Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – September 18, 2024 – The Arkansas State University Board of Trustees will meet remotely Thursday to consider a short agenda of financial resolutions.
One of the resolutions would authorize the leadership to investigate and begin the process of issuing revenue bonds to fund the construction of a proposed College of Veterinary Medicine.
According to documents sent to trustees prior to tomorrow’s meeting, the total cost of the veterinary project is estimated to be $33,230,293. Thirty million dollars would come from the revenue bond proceeds with the balance ($3,230,293) coming from institutional reserves.
The bonds would be retired over a proposed 30-year period using A-State student fees. The documents suggest ASU Systems expects the bonds to bear interest at 5.5% and will require an estimated $2,035,621 in annual debt service.
Dr. Heidi Banse has been named dean of the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Len Frey was named senior advisor for strategic initiatives and senior associate dean.
The new college should take in its first class of about 120 students in the fall of 2026, with about that many students expected in each new class.
New veterinary college Dean outlines plans – Jonesboro Right Now
Heidi Banse Named Dean for College of Veterinary Medicine at A-State – Jonesboro Right Now
Here is the complete agenda for Thursday’s 10am virtual meeting:
Proposed ASU System Resolutions
1. Resolution #24-47 approving the ASU System to proceed with the Equipment to Be Utilized for the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing Capital Project at A-State
2. Resolution #24-48 approving the ASU System to proceed with the Northpark Plaza Renovation Capital Project at A-State
3. Resolution #24-49 approving the ASU System to proceed with the College of Veterinary Medicine Capital Project at A-State
4. Resolution #24-50 approving the ASU System to begin the process of issuing student fee revenue bonds, in order to finance capital improvements on the campus of Arkansas State University