JONESBORO — The Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University marked the graduation of participants from the Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 10, concluding a year-long program aimed at strengthening communities and organizations across the region.
The participants completed six intensive sessions that focused on 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.”
Graduates of the academy represented a diverse range of industries and communities across 17 counties in Northeast Arkansas, embodying the collaborative ethos of the program. During the course of their training, participants honed skills in key leadership areas, including effective communication, goal setting, stress management, change leadership, and partnership-building across different sectors and communities.
The ceremony also highlighted the academy’s role as a growing force for regional leadership. Applications for the next cohort are currently open until Friday, Nov. 14, with the announcement of participants expected by Thursday, Dec. 10.
The Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy, housed within the Delta Center for Economic Development, operates in collaboration with the Neil Griffin College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication at Arkansas State University. The program underscores the university’s focus on cultivating leaders who drive inclusive and sustainable growth throughout the region.
For additional details about the academy, interested individuals can visit redwolv.es/acceleration or contact Tamika Jenkins at tajenkins@AState.edu.