Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Business, education, government and industry leaders from across Arkansas gathered Thursday for Catalyst NEA, highlighting how partnerships between higher education and industry are helping solve problems, create opportunities for students and support economic growth throughout the state.
Hosted by Arkansas State University at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center, the annual economic development and leadership forum brought together leaders to examine opportunities and challenges shaping Arkansas’s future, with an emphasis on collaboration among universities, employers and public institutions.
Chancellor Calvin White Jr. said the forum reflects the university’s commitment to connecting education, research and industry in ways that benefit students and the communities they will serve.
“Public higher education is a public good, and everything we do at Arkansas State is focused on our responsibility to educate and prepare students for success,” White said. “That includes creating opportunities for them to apply what they learn, work alongside industry partners and help solve challenges facing our state. Catalyst NEA brings together people who can strengthen those connections, develop solutions and create new opportunities. When our students succeed and our industry partners succeed, Arkansas succeeds.”
Two partnerships highlighted during the forum illustrated how A-State is connecting academic expertise with industry needs while creating new opportunities for students and businesses.
During a discussion on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, participants explored A-State’s emerging student-led Security Operations Center, developed in partnership with Jonesboro-based Kalmer Solutions.
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The initiative gives students hands-on experience with cybersecurity operations while helping prepare professionals to meet the growing technology needs of Arkansas employers. Panelists also discussed the potential to expand similar partnerships across the Arkansas State University System.
A-State’s longstanding relationship with the Arkansas Department of Transportation offers another example of research collaboration producing practical benefits. Spanning more than five decades, the partnership has resulted in 23 research projects addressing transportation and infrastructure challenges across Arkansas.
Recent work includes exploring how byproducts from the state’s steel and agricultural industries, along with recycled materials, could be used to develop more durable, sustainable and cost-effective construction materials.
Education and workforce development were also central to the day’s discussions. During a conversation focused on connecting K-12 schools, higher education, and employers, panelists emphasized the importance of strong academic foundations, career exploration and educational pathways that prepare students for opportunities in Arkansas’s changing economy.
“A strong workforce doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional collaboration among K-12 schools, higher education and industry to ensure students are developing the skills and gaining the experiences employers need,” said Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas. “When we work together to build clear pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers, we’re creating better outcomes for students, stronger businesses, and more opportunities for communities across Arkansas.”
A-State’s College of Education and Behavioral Science plays a significant role in preparing the educators who help build those foundations. With graduates teaching in all 75 Arkansas counties, the college works with school districts to strengthen teacher preparation, develop alternative pathways into the profession, and support educators throughout their careers.
“Conversations like those convened by Catalyst NEA — and sparked by it — are essential to continuing to improve educational outcomes and give me so much hope for what we can accomplish for Arkansas kids and families,” said Edie Stewart, CEO of Forward Arkansas. “I believe Arkansas State has a significant role to play, from preparing the next generation of teachers and school leaders to working alongside districts and organizations to expand opportunities for students. When K-12 schools, higher education, community partners and industry work together, we can build a stronger future for our state.”
Other sessions explored leadership and rural health care, including strategies to improve access to medical services, expand educational opportunities and strengthen health care delivery in underserved communities.
Panelists examined the role of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the university’s partnership with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in addressing challenges facing rural Arkansas.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also welcomed participants through a recorded message.
This year’s event was presented by PodcastVideos.com, the technology and production partner behind the Arkansas State Media Network. The network recorded interviews with participating leaders during Catalyst NEA, extending the reach of the forum’s conversations to audiences beyond the event.
Supporting sponsors included the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Nucor Steel and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
A-State will host the next Catalyst NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum on Nov. 4, 2027.
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