Arkansas State University

[...] American contemporary poet Miller Williams, professional football player Fred Barnett, and former Miss American and TV anchor Debbye Turner, to name a few.

Besides A-State’s popularity, international students should know that they have been traditionally welcomed on campus and in the community, and are appreciated for their diverse contributions to the school. Arkansas State is small enough to guarantee that international students feel part of a very big family, but large enough to provide a complete university experience. Studying internationally can be a little scary at the beginning, but the staff at A-State is there to make sure all international students feel at home.

Focused on its goal to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and make lives better, Arkansas State University is the main driver for progress in the state, the Delta, and the Mid-South region.

Established in 1909, Arkansas State meets the challenges of operating as a destination university for more than 14,000 students through the combination of top of the line research with a well-known tradition of instruction that is friendly and approachable for both domestic and overseas students. Arkansas State is the second largest university in the state, a doctoral-level national school offering more than 150 degrees areas of study, including a broad online program, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world: all things an international student needs to consider when planning on studying abroad.

A-State is proud to be the economic and cultural engine of the Northeast of the state as it holds public and also private partnerships including hosting the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine -a proud key point considering that is Arkansas’ first osteopathic medical school-, the creation of Mexico’s first American-style university with ASUCQ in Queretaro, and working with O’Reilly Management for the Red Wolf Convention Center and Embassy Suites, all prestigious entities.

Arkansas State was primarily an agricultural university back in the day. It was established as one of four Arkansas high schools to teach agriculture, horticulture and the art of textile manufacturing. Nowadays, the university offers a variety of programs to local and international students, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its colleges. With impressive research capabilities, A-State is building on its first hundred years and looking to the future with confidence.

Despite the agricultural emphasis of the university, the so called “Aggie School” offered a well-rounded curriculum from inception, and many of the general education courses were taught using college level textbooks.

Academic work on campus had progressed by the 1920s into a junior college curriculum. The change came about during World War I, when the Board of Trustees sought to host a Student Army Training Corps unit on campus. After Victor C. Kays, Arkansas State’s first principal ever, learned that such units could only be housed at institutions with at least junior college level, he immediately expanded the curriculum to qualify.

The 1930s decade was looking promising when a fire consumed the Administration/Classroom, right when the Spring semester classes were just starting. In spite of the total loss, President Kays found temporary class locations around campus, including the Dairy Barn, and classes continued on schedule. Construction also began right away on a new Administration/Classroom Building, which opened in 1932. By the 1930s, the academic program had evolved into a full four-year college and the first four-year degrees were awarded in 1932. The following year, Aggie’s name was changed to Arkansas State College.

Against all odds and despite the Great Depression, A-State grew considerably during the 1930s. Much of the growth was due President Kays who put in place a number of strategies for attracting federal money to the campus.

But when war was declared in 1941, enrollment dropped significantly as men went off to war, and eventually student numbers fell to a low of 114 students-mostly females. With the influx of World War II veterans, the campus was bursting at the seams, and temporary housing had to be provided to place students. The seasoned veterans were much different than those who entered campus straight from high school, and they brought their own unique perspectives to the school.

During the 1950s, the school began comparing itself to the University of Arkansas and the board of directive began a campaign to achieve university status. The campus and academic programs continued to grow during the 1960s, and after a decade of intense work, the support of the Government, and the community and the students, the institution became Arkansas State University, a place that will eventually turn into a great option for international students looking to fulfill their studies abroad.

Sports teams played a crucial part in putting the university on the map. The football team played in the Pecan Bowl for three uninterrupted seasons and won the National Championship in 1970. Baseball came in the late 1960s and won three Southland Conference Championships, along with becoming NCAA Mid-West Regional Champions in 1967 and 1968 and placing third in 1968 in the College Division World Series.

Another historical event took place in 1970 when Arkansas State employee Dr. Calvin Smith, who had done his master’s work at ASU, became the first black faculty member on campus. Minority enrollment continued to grow, and in 1972, the university had its first all-black Homecoming Court. Since inception, diversity and inclusion have been crucial aspects of A-State, a reason why the international student’s population kept growing throughout the years.

Years ahead, the new millennium brought a much-improved research reputation with the opening of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, part of a collaborative effort among five institutions to conduct agricultural and medical research to improve the health of Arkansans.

Adding to ASU’s growing recognition in research, new doctoral programs were added, including PhD’s in Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biosciences, and Heritage Studies. Hundreds of international students enroll in these programs looking to take advantage of their good will. When exploring U.S universities to enroll in a higher education program, research opportunities play a big part in the student’s decision.

Location is also very important when planning to study abroad, and specially in a country so spread out like the United States. Arkansas State is located in Jonesboro, the regional hub of Northeast Arkansas for healthcare, entertainment, business, and industry. Jonesboro is the 5th largest city in Arkansas, with a population of over 68,000.

Jonesboro is located across Crowley’s Ridge, a narrow, low-lying ridge created by the great earthquake of 1812. The landscape arrays from farmland to hills. History tells the story of strong, proud founders who have worked since 1859 to create this exciting and always growing city.

From Jonesboro, you can get to Memphis, TN in one hour; to Little Rock, AR in two hours; and to St. Louis, MO and Nashville, TN in four hours, thanks to its central location.

Both local and visitors enjoy an array of recreational, cultural and educational amenities. Jonesboro’s residents show great pride in their community, an excellent place to raise a family, work or play, and very welcoming to international students. Jonesboro has shopping available to fit every needs, and downtown Jonesboro is filled with lively restaurants, shops and exciting businesses. The city offers limitless opportunities for recreation and leisure. Whether it’s the city parks, sports or private athletic facilities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Another very helpful resource for those studying internationally is the Office of Diversity at Arkansas State University; the department is dedicated to finding innovative ways designed to advance the school’s mission of creating a diverse and inclusive environment conducive to educating, enhancing, and enriching lives. Arkansas State University strives to be a place that is inclusive to all individuals regardless of origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, or sexual orientation, all critical matters when you study in America.

The Office of Diversity supports programs, registered student organizations, and A-State initiatives geared towards engaging and uplifting our various and diverse groups on campus, including international students from countries such as Kuwait, China, Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, and Colombia, to name a few. The Office of Diversity has supported but not limited to: The Multicultural Center, International Student Services, Women and Gender Studies, Arkansas State Gay Straight Alliance, Arkansas State’s Black Student Association, Arkansas State Strong Turner Alumni, Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, among others.

If you are into social media, don’t forget to follow A-State on Facebook and like the fan page for the Arkansas State University Office of Diversity for upcoming Office of Diversity events and programs. Also, the Office of Diversity will be expanding into future initiatives geared towards improving our diverse community such as the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the Hispanic Faculty and Staff Association, the Black Male Success Initiative, and other ventures.

With over 150 majors, Arkansas State welcomes all international students from all over, to help them fulfill their studies abroad. Studying overseas does not have to be overwhelming or scary and universities that offer personalized education like A-State are the perfect fit for a foreign student. Located close to cities such as Nashville or St. Louis, studying abroad in Arkansas State is a great opportunity to fully take advantage of studying in the U.S.

Around 700 international students are currently enrolled in Arkansas State’s bachelors and master’s programs. You can help that number grow. Contact EduBookings today and start making your dreams of studying abroad a reality.