Catalyst NEA Forum Highlights Higher Ed Partnerships
Arkansas State University hosted the annual economic development and leadership forum in Jonesboro, focusing on collaboration between universities, employers and public institutions.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you think job opportunities in your area are getting better?
Arkansas State University hosted Catalyst NEA, an economic development and leadership forum, Thursday at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. Sessions highlighted partnerships between higher education and industry across Arkansas.
Why it matters
The forum was held to examine opportunities and challenges shaping Arkansas's future through collaboration among universities, employers and public institutions. Its panels focused on how those partnerships can be expanded statewide.
Arkansas State's partnership with the Arkansas Department of Transportation has produced 23 research projects over more than five decades. Graduates from its College of Education and Behavioral Science are teaching in all 75 Arkansas counties.
The players
Arkansas State University
A public university in Jonesboro, Arkansas, that hosts the Catalyst NEA forum and runs a long-running research partnership with the state transportation department.
Randy Zook
Randy Zook is president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, a leading business advocacy group in the state.
Edie Stewart
Edie Stewart is CEO of Forward Arkansas, a statewide economic development organization focused on business growth and recruitment.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the governor of Arkansas, who welcomed forum participants through a recorded message.
The details
Panelists discussed expanding the student-led Security Operations Center, developed with Jonesboro-based Kalmer Solutions, across the Arkansas State University System. Recent ArDOT-backed research is exploring steel, agricultural byproducts and recycled materials for construction.
Timeline
Thursday (November 5, 2026): Catalyst NEA forum held in Jonesboro
Nov. 4, 2027: Next Catalyst NEA forum to be hosted by A-State
Market Landscape
The forum reflects a broader Arkansas push to tie public university research to industry needs, following the multi-decade A-State and ArDOT research partnership. Its panels framed campus-based security and materials research as models other state institutions could adopt.
Jonesboro residents and Arkansas employers may see more university-led training and research partnerships as collaboration models expand. The forum's panels signal that campus security and construction materials projects could eventually shape local jobs and services.
The takeaway
Strong partnerships between universities, employers and state agencies can produce lasting research and workforce benefits. Jonesboro-area leaders and businesses can watch these models as they develop.
What happens next
The next Catalyst NEA forum will be hosted by Arkansas State University on Nov. 4, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more leadership and workforce coverage in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stuttgart Daily Leader.
Live Poll
Do you think job opportunities in your area are getting better?
