Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 9, 2024 – The Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University will host the 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum on Thursday, Jan. 9, in Jonesboro. The forum will focus on the leading role the university and Northeast Arkansas region are playing in economic and leadership development in Arkansas and beyond.

The forum will feature a series of panel discussions with leaders from the steel industry, health care, higher education, mental health, wellness and leadership, centered on collaborative partnerships that can be a catalyst for future growth in Arkansas.

“A-State is at the forefront of shaping the industries that are vital to the prosperity of Northeast Arkansas, the state and beyond,” said Chancellor Todd Shields. “We invite leaders from across the state to join us for a half-day forum that will highlight A-State’s role in fostering growth and innovation that benefits the entire state.”

A-State continues to develop strategic partnerships, enhance workforce development and offer academic programs that align with industry needs — all efforts that contribute to Arkansas’s broader economic landscape.

“This forum will underscore our role in advancing economic growth and leadership development for the betterment of our students, employees and for all Arkansans. Our university remains committed to driving progress not just locally, but across the entire state,” Shields added.

Tickets for the forum are $30 per person or $250 for a table of 10. The proceeds support student scholarships at A-State. Registration is available online at https://www.AState.edu/Catalyst.

The full schedule is below:

11 a.m. – Registration & Lunch

12:15 p.m. – Steel & Workforce Development Panel Discussion, Q&A

Dan Brown, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Steelmaking, U.S. Steel Corp. & Chief Operating Officer, Big River Steel Chris Heigle, President of Arkansas Northeastern College Zach Moon, Vice President & General Manager of Nucor Corporation Patrick Schueck, CEO of Lexicon, Inc. Todd Shields, Chancellor of Arkansas State University

1:15 p.m. – Break

1:30 p.m. – Connections & Mentorship Panel Discussion, Q&A

Sandy Alstadt, Retired, Entergy Services, Inc.; Owner, Alstadt Solution, LLC & Mentor with Arkansas State University Women’s Business Leadership Center Joshua Brown, Principal of Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate & Development Patricia Quinn Robertson Johnston, Professor of Business Law & Executive Director of the Arkansas State University Women’s Business Leadership Center Kathy White Lloyd, Founding Director of the Arkansas State University Women’s Business Leadership Center & Former Dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business

2:30 p.m. – Break

2:45 p.m. – Healthcare & Workforce Development Panel, Q&A

Chris Barber, CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare Len Frey, Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives & Sr. Associate Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine Sam Lynd, Administrator & CEO of NEA Baptist Health System Shane Speights, Dean at 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, Q&A

Mark Foster, Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, Arkansas State University, College of Nursing and Health Professions Laura Nick, Chief Communications Officer of Garver David Peacock, President of Hytrol Conveyor Co. Patrick Schueck, President and CEO of Lexicon, Inc. Jim Washam, Dean of Arkansas State University Neil Griffin College of Business

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Connections, Cocktails & Campus Tours