It has been a banner stretch for Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, with three uplifting milestones landing in the same week — a spring graduation celebration, a major faculty achievement, and a first-of-its-kind student research expedition.

The University of Arkansas system celebrated Jonesboro’s Spring 2026 graduates, recognizing the hard work and dedication of students who crossed the finish line this semester. The milestone marks another proud chapter for the local university community and the families who supported those graduates along the way.

Adding to the academic momentum, thirty-three A-State faculty members received certification from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). The ACUE credential is a nationally recognized mark of teaching excellence, signaling that these instructors have met rigorous standards for effective, evidence-based classroom practice. Having 33 faculty members earn the distinction at once reflects a strong institutional commitment to the quality of education A-State students receive every day.

Perhaps the most adventurous news came from five A-State students who traveled to Dominica on the university’s inaugural research trip. The journey marks a first for the program, opening a new chapter of hands-on, international scholarly experience for Red Wolves students. Inaugural trips like this one lay the groundwork for future cohorts of A-State researchers to follow in their footsteps.

Together, these three achievements paint a picture of a university community that is growing, excelling, and reaching beyond its borders — great news for Jonesboro and all of Northeast Arkansas.

Sources: Jonesboro Right Now, Jonesboro Right Now