Arkansas National Guard, ASU System Collaborate for Statewide Student Success Initiatives
10/02/2025
JONESBORO, Ark. – The Arkansas National Guard (AR NG) and Arkansas State University System today signed a Memorandum of Agreement to establish a collaborative framework that will expand student career development, leadership opportunities and National Guard service awareness across Arkansas.
Representatives of the AR NG and ASU System gathered at the Lt. Col. Fredrick C. Turner Jr. Military Science Building at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to sign the agreement. A-State hosts AR NG representatives to serve students in the Reng Student Union.
Participants in the MoA signing were (from left) Dr. Ike Wheeler, interim chancellor
of ASU-Newport, representing the ASU System; Brig. Gen. Olen Chad Bridges,
adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard; and Dr. Calvin White Jr.,
provost and executive vice chancellor at A-State.
The new statewide partnership underscores the shared commitment of the AR NG, ASU System and A-State to create pathways for student success. Through the agreement, the AR NG will establish a Career Resource Center on ASU System campuses, provide leadership and mentorship programs, and support students with resources such as tuition assistance, scholarship guidance and academic credit opportunities for military training.
Speakers at the signing event included Brig. Gen. Olen Chad Bridges, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard; Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor at A-State; Lt. Col. J. Matt Weeks, chair of the Military Science and Leadership Department at A-State; and Yohance Smith of Little Rock, a ROTC program cadet and member of the AR NG.
“The Arkansas National Guard is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders, and this partnership with the ASU System creates new pathways for students to serve, learn and succeed,” Brig. Gen. Bridges said. “By aligning academic opportunities with military service, we are not only strengthening our force, but also equipping Arkansas students with the skills, discipline and leadership needed to thrive in every sector of our state’s future.”
Dr. Brendan Kelly, president of the ASU System, said the system’s two four-year institutions – A-State and Henderson State University – and five two-year institutions are positioned to collaborate with the AR NG statewide.
“We’re honored to expand our strong relationship with the U.S. and Arkansas military services,” Dr. Kelly said. “Our education mission to support students’ career goals aligns well with the Arkansas National Guard. Our joint efforts to enhance and share resources will strengthen both of our organizations and create life-changing opportunities and futures for students across the state.”
Dr. White noted A-State’s long history and track record dating to 1936 in educating cadets who have gone on to serve U.S. and state military services.
“This collaboration is not simply about space, it is about presence,” Dr. White said. “It is about making the National Guard – the opportunities it provides and the values that it stands for – visible, accessible and embedded within the fabric of student life at Arkansas State.”
Lt. Col. Weeks said, “While Military Science provides the skills, knowledge and discipline needed to serve, its true impact lies in the culture it fosters – a culture that guides identity, shapes decisions and defines leadership. The partnership we celebrate today between the ASU System and the Arkansas National Guard strengthens that culture and reaffirms a commitment to developing leaders who contribute to the future of Arkansas and our nation.”
Cadet Smith said balancing college and military services isn’t always easy.
“We are students, soldiers and leaders in training, all at the same time,” he said. “This partnership gives us real tools to succeed in every one of those roles. By setting aside space on campus for National Guard advisors and career resources, it creates a place where we can get guidance on scholarships, tuition assistance and career planning without having to leave the campus community. That saves time, reduces stress and helps us stay focused on both our education and service.”
ASU System campuses will provide a designated area within its campus facilities for use by AR NG personnel. They will coordinate with AR NG recruiters to facilitate seamless processing of National Guard Tuition Waivers and other military-related educational benefits. The AR NG may set up information booths, distribute promotional materials and advise interested students during campus events, career fairs and orientation sessions.
The ASU System will also identify qualified personnel to serve as instructors for courses that focus on subjects such as leadership, technical skills and career development for AR NG students.
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