ASU System Trustees Approve AI, Technology Policies; A-State Plans Enrollment Push

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees approved four policies governing technology use, artificial intelligence and data security across its campuses, along with bylaws for a new nonprofit designed to support A-State partnerships and facilities projects.

The board also approved employee pay increases at ASU-Mountain Home, naming honors at A-State and Henderson State University, a property purchase in Arkadelphia and expanded instructional offerings through ASU Three Rivers, according to an ASU System release.

The technology measures revise the existing Appropriate Use of Information and Technology Resources Policy and add an Artificial Intelligence Governance Policy, a Data Security and Classification Policy and an Information and Technology Resource Security Policy. The four policies are designed to strengthen information technology management and security on all system campuses.

System President Todd Shields said procedures for implementing the policies would be developed to ensure consistency across the institutions.

Shields also told trustees that visiting campuses during his first three months “confirmed we have exciting institutions with distinct missions.”

“My job is not to make campuses alike, but help them succeed,” Shields said. “Higher education is changing quickly, and we must be willing to change, too.”

White outlines enrollment growth plans

New A-State Chancellor Calvin White Jr. told trustees he would “focus on building the momentum established while ensuring we position A-State for long-term success.”

“That starts with enrollment,” White said. “We have now had six consecutive semesters of record enrollment. That is something worth celebrating, but we are certainly not satisfied.”

White said he and his executive team are working on an ambitious enrollment growth campaign.

“Getting there will require us to think differently about how and where we recruit students,” he added. “We are looking at opportunities to expand our presence in growing markets. As we grow, we are placing an even greater emphasis on how we manage our resources, evaluate spending and return on investment, and prioritize investments. That means making strategic investments in areas where demand is strong, growth is sustainable and our resources can make the greatest impact.”

Trustee Jerry Morgan said he wanted “to share the excitement of Dr. White about everything going on – systemwide and in Jonesboro. We have revamped enrollment, recruitment and retention. I’m excited about the leadership and teamwork of everybody involved.”

Trustee Gary Harpole said that, as the father of an A-State freshman, he sees campus excitement among students as well as in the business community.

New nonprofit to support partnerships and projects

Trustees approved the proposed bylaws of Arkansas State University Strategic Endeavors, Inc., a new nonprofit organization established to support the university by providing a structure for partnerships and transactions that advance educational and facilities needs.

Potential uses include projects involving campus facilities, research, infrastructure and partnerships with private entities.

“This is big endeavor for us moving forward,” Morgan said.

Trustee Price Gardner said the organization is “a vehicle that will help the continued drive to do some things.” He thanked Trustees Gary Harpole and Carole Farmer for their leadership in developing the organization.

The approved bylaws establish the nonprofit’s board structure, its authority to consider transactions and the circumstances under which a project must also come before the Board of Trustees.

Pay increases, naming honors and academic approvals

The board approved an amendment to the ASU-Mountain Home operating budget to establish a minimum salary of $31,200 for full-time staff, raise annual base salaries for all employees by $1,000 and provide one-time bonuses in December.

At A-State, trustees approved naming the defensive coordinator’s office in the Centennial Bank Football Operations Center in honor of Marvin Hagaman and his family. Hagaman was an educator, coach and community leader who served as a co-captain of the A-State football team and was a member of the 1970 national championship coaching staff.

At Henderson State, the board approved naming the strength training center in the Formby Athletic Center in honor of Jada and Chris Hart for their contributions to the program.

Trustees also approved Henderson’s purchase of property at 306/308 North 11th Street in Arkadelphia for $100,000. The property will be used as short-term housing for faculty and staff.

For ASU Three Rivers, the board approved adding 10 local high schools as locations of instruction in accordance with the Arkansas ACCESS Law.

The board also approved ASU Three Rivers offering a Technical Certificate in General Technology to enhance its offerings at the Saline County Career and Technical Campus.