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 students, building the talent pipeline for Arkansas employers, and promoting our seven outstanding universities and colleges.

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.

Construction is underway on the Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center in Jonesboro in a collaborative effort among Arkansas State University, ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College to serve Northeast Arkansas high school students and employers who need job-ready talent. The $15-million, 26,000-square-foot first phase of the CREST Center will enhance workforce training opportunities in advanced manufacturing, food processing and steel production. Video above highlights the ASU-Newport advanced manufacturing program that is part of the initiative.

The Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State University prepares students for the professional aviation workplace and is the state’s only public university program that offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree specifically in aviation. Aircraft mechanics and technicians are in high demand, and ASU Mid-South’s FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technology program is providing hands-on skills needed to maintain and repair small private aircraft and commercial jets.

Shane Broadway, ASU System vice president for university relations, has been appointed to the additional role of interim chancellor of ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. Dr. Steve Rook announced April 23 that he would resign as chancellor of ASU Three Rivers to become president of Connors State College in Warner, Okla., effective July 1 after spending 10 years leading the institution. Broadway previously served as director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Arkansas State University is launching two innovative business partnerships:

• A-State and Epicenter Memphis will create EpicenterU: Students to Startups, a university-based entrepreneurship program supported by a grant from the Delta Regional Authority designed to build the next generation of innovators across the Delta region.

• A-State and Kalmer Solutions of Jonesboro will establish a student-led Security Operations Center, providing students with hands-on cybersecurity experience while strengthening the university’s digital infrastructure.

The Arkansas State Media Network, designed as a media ecosystem to drive the university and Northeast Arkansas forward, debuted April 28 and features podcasts about industry and workforce partnerships; academics and the medical pipeline; and A-State Red Wolves athletics.

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