Lori Cooper

This document is the 2025-2026 System Factbook for the Arkansas State University System, providing comprehensive data on enrollment, faculty, and staff across its campuses. It outlines the system's vision to develop educated citizens prepared for a global and technological society by providing quality undergraduate and graduate education, useful research, and dedicated public service. The mission emphasizes contributing to Arkansas's educational, cultural, and economic advancement by offering diverse degree programs, encouraging scholarly inquiry, and fostering lifelong learning. Key characteristics for each component include a supportive learning environment, racial and cultural diversity, advanced instructional technologies, and a commitment to resource sharing.

The meeting agenda focused on the presentation and approval of several ASU System Resolutions. Key items included the approval of the ASU System Office Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget and the authority to execute it, which generated discussion regarding the need for strategic budgeting, sustainability, and monitoring new positions due to potential enrollment decreases and funding uncertainties. Additionally, the Board approved proceeding with Phase II of renovations for the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum for Arkansas State University, and Phase I of the restoration for the Duke Wells Center at Henderson State University. Supporting documentation included capital project proposals for both the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum Phase II ($1,272,000, funded by Special Revenue Funds) and the Duke Wells Center Phase I ($1,300,000, funded by Special Revenue Funds).

This document provides a historical overview of Arkansas State University, detailing its evolution from an agricultural school in 1909 to a globally recognized research institution. It highlights key milestones, including its transformation into a destination university, the establishment of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the opening of the Cadetro campus in Mexico. The university emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence, international accreditations, and robust industry partnerships to prepare students as global citizens and leaders capable of shaping the future.

The Board meeting agenda involved several key resolutions concerning the entire ASU System, including conferring Trustee Emeritus designation, approving tuition, fee, and room and board rates for FY2026, and approving the FY2026 Operating Budgets and Capital Project and Expense Budget. Additionally, resolutions were proposed for individual campuses: Arkansas State University (A-State) for departmental restructuring and private camp agreements; ASU-Beebe for adding a location of instruction and offering new certificates in emergency technician and construction trades technology; ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South, ASU Three Rivers, and Henderson State University for approving private camp agreements. Henderson State University also proposed resolutions for naming academic entities. The agenda also included a President's Report, executive session, personnel actions review, and academic personnel recommendations concerning promotions and tenure across multiple component institutions.

The special meeting of the Board of Trustees primarily focused on the ASU System Presidential Search. Key discussion items included an update on the search process and the consideration and approval of an ASU System Resolution (#24-02). This resolution approved the draft document entitled "Search Profile: Arkansas State University System President" and the proposed Advertising Plan for the search. The document also provided extensive background information on the ASU System, its institutions (including Arkansas State University, Henderson State University, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home, ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South, and ASU Three Rivers), its foundations, the duties of the System President, and the desired qualities for the next president.