready for a career change or need certain certifications or degrees to advance in their career. Individuals who have served in the military since high school and are ready to pursue postsecondary education would also be possible candidates.”

Eligible undergraduate or graduate students must pursue academic fields such as business, healthcare, science, technology or vocational training. Liberal arts and legal fields are specifically excluded.

Recipients may use the first two years of degree plan scholarship toward tuition, books and associated fees. Funds during the remaining two years of a four-year degree plan may be available under select circumstances.
Funds are also available to pay for required admissions testing at any ASU System institution.

To see a complete list of criteria and certain exclusions on eligibility and to apply for ASU System Educational Scholarship Fund assistance, visit the link in comments.

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

We're honored to see this national recognition of our work with Few to reimagine the Arkansas State University System website!

The Communicator Awards entries are evaluated by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA), an assembly of industry leaders from acclaimed brands, institutions and agencies including PepsiCo, Accenture, NASA/JPL, FedEx, Netflix, Big Spaceship, National Geographic Society and more.