Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 2, 2025 – Representatives from Arkansas State University System (ASU System) and the Arkansas National Guard (AR NG) announced a new partnership on Thursday.
Through the partnership, the AR NG will establish a Career Resource Center on ASU System campuses, provide mentorship and leadership programs, as well as provide tuition assistance, scholarship guidance and academic credit opportunities for military training.
Event speakers included A-State provost and executive vice chancellor Dr. Calvin White Jr., Arkansas National Guard Brig. Gen. Olsen “Chad” Bridges, Cadet Yohancé Smith, and A-State ROTC professor of military science Lt. Col. J. Matt Weeks.
White said the partnership creates new pathways for their students to explore career opportunities, engage in leadership development and benefit from one of the strongest models of service and discipline in the world.
“For some of our students, this agreement may represent the beginning of a life service. For others it offers mentorship, scholarship, or simply the inspiration that comes from being surrounded by those who lead with a higher purpose,” White said. “We thank the Arkansas National Guard for their partnership, and we look forward to the work ahead.”
Smith said the agreement will allow participants to succeed in being students, leaders, and soldiers.
“This agreement also enables Guard personnel to mentor, offer leadership and career development workshops, and even collaborate with professors to integrate leadership and technical skills into our coursework,” Smith said. “This helps bring what we learn into the classroom with our responsibilities, with the responsibilities we carry in uniform. And most importantly, this partnership shows that A-State and the Arkansas National Guard are working together to support students, soldiers, and future officers.”
After the signing, Bridges presented “Reserve Officer Training Program of the Year for the Highest AR NG Officer Commission Rate” award to A-State, which White and Weeks accepted.
After the ceremony, Bridges told JRN the partnership was months in planning, and it was a continuation of a long tradition of patriotism and pride for the community.
“It’s about teaching leadership outside of the classroom, leadership to the state and the nation as well, and about what it means to be a leader,” Bridges said. “That happens not only in a classroom, but also outside the classroom, and this is a prime example of that. So, we are actually absolutely grateful for the history of this program.”