Founded in 1909 as the First District State Agricultural School to advance farming and mechanical education in Eastern Arkansas, Arkansas State University is the second-largest public university system in Arkansas. Spanning a modern 1,376-acre campus in Jonesboro along Crowley's Ridge, A-State connects agricultural technology, nursing, digital media, business analytics, and Sun Belt athletic traditions. You can explore its founding charter, agricultural origins, and campus evolution through the Arkansas State University Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend A-State, you enter a vibrant public research university deeply rooted in the Delta region's economic and scientific growth. Living in Jonesboro places you inside Northeast Arkansas's primary commercial hub surrounded by medical centers, food production plants, and regional lakes.
Premier Academic Programs
A-State hosts seven specialized colleges delivering accredited undergraduate and graduate instruction across diverse fields:
- Neil Griffin College of Business: AACSB-accredited business school famous for corporate accounting, finance, supply chain analytics, and management. Explore degree options on the Griffin College of Business portal.
- College of Agriculture: Global leader in precision farming, rice genetics, soil conservation, and agribusiness management.
- College of Nursing and Health Professions: Regional powerhouse preparing clinical nurses, radiologic technologists, and physical therapists.
- College of Engineering and Computer Science: Delivers instruction in mechanical engineering, civil infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
- College of Liberal Arts and Communication: Features acclaimed programs in digital media production, graphic design, and public history.
"Educate, Enhance, Enrich, serving as Arkansas State University's core mission statement."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the Dean B. Ellis Library lawn, the Reng Student Union, and the Heritage Plaza. School spirit revolves around Howl, the energetic red wolf mascot representing A-State Red Wolves athletic teams in NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference sports. You can read about spirit traditions and mascot history on the official A-State Red Wolves Athletics portal. Cheering inside Centennial Bank Stadium for football games, attending basketball games in the First National Bank Arena, and joining over 200 student clubs creates an engaging campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Biosciences Science
A-State operates an active doctoral research framework with specialized laboratories in plant biotechnology and medical training:
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI): State-of-the-art agricultural and medical research complex advancing plant-made pharmaceuticals and medical biotechnology.
- Center for No-Till Agriculture: Conducts field research in sustainable soil management, cover crops, and water preservation. Learn more via A-State Research Operations.
- NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State: Medical school partnership training clinical physicians to serve rural communities across the Mississippi Delta.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of Governors, Olympic gold medalists, corporate leaders, and NFL stars, including:
- Mike Beebe: Former Governor of Arkansas and Attorney General who earned his degree in political science at A-State.
- Al Joyner: Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump who starred in track and field for Arkansas State.
- Earl Bell: Olympic bronze medalist pole vaulter and world record holder who competed for A-State.
- Demario Davis: All-Pro NFL linebacker and Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist who played collegiate football for the Red Wolves.
A-State provides generous merit scholarship coverage and flat-rate tuition guarantee pathways for qualified domestic and international students. Review full entry requirements on the official A-State Admissions portal.