Arkansas State University System

Deadline for applications for the ASU System Educational Scholarship Fund is June 15. Submit your application today!

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.

Arkansas State University-Newport has named Charles Walker as its next vice chancellor for finance and administration, effective June 1, 2026.

Walker brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across higher education, healthcare and manufacturing, with expertise in finance, administration, operations, workforce strategy and human resources.

https://asusystem.edu/asu-newport-names-charles-walker-vice-chancellor-for-finance-and-administration/

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) honored Shane Broadway with the inaugural Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., Higher Ground Award during last Friday’s Commencement and Hooding Ceremony.

Broadway is vice president for university relations for the Arkansas State University System and interim chancellor of ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. He is a former Arkansas State Representative, Senator and Speaker of the House, and prior to joining the ASU System he served as the director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

According to Dr. Shane Speights, dean of NYITCOM at A-State, Broadway’s expertise in higher education, policy, and development were crucial to the creation of NYITCOM at A-State and its continued success.

The Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., Higher Ground Award was established to honor the extraordinary legacy of Barbara Ross-Lee, a pioneering physician, educator, and transformational leader in American medicine. Dr. Ross-Lee broke historic and cultural barriers as the first African American woman to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school, while also advancing osteopathic medicine, reshaping medical education, and championing access and innovation across the healthcare system.

Significant to Arkansas, Dr. Ross-Lee was the founding dean of NYITCOM at A-State, which in 2016 became just the second medical school and first osteopathic medical school to open in the state.

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.”