CATALYST
NEA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LEADERSHIP FORUM
THURSDAY
JANUARY 9, 2025
Embassy Suites
Red Wolf Convention Center
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Hosted by Arkansas State University
Neil Griffin College of Business
Welcome!
We are thrilled to host the inaugural Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum at Arkansas State University. This gathering brings together visionary leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping the future of Northeast Arkansas and beyond.
At A-State, we pride ourselves on being more than an academic institution — we are a catalyst for growth, innovation and progress. Our region is brimming with untapped potential, and I firmly believe our state’s economic future, with Northeast Arkansas leading the way, has never been brighter. This forum represents a great opportunity to explore how collaboration, innovation and education can fuel the prosperity of our industries, workforce and communities. A-State as a Catalyst
The ASU System recently received $10.5 million in grant funding from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Department of Commerce to support workforce development efforts. This funding will allow A-State to work in partnership with ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) in Blytheville. The partnership will focus on stacked credentials in the areas of advanced automated manufacturing, food processing and steel production.
This collaboration allows us to align academic programs, research and workforce development with real-world needs. From advanced automated manufacturing and food processing to cutting-edge steel production and agriculture research, our faculty and students are working hand-in-hand with industry leaders to solve challenges and pioneer new solutions. Our focus isn’t just on workforce development; we are a resource for ongoing growth. Whether you’re an entry-level employee seeking additional training or a company pursuing Ph.D.-level research and development experts, A-State is here to support your journey. Together, we grow.
Thinking Regionally, Growing Together
Jonesboro’s success is tied to the broader success of the Northeast Arkansas region. By embracing a regional mindset, we unlock opportunities that benefit all our communities. Industries thrive when supported by a university town like ours where innovation, talent and resources converge.
This event underscores the strength of those connections and showcases how A-State can serve as the research and development arm for industries — an essential partner for companies looking to innovate and expand without starting from scratch. By fostering leadership skills, resilience and collaboration, we are preparing students for careers while simultaneously empowering industries to adapt and grow in an ever-changing economic landscape.
Looking Ahead
As we convene today, I encourage you to brainstorm, connect and envision what’s next. What challenges can we tackle together? How can we leverage the talent of our vibrant community and university to propel us forward? With your participation, this forum is just the beginning.
I am excited to announce that this event will become an annual tradition, highlighting different industries and fostering partnerships that will transform our region over the next five to 10 years. Together, we have the power to create a brighter future for Northeast Arkansas, our industries, our state and for generations to come.
Thank you for joining us today and for your commitment to building a stronger, more connected and more prosperous region. Let’s use this forum to spark ideas, forge partnerships, and drive the progress that will define the next chapter for Northeast Arkansas and beyond.
Sincerely,
Todd Shields Chancellor, Arkansas State University
MEET THE MODERATORS
Mitch Bettis Owner and President, Arkansas Business Publishing Group
Mitch Bettis is the owner and president of Arkansas Business Publishing Group — the award-winning digital marketing and media company founded in 1995 — and he is the owner and president of 360 West, a media and marketing company in Fort Worth, Texas. He has more than 30 years of experience in management and publishing. He manages the daily operations of a publishing company that produces more than 30 print publications and a digital marketing company working with businesses across the United States. He also serves as the publisher of Arkansas Business, the state’s leading business magazine.
Mitch is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, and he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees at Oklahoma State University.
Heather Nelson Executive in Residence, Arkansas State University - Neil Griffin College of Business
Heather Nelson serves as the first-ever Executive in Residence at Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business, where she mentors students, collaborates with faculty and develops new initiatives, including the 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum. A renewable energy pioneer, Heather is co-founder and partner at Seal Solar, one of Arkansas’ leading solar companies, and a former board chair of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
Recognized as Arkansas Business Executive of the Year in 2021, Heather has spent decades fostering leadership and innovation. Her teaching career includes roles at the University of Arkansas and CIMBA in Paderno del Grappa, Italy, where she delivers courses on storytelling in leadership and marketing, global consumer behavior and entrepreneurship.
Nelson’s first book, “Facedown,” is slated for release in 2025. Known for her authenticity and visionary leadership, she continues to inspire others to navigate business and life with purpose, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Event Itinerary
12:15 p.m. | Steel & Workforce Development Panel Discussion, Q&A
• Dan Brown | U.S. Steel Corp.
• Chris Heigle | Arkansas Northeastern College
• Zach Moon | Nucor-Yamato Steel
• Patrick Schueck | Lexicon, Inc.
• Todd Shields | Arkansas State University
1:15 p.m. | Break
1:30 p.m. | Connections & Mentorship Panel Discussion, Q&A
• Sandy Alstadt | Alstadt Solution, LLC
• Joshua Brown | Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate & Development
• Carlitta Moore | Arkansas State University
• Patricia Quinn Robertson Johnston | A-State Women’s Business Leadership Center
2:30 p.m. | Break
2:45 p.m. | Healthcare & Workforce Development Panel Discussion, Q&A
• Len Frey | Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Michael Givens | St. Bernards Healthcare
• Sam Lynd | NEA Baptist Health System
• Shane Speights | New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
3:45 p.m. | Break
4 p.m. | Mental Health, Wellness & Leadership Panel Discussion, Q&A
• Mark Foster | Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Laura Nick | Garver
• David Peacock | Hytrol Conveyor Co.
• Patrick Schueck | Lexicon, Inc.
• Jim Washam | Arkansas State University Neil Griffin College of Business
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Wrap-up & Connections, Cocktails & Campus Tours
FORGING PARTNERSHIPS: STEEL & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
With more than $3 billion in recent steel-related investments in Northeast Arkansas and more than $9 billion over the last two decades, it’s no secret that the steel capital of the U.S. has shifted to the fertile soil of the Arkansas Delta.
Modern steel production is more technologically advanced than ever before, and many of those industry-leading advances are happening in neighboring Mississippi County. Arkansas State University is committed to help provide the workforce and cutting-edge research necessary to strengthen this thriving industry.
Workforce Development
A-State’s collaborations with local educational institutions like ASU-Newport, Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) and other regional partners ensure the development of a forward-thinking and home-grown workforce. These collaborations offer pathways from entry-level training to advanced degrees, from boot camps to bachelor’s degrees and even Ph.D.s, ensuring that workers are familiar with the most cutting-edge technologies and processes in the steel industry.
This collaborative approach builds a pipeline of skilled workers and makes A-State, ANC and other ASU system institutions, key partners in the region and state’s workforce development efforts.
Research and Additional Partnership Areas
A-State researchers at the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing will collaborate with industry scientists and metallurgists on testing existing steel products, collaborate to develop new products, as well as help improve and increase efficiency using artificial intelligence and data science. A-State’s scientists are already collaborating with Hybar and US steel on new products and ensuring that these industries remain at the forefront of research and knowledge related to contemporary electric arc furnaces.
In addition to new programs in metallurgy, AI and material science, A-State will also build steel-specific competencies in finance, supply chain, sales, marketing and cyber-security. Additional partnership opportunities include nursing and health professions, education, counseling and mental health and environmental science.
STEEL & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PANEL
Dan Brown
SVP of Advanced Technology Steelmaking, U.S. Steel Corp. COO, Big River Steel
Dan Brown was named vice president and chief operating officer of Big River Steel (BRS) in July 2021 and advanced to senior vice president of Advanced Technology Steelmaking in February 2022. In addition to Big River Steel operations, Brown oversees Big River 2.
With three decades of experience at U.S. Steel, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He began his career in 1994 at Mon Valley Works and steadily advanced through key leadership roles in steelmaking, finishing and operations. Brown’s experience includes international assignments as plant manager at U.S. Steel Serbia and leadership positions at Fairfield Works and Gary Works. In 2019, he was named general manager of automotive operations, where he oversaw multiple facilities, including the Great Lakes Plant, Desco Coating and the Midwest Sheet facility.
Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in business logistics from Pennsylvania State University. He also earned his MBA from Duquesne University.
Chris Heigle President, Arkansas Northeastern College
Dr. Christopher Heigle serves as the fifth president of Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC), located in Blytheville, Ark. A native of Heber Springs, Dr. Heigle has a strong background in higher education, public policy and economic development. Before assuming his current role, he worked in various leadership capacities, including serving as a staff member for former Congressman Marion Berry and holding roles in workforce development and community service.
Dr. Heigle serves on the boards of the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce, South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce and the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of leadership programs such as the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute and the Mid-South Basic Economic Developers Course. His vision for ANC emphasizes innovative solutions to economic development challenges in the Arkansas Delta.
Zach Moon Vice President & General Manager, Nucor-Yamato Steel
Zach Moon is vice president and general manager of Nucor-Yamato Steel in Blytheville, Ark., a position he has held since 2024. He began his career with Nucor in 1998 as a caster inspector and has since advanced through various supervisory and managerial roles across multiple divisions. His leadership experience includes positions at Nucor Steel Berkeley, Nucor JFE Mexico, Nucor Tubular, and California Steel Industries. Moon holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Baptist University and a master’s in operations management from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. In addition to his responsibilities at Nucor, Moon serves on the Los Angeles Branch Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. In September 2024, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), bringing his extensive industry experience to the organization.
Patrick Schueck CEO, Lexicon, Inc.
Patrick Schueck is CEO of Lexicon, Inc., a provider of construction management, fabrication, erection, mechanical installation, golf course construction and plant management services. Lexicon delivers four million man-hours and 150,000 tons of steel annually through its divisions – Lexicon Industrial Constructors, Lexicon Industrial Maintenance, Lexicon Energy Services, Prospect Steel, Custom Metals, Steel Fabricators of Monroe, Heritage Links and Universal.
Under his direction, Schueck led Prospect Steel into a global leader in automated robotic fabrication and has overseen many of Lexicon’s largest projects, including Chicago’s McCormick Center expansion, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (formerly Cowboys Stadium), NASA’s Stennis A3 Test Stand and key Nucor Corporation sites. Currently, Lexicon is working on several significant Northeast Arkansas projects, including Big River Steel 2 and Hybar.
Schueck serves on the boards of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the American Institute of Steel Construction, Easterseals Arkansas and US Bank. He also serves as vice chair and treasurer of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission and as a member of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council and the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering.
Todd Shields Chancellor, Arkansas State University
A nationally recognized scholar and advocate for students, staff and faculty, Dr. Todd Shields became chancellor of Arkansas State University in 2022. Last fall, A-State achieved the highest enrollment growth percentage in the state, expanded critical industry partnerships, enhanced campus infrastructure and streamlined business processes to better serve students. Prior to joining A-State, Shields held prominent positions at the University of Arkansas, including dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School and International Education (GSIE). He also served as associate dean of the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society, serving as the founding director of the interdisciplinary research center.
SHAPING LEADERS: DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS, MENTORSHIP
At Arkansas State University, mentorship development is more than a collection of campus initiatives — it is a transformative force shaping leaders ready to tackle challenges, innovate and drive organizational success. Research confirms that mentored individuals are more engaged and productive, and A-State’s mentorship programs exemplify this, preparing graduates with industry-specific expertise and strong networks to benefit organizations across Arkansas and beyond. These initiatives not only transform lives on campus but also provide organizations with guidance on building their own internal mentorship programs.
From the Women’s Business Leadership Center (WBLC) and Women’s Leadership Collaborative (WLC) to Empower the Pack, Brother 2 Brother (B2B) and Sister 2 Sister (S2S), A-State provides a robust foundation for leadership development. These programs foster professional growth by connecting students, faculty and staff with mentorship, networking and career development opportunities.
Since its founding in 2016, the WBLC has matched students with mentors already established in their industries through initiatives like Step Up, Reach Back, building career skills and community support. Its partnership with the Forté Foundation grants students access to top female executives, events and conferences, broadening leadership horizons. Similarly, the WLC connects students to organizations like Women in Science and the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy, hosting events such as the Women’s Leadership Conference and Recognizing Remarkable Women awards.
The Empower the Pack program fosters cross-campus connections among A-State faculty and staff, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop skills and expand professional networks. By pairing participants based on interests and career goals, this program encourages a collaborative environment for personal and professional growth.
Programs like B2B and S2S emphasize mentorship for African American students, focusing on academic excellence and community service. Since their founding in 2004 and 2005, respectively, these initiatives have significantly increased graduation rates and support over 100 students with the guidance of dedicated faculty mentors.
By fostering relationships that emphasize resilience, collaboration and innovation, the university creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond its campus. These initiatives not only prepare students to lead with confidence but also offer companies a framework for establishing internal mentorship programs. Through this dual focus, A-State ensures the success of its students and the long-term growth of Arkansas industries, reaffirming its commitment to shaping a brighter, more connected future.
CONNECTIONS & MENTORSHIP PANEL
Sandy Alstadt Owner, Alstadt Solutions, LLC Mentor, A-State Women’s Business Leadership Center
Following a successful 30-plus year career in corporate and nonprofit communications, Alstadt retired from Entergy Services, Inc. in March 2018 and founded Alstadt Solutions, LLC. At Entergy, Alstadt served in progressively higher leadership positions including director/senior manager of Customer Communications. Her responsibilities included leading the company’s branding and integrated customer communications team; she served as Entergy’s public information officer for crisis events for more than 20 years.
The Entergy communications team was recognized with numerous national crisis communications awards.
Today, Alstadt volunteers for several nonprofits, including serving as chairperson for the Advisory Board of the Women’s Business Leadership Center. In 2023, she was named Mentor of the Year by A-State’s Women’s Leadership Collaborative. She lives in Little Rock.
Joshua Brown Principal, Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate & Development
Joshua Brown brings nearly two decades of experience in commercial real estate development, investment, and brokerage, specializing in the retail, industrial, medical, and office sectors. Under his leadership, Haag Brown Commercial has developed projects for more than 100 national brands, including Starbucks, Slim Chickens, and Chipotle, while partnering with Northeast Arkansas’ largest organizations – Hytrol Conveyors, NEA Baptist, and Ritter Communications.
Guided by excellence, innovation, empathy, integrity, and adaptability, Brown has propelled Haag Brown to more than $1 billion in brokerage volume and sustained its 15-year position as Northeast Arkansas’ top commercial real estate firm. Transformative projects like The Uptown, The Reserve at NEA, and E Commerce Park showcase his visionary approach and dedication to creating impactful developments.
Brown’s accolades include Arkansas Business 40 Under 40, Arkansas State’s College of Business Executive of the Year, and recognition in the Arkansas 250 list of influential leaders. His commitment to honoring God and creating “Raving Fans” has cemented his industry reputation.
Carlitta Moore
Vice Chancellor for Access and Institutional Engagement, Arkansas State University
Dr. Carlitta Moore serves as vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement at Arkansas State University, where she champions accessibility and belonging for all students. Previously, she held roles as an associate professor & assistant dean in the College of Nursing and Health Professions at A-State and assistant athletics director and the first Black female head athletic trainer at Fayetteville State University. Dr. Moore holds bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Nationally, Dr. Moore contributes as the District Six chair/representative of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, board commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and president-elect for the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education.
Dedicated to service, she is faculty association president, NAACP campus chapter advisor, a Diamond Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and active in Jonesboro’s Community Health Education Foundation. Her leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to scholarship, advocacy and community engagement.
Patricia Quinn Robertson Johnston
Professor of Business Law & Executive Director, A-State Women’s Business Leadership Center
Patricia Quinn Johnston is executive director and Founder’s Circle member of the Arkansas State University Women’s Business Leadership Center (WBLC), where she worked alongside other WBLC Founder’s Circle members to establish the signature Step Up, Reach Back mentoring, service and scholarship program in 2016.
Quinn Johnston also teaches business law and real estate at A-State and has taught international law courses as a visiting professor in France. During her teaching career, she has published in numerous academic journals and has received the Jonesboro BPW Woman of the Year and the A-State Excellence in Diversity awards.
She previously served as chair of the A-State Department of Economics and Finance and Interim Associate Dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business. Prior to moving to Jonesboro, she practiced law in Franklin, Tenn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics with related work in mathematics and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University.
ADVANCING HEALTHCARE: HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, STRONGER ECONOMIES
The healthcare industry is critical to economic development because it directly impacts a region’s productivity, workforce stability and attractiveness for investment. A vibrant healthcare presence also creates jobs, increases the demand for services, attracts talent and improves the overall quality of life.
Regions with quality healthcare see stronger human capital development, which is vital for long-term economic growth. A-State is playing a vital role in educating and training the healthcare workforce.
CATALYST
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Arkansas State University is home to Arkansas’ largest undergraduate population of future nurses and healthcare professionals. The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers 10 certificates, six associate degrees, 19 undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees and three doctoral degrees designed to promote lifelong learning and fulfill community and industry needs.
What truly sets the program apart are its collaborative efforts with local healthcare providers like St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Health System. Additionally, the program provides on-site nurses for Mississippi County steel mills, allowing for extensive hands-on experience and bridging the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Students not only learn in academic settings but also work directly in the field, enhancing their professional development while contributing to their community’s health.
NYITCOM at A-State
A-State partnered with the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in 2016 to bring an osteopathic medical school to the Jonesboro campus. The mission of the medical school is to educate and train physicians in Arkansas, for Arkansas, to address the state’s declining health indicators and historic per capita physician shortage. Since 2020, more than 60% of residency graduates are matched in Arkansas or the Delta Region.
The collaboration with NYITCOM makes A-State the only university in the state that allows students to progress seamlessly from college freshman to physician without ever leaving campus. This pathway is designed to equip future doctors with the skills necessary to serve rural and underserved communities, particularly in the Mississippi Delta Region, where healthcare disparities are among the most acute. Through a unique distributive model for residencies, students receive expert mentorship, clinical experience, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful healthcare initiatives. College of Veterinary Medicine
Arkansas also has among the lowest vet-to-pet ratios in the U.S. and a dramatic need for large animal veterinarians. As an integral part of the agricultural fabric of the greater Delta Region, A-State will open the state’s first public College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing students to pursue their dreams without leaving Arkansas. Pending the final steps of successful accreditation, the first cohort of approximately 120 students is expected to start in fall 2026. Four cohorts will create a total student body of over 400.
This program will address the state’s veterinarian shortage by also offering a distributive model that places students in rural and underserved areas early in their training. This on-the-job experience in real-world settings ensures that graduates are equipped to serve the state’s agricultural and livestock industries while increasing the likelihood that they will stay in and strengthen the communities where they train.
HEALTHCARE & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PANEL
Len Frey
Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives & Sr. Associate Dean, Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Len Frey serves as senior advisor for strategic initiatives and senior associate dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Arkansas State University, a role he began in July 2024. Previously, from 2012 through 2017, he served as vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at A-State, and from 2017 through 2024, he was chief operating officer. He also served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs in 2023.
In 2000, Dr. Frey joined A-State as chair of the Department of Management and Marketing and, from 2005 to 2012, served as dean of the College of Business. Before entering academia, he held leadership roles in healthcare and public accounting in Jonesboro.
Frey earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Memphis and MBA and accounting degrees from A-State. He has served on numerous local, regional and state boards, including Jonesboro Unlimited, and is a past president of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce and Jonesboro Economic Development Corporation.
Michael Givens
COO/Administrator, St. Bernards Medical Center
Michael Givens is the COO/Administrator at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., where he has served since 2001. He oversees operations for the 454-bed flagship of St. Bernards Healthcare, a Catholic system serving 23 counties.
A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Givens has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on ACHE’s Board of Governors and as Regent for Arkansas. He is also the education chair for ACHE of Arkansas and a mentor in ACHE’s Leadership Mentoring Network.
Locally, Givens serves on the boards of the Arkansas Hospital Association and El Centro Hispano, chairs the Jonesboro Emerging Leaders Program and volunteers with Jonesboro Unlimited and Compass Church.
Givens holds an MBA from Harding University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas. Among his many accolades, he received the 2024 Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association Administrator of the Year Award.
Sam Lynd
Administrator & CEO, NEA Baptist Health System
Sam Lynd is the administrator and chief executive officer of NEA Baptist Health System, which serves Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. He joined Baptist Memorial Health Care in 2011 as a Groner Fellow and has held multiple leadership roles across the system, including assistant administrator at NEA Baptist and Baptist-Union County, administrator and CEO of Baptist Tipton and the Baptist Cancer Center, service line administrator for Emergency Services, and COO of Baptist Memphis. Lynd earned a Master of Science in Health Administration and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Sam is most proud of being the husband of his wife, Chaney, and father to their two children, Copley and Henry. His leadership is driven by a passion for coaching and developing others to create impactful change and improve patient outcomes.
Shane Speights
Dean, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
Shane Speights, D.O., FAAFP, is the dean of NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University. He was part of the community group that helped launch the college and he’s served as a faculty member since the school’s inception in 2016.
A native of Arkadelphia, Speights earned his undergraduate degree at Henderson State University and completed medical school prerequisites at A-State. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed residency at UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro and a one-year Health Policy fellowship at Ohio University. After residency, he became associate professor of medicine at the UAMS Northeast Family Medicine residency program and later associate program director. He then joined St. Bernards Medical Center as chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs.
Speights is a past president of the Arkansas Osteopathic Association and currently serves as chair of the board of deans for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. His multiple honors include the Arkansas Osteopathic Young Physician Award, the NYIT Standard of Excellence Award and several others.
ALIGNING EQ AND IQ: WELLNESS, MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS RESHAPE WORKFORCE
Arkansas State University is taking significant strides to develop well-rounded, effective leaders among its graduates and workforce partners. Recognizing that leadership extends beyond technical expertise, the university prioritizes skills such as emotional intelligence, resilience and communication alongside traditional competencies. This approach equips graduates to thrive in collaborative, dynamic environments and allows companies to partner with A-State to train the existing workforce to increase their leadership and interpersonal capabilities. This forward-thinking method aligns with A-State’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and practical, career-ready skills pre- and post-graduation. By integrating cutting-edge online education with a focus on emotional and interpersonal capabilities, the university is cultivating leaders who are prepared to meet challenges head-on, adapt to changing workplace demands and drive innovation in their industries.
In a unique partnership with Coursera, A-State will begin providing industryfocused, customizable training programs designed to meet the evolving needs of companies across Arkansas. Through this collaboration, the university offers training in high-demand areas such as data analytics, programming, artificial intelligence and leadership development, complemented by credentials in critical soft skills like well-being, grit and emotional IQ. By combining technical mastery with the ability to navigate complex social dynamics, these programs create a comprehensive pathway for professional success. These programs offer students industry-recognized certificates from Google, IBM and other leading companies in areas ranging from leadership, team building, to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
What sets this initiative apart is its flexibility and customization. Companies can tailor these training resources to address specific skill gaps within their teams, ensuring targeted and relevant development opportunities. Additionally, participants can complete the training on their own schedules, whether at work, home or online, making the programs accessible to a diverse workforce. This adaptability allows organizations to upskill their existing employees without disrupting daily operations, fostering continuous learning across industries.
A-State is also investing heavily in the mental health and well-being of our students and encouraging our state’s companies to do the same. Our automated text platform with students allows us to quickly answer routine questions and, most importantly, do mental health checks. The system received 14,000 texts from students in the first week of operation and underscores the importance of staying connected with our next-generation leaders. The more supported they feel, the better they will perform academically and in the workplace.
By bridging the gap between technical proficiency and emotional intelligence, A-State is setting a new standard for workforce development, creating leaders equipped to excel in an increasingly interconnected and changing world.
MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS & LEADERSHIP PANEL
Mark Foster
Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Mark Foster is the chair of the graduate program in Nursing Studies at Arkansas State University, where he has been an integral part of the faculty since 2008. As chair, he oversees the development and evaluation of curriculum and clinical experiences, with a focus on advancing nursing education and practice. He is committed to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and professionally.
Dr. Foster holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Southern Indiana and a master’s degree in Nursing from A-State. He is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and practices in a family practice clinic in Paragould, Ark. His professional interests include nursing education, telemedicine integration and the advancement of patient care through evidence-based practices.
A passionate advocate for nursing, Dr. Foster’s leadership extends to numerous service roles, including the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty. His dedication to both education and clinical practice makes him a respected leader in his field.
Laura Nick Chief Communications Officer, Garver
Laura Nick leads the in-house communications team for the national engineering firm, Garver. Founded in Arkansas more than 100 years ago, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning and environmental services firm with more than 60 offices across 20 states.
In her role, Nick oversees all aspects of branding, strategic marketing and internal and external communications. In 2015, she launched the firm’s corporate giving program, GarverGives, which has since contributed more than $2 million to over 700 organizations nationwide. On a daily basis, she leads a team of 30-plus communications professionals with specialties ranging from public relations to video production to targeted digital campaigns.
An alumna of Arkansas State University’s College of Communications, she is also a recognized leader in her community, currently serving as the 2024 Chair of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Board.
David Peacock President, Hytrol Conveyor Co.
David Peacock is the President of Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc., a manufacturer of advanced conveying systems that provides solutions for customers with processing, manufacturing and warehouse and distribution needs. He joined the company in September 2014 and became the president in June 2015. The company’s consistent growth is strengthened by its Integration Partner Network which has more than 100 locations worldwide.
A North Carolina native, Peacock graduated as a distinguished naval graduate from The Citadel in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in history and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a master’s degree in management from Webster University in 1990. After leaving the military, Peacock advanced through leadership roles at Rubbermaid, Textron, JLG Industries, and Kalmar Industries before joining Hytrol.
Patrick Schueck CEO, Lexicon, Inc.
Patrick Schueck is CEO of Lexicon Inc., a provider of construction management, fabrication, erection, mechanical installation, golf course construction and plant management services. Lexicon delivers four million man-hours and 150,000 tons of steel annually through its divisions – Lexicon Industrial Constructors, Lexicon Industrial Maintenance, Lexicon Energy Services, Prospect Steel, Custom Metals, Steel Fabricators of Monroe, Heritage Links and Universal.
Schueck serves on the boards of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the American Institute of Steel Construction, Easterseals Arkansas and US Bank. He also serves as vice chair and treasurer of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission and as a member of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council and the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering.
Jim Washam
Dean, Arkansas State University Neil Griffin College of Business
Jim Washam has been a member of Arkansas State University’s finance faculty since 1989 and currently serves as dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business. Previously, he held roles as department chair and associate dean. He is a member of the ASU Foundation Joint Committee on University Investments and the ASU System Retirement Plan Committee. Washam specializes in corporate treasury and financial risk management, and his research has been published in national and international journals. He has also contributed as a subject matter expert for numerous treasury and finance publications.
In addition, Washam has more than 25 years of experience in the creation of educational programs focused on corporate financial planning and analysis and treasury management for multinational corporations, global financial institutions, community banks, municipal governments and universities.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, an MBA from Arkansas State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi.
CATALYST
Collaboration Sparks Action –
Let’s
Build on Today’s Momentum
Thank you for joining us at the inaugural Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum at Arkansas State University. Today has been a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when visionary leaders, innovators and changemakers come together with a shared purpose.
Collaboration has been the common thread throughout the day. Whether through our discussions on steel production, mentorship, healthcare or leadership, we’ve seen how united efforts drive meaningful, impactful partnerships. Arkansas State University is committed to serving as a catalyst for these partnerships, supporting industries, workforce development and the growth of our region and state in innovative and transformative ways.
But collaboration is more than a concept — it requires action. To continue the momentum sparked today, we invite you to reach out and explore the next steps we can take together. Email us at catalyst@AState.edu, and let’s turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s successes.
As we close this forum, we look ahead with excitement. This event is just the beginning of a tradition that will define the future of Northeast Arkansas over the next decade. Together, we have the tools, talent and tenacity to grow our industries, empower our workforce and create a stronger, more connected region.
Thank you for your participation and commitment to progress. We look forward to collaborating further as we write the next chapter of our shared success.
Jim Washam Dean, Arkansas State University
Neil Griffin College of Business
