Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – Arkansas State University’s Delta Center for Economic Development and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication announced Tuesday the launch of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy, a six-session program designed to build practical skills, foster collaboration and strengthen leadership capacity across the region.
The academy combines hands-on training, systems thinking and cross-sector networking to equip participants with tools they can immediately take back to their organizations and communities.
Session topics include communications and confidence, goal setting and strategic planning, leadership and stress management, the power of unity across backgrounds, influence and negotiations and mentorship.
“This academy is built for doers,” said Andrea Allen, executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development. “We’re inviting motivated professionals and community leaders to sharpen their ability to communicate, set clear goals and lead under pressure. The goal is to help them take what they learn back to their organizations and become better leaders — because building better leaders builds better organizations, a better region and a better state.”
The academy’s mission aligns with A-State’s broader vision of strengthening both students and professionals who shape the state’s economy and communities.
“This matters for the region,” said Chancellor Todd Shields. “A-State exists to open doors — not only for students, but for the leaders who power organizations across Northeast Arkansas. When we invest in people’s leadership growth, we grow the region.”
Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication, added, “Programs like this help leaders find common ground and turn ideas into action. Watching participants connect across industries and counties — and then take those lessons back to strengthen their teams — is exactly the kind of ripple effect that creates long-lasting impact.”
The program will consist of six sessions held in 2026. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays in alternating months and will take place on Jan. 13, March 10, May 12, July 14, Sept. 15, and Nov. 10.
Tuition for the program will be $750 and will be limited to approximately 25 participants.
Those 21 and older who live or work in Northeast Arkansas and want to elevate their leadership and community impact should apply.
Applicants selected will be from Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp, St. Francis, and Woodruff counties.
The application is available here. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 14. For more information, contact Kristi Pulliam at kpulliam@AState.edu
