Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy Celebrates Graduation

The ceremony marks the completion of a year-long leadership development journey focused on strengthening Northeast Arkansas communities and organizations.

JONESBORO – The Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University celebrated the graduation of participants from the Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy today (Tuesday, Nov. 10). This marks the completion of a year-long leadership development journey focused on strengthening Northeast Arkansas communities and organizations.

The graduating cohort completed six intensive sessions that emphasized leadership development, cross-sector collaboration, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving.

“This program is about more than individual leadership growth — it’s about building a stronger, more connected region,” said Andrea Allen, executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development. “These graduates are returning to their organizations and communities better equipped to lead with purpose and collaborate for long-term impact.”

Participants represented a diverse range of industries and communities across the 17-county region, reflecting the collaborative spirit at the heart of the Academy.

Throughout the program, participants explored key leadership competencies including effective communication, goal setting, managing stress, influencing change, and building meaningful partnerships across sectors and communities.

The graduation also signals the continued growth of the academy as a regional leadership initiative. Applications for the next cohort are open until Friday, Nov. 14, and the next class of participants will be announced by Thursday, Dec. 10.

The Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy is housed within the Delta Center in partnership with the Neil Griffin College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. This accelerator program reflects the university’s commitment to developing leaders who contribute to inclusive and sustainable regional growth.

For more information about the academy, visit redwolv.es/acceleration or contact Tamika Jenkins at tajenkins@AState.edu.

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