Arkansas State University Department of Kinesiology

05/27/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Shields and Dr. White!

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

05/08/2026

🎓 Important Commencement info for Tomorrow

Graduation day is almost here, Red Wolves! Arkansas State University will celebrate Spring 2026 Commencement tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, at First National Bank Arena, 217 Olympic Dr.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Education and Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, and Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics.

The 2 p.m. ceremony will include the College of Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and University College.

Graduates can pick up their cap, gown and walk cards in Hames Room A at First National Bank Arena today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or tomorrow from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Please enter through the Lower Red Entrance for pickup. Graduates will receive two walk cards with their regalia and should bring both to commencement for name reading and photos.

Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony. Guests and graduates should enter through the upper entrances at First National Bank Arena. After entering, graduates should go to the floor and find the seat listed on their walk card. The Registrar’s Office will have a table available for questions and walk card assistance.

After crossing the stage, graduates will be directed out of the arena for their official graduation photo. Once your row moves to the stage, you will not return to your seat on the floor.

Parking is free at First National Bank Arena, but parking on grass surfaces is not allowed. The clear bag policy will be in effect.

A-State also offers a free digital diploma in addition to the printed diploma. Graduates should continue checking their A-State student email after graduation for updates and instructions.

Watch live on the Arkansas State YouTube channel:
10 a.m. Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaneKgJ5h6U
2 p.m. Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUXcITbrUTk

The Dean B. Ellis Library clock tower will shine scarlet Saturday evening in honor of our newest A-State graduates. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Wolves Up! 🐺🎓

05/05/2026

🎓 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

Graduation week is here, Red Wolves! Arkansas State University will celebrate Spring 2026 Commencement on Saturday, May 9, at First National Bank Arena, 217 Olympic Dr.

🕙 10am Ceremony
College of Education and Behavioral Science
College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Liberal Arts and Communication
Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics

🕑 2pm Ceremony
College of Agriculture
Neil Griffin College of Business
College of Nursing and Health Professions
University College

🎥 Watch live on the Arkansas State YouTube channel:
10am Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaneKgJ5h6U
2pm Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUXcITbrUTk

🎓 Cap, gown and walk card pickup will take place May 4-8 from 9 to 5 and Saturday, May 9, from 9 to 10:30 and 1 to 2:30 in Hames Room A at First National Bank Arena. Graduates should enter through the Lower Red Entrance for pickup. Graduates will receive two walk cards with their regalia. Treat them like part of your “fit” for the day and bring both cards with you to commencement for name reading and photos.

⏰ Arrival
Doors open 90 minutes before each ceremony. Guests and graduates should enter through the upper entrances at First National Bank Arena.

🎓 Where to go
After entering, graduates should proceed to the floor and find the seat listed on their walk card. The Registrar’s Office will have a table available for questions and walk card assistance.

📸 After you walk
After crossing the stage, graduates will immediately be directed out of the arena for their official graduation photo. Once your row moves to the stage, you will not return to your seat on the floor.

📜 Receiving your diploma
A-State offers a free digital diploma in addition to the printed diploma. Graduates should continue checking their A-State student email after graduation for updates and instructions.

🚗 Parking & bags
Parking is free at First National Bank Arena, and no parking will be allowed on grass surfaces. The clear bag policy will be in effect.

The Dean B. Ellis Library clock tower will also shine scarlet Saturday evening in honor of our newest A-State graduates. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Wolves Up! 🐺🎓

05/04/2026

✨ Finals begin today and run through May 8!

May the Fourth be with you as you tackle exams, projects, and everything in between. Stay focused, finish strong, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.

You’ve got this—finish the semester strong!
📚💪

04/28/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Safety Reminder ⚠️

In the event of severe weather during business hours, the designated safety area in the HPESS Complex is located down the south hallway on the 1st floor.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with this location so you’re prepared if needed. Stay safe and stay aware!

04/27/2026

⏳ Just 3 days of classes remain in the Spring 2026 term!

Now is the time to:
✅ Complete any outstanding assignments
📚 Review key materials
📝 Prepare for final exams

Finish strong and set yourself up for success—these last few days matter!

04/27/2026

As a reminder - view the map below for public shelter locations in Craighead County. We have partnered with the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management to bring this feature to the public!

The Reng Student Union will be open for A-State students. While we won't turn anyone away, we ask members of the general public to consider the options on this map first so that we can ensure adequate room for our campus members.

Campus members can visit https://linktr.ee/AStateSevereWx for more severe weather resources!

04/23/2026

🚀 Take the next step in your career—faster.

Our new Accelerated Master’s in Exercise Science is designed for driven students ready to advance their knowledge, skills, and impact in the field. With a streamlined pathway, you can earn your graduate degree in less time while gaining hands-on, evidence-based experience.

📈 Build expertise
🎓 Save time
💼 Expand career opportunities

Now accepting applications—connect with us to learn more!

04/20/2026

Exercise Science Honors Student, Caroline Teel, attended the Arkansas NSCA State Clinic Saturday, April 18 to present her honors research project, "The Effects of Cycling Resistance on Blood Lactate, Peak Power, and Rate of Fatigue". Congratulations on your presentation, Caroline!

04/13/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Benqiao (Stella) Jiang! 🎓

Dr. Jiang passed her dissertation defense at Indiana University last week. We are so happy for her and proud she is on our team!