Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library invites the community to Looking Ahead with Vision: Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Northeast Arkansas, an upcoming installment of its 2026 Speaker Series, on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3:30 p.m. in the Round Room.
The event will bring together leaders from local government, higher education, and community development to explore how leadership, innovation, community investment, and education can work together to shape the future of Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.
Bringing together leaders from local government, higher education, and community development, Looking Ahead with Vision will explore how leadership, innovation, community investment, and education can work together to shape the future of Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.
Through individual presentations and a moderated panel discussion, speakers will highlight opportunities for growth, the importance of strong partnerships, and the shared vision needed to build a thriving, connected community.
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The event will feature Bethania Baray-Harrison, Director of Talent Attraction for Jonesboro Unlimited; Dr. Carlitta M. Moore, Vice Chancellor for Access and Institutional Engagement at Arkansas State University; and Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver. Each speaker will bring a unique perspective on community growth, regional development, higher education, and leadership.
Baray-Harrison will discuss how community initiatives, local partnerships, and storytelling can strengthen Jonesboro’s identity, build local pride, and support future growth.
Moore will explore ways Arkansas State University and the broader Jonesboro community can work together to create opportunities, develop future leaders, and build stronger partnerships.
Copenhaver will share his vision for Jonesboro’s future, exploring how thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and strong leadership can prepare the city for continued growth. His discussion will highlight the importance of infrastructure, public safety, quality of life, and long-term development in building a thriving community and strengthening Jonesboro’s role as a regional hub for Northeast Arkansas.
Following the presentations, all three speakers will come together for a moderated panel discussion exploring the connections between civic leadership, innovation, community investment, and higher education.
The conversation will focus on strengthening the relationship between Arkansas State University and Jonesboro, developing future community leaders, and exploring opportunities to support the continued growth of the region.
Looking Ahead with Vision: Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Northeast Arkansas is part of the library’s 2026 Speaker Series, which is sponsored by Friends of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, St. Bernards Healthcare and Medical Group, Farmers & Merchants Bank, NEA Baptist, Arkansas State University Division of Access and Institutional Engagement, and Best Manufacturing.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register here.
The library is located at 315 W. Oak Ave. For more information about the library, visit its website, Facebook page, or call 870-935-5133.
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