A-State Center for Leadership Excellence

A-State Center for Leadership Excellence The Center has an extraordinary impact on the large community of leaders who connect with our mission.

WE BUILD LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY (WBLC)

A-State students in our unique WBLC Step Up, Reach Back program celebrate their unique strengths and build community, leadership, and connection in remarkable ways, including:

Developing meaningful mentoring relationships
Gaining leadership experience through work on innovative service projects
Engaging in a wide array of personal and professional growth opportunities and
Actively participating in career readiness conferences and networking events. Each A-State student who successfully completes the WBLC Step Up, Reach Back program earns the designation "Leadership Intern," and many Leadership Interns are eligible for scholarships as a result of their involvement. The Center offers opportunities for all A-State students, regardless of academic major, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. Founding Director Dr. Kathy White Loyd and an inspiring group of 28 women in the WBLC Founders Circle established the Center at Arkansas State University in 2016. An expanding community of Founder’s Circle members, Center Champions, mentors, sponsors, volunteers, students, friends, and partners have joined us since the 2016 launch. To connect with our growing leadership community, please e-mail us at [email protected]!

What does it take to tell a story, build connections, and make an impact in your community? We’re excited to have Casey...
09/22/2026

What does it take to tell a story, build connections, and make an impact in your community?

We’re excited to have Casey Pearce, APR, Director of External Relations & Marketing at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State, joining us for our conference! With a background spanning professional sports, public relations, marketing, and community involvement, Casey brings a unique perspective on communication and building meaningful connections. Come hear Casey share his experience and insight with our community!

📅 September 29, 2026
📍 Centennial Hall Breakout Session 3

✨ Speaker Spotlight! ✨We’re excited to welcome Erika Krennerich Chudy, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at Arkansas State...
09/21/2026

✨ Speaker Spotlight! ✨

We’re excited to welcome Erika Krennerich Chudy, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at Arkansas State University, to our Fall Leadership Conference!

With a passion for building meaningful connections and advancing higher education, Erika provides executive leadership for A-State’s comprehensive advancement efforts, including fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, and more.

Through her leadership, she works to cultivate philanthropy and secure support for scholarships, academic programs, capital projects, athletics, and strategic university priorities.

Join us as Erika shares her expertise and perspective on leadership, relationship-building, and creating lasting impact through purposeful work. ❤️🖤

What does it take to build a stronger, thriving community? We’re excited to have Bevin Hunter, President & CEO of the W...
09/21/2026

What does it take to build a stronger, thriving community?

We’re excited to have Bevin Hunter, President & CEO of the Wynne Economic Development Corporation, joining us for our conference! With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, public service, and community leadership, Bevin has worked to create opportunities for businesses and communities across Arkansas. Come hear her share her perspective on growth, leadership, and what it takes to make a lasting impact in the places we call home. We hope to see you there!

📅 September 29, 2026
📍 Centennial Hall

Meet Andrea Allen! ✨Andrea serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic D...
09/21/2026

Meet Andrea Allen! ✨

Andrea serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development, where she leads initiatives to strengthen communities across the region. With 25+ years of experience spanning local, state, and federal government, Allen has built a distinguished career centered on connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives and enrich communities. Her previous roles include Director of Family Programs at the Army National Guard’s National Training Center, Policy Director for a gubernatorial campaign, and Operations Director for one of Arkansas’s fastest-growing municipalities. As well as 6 years on the staff of a U.S. Senator, gaining valuable insight into legislative processes and constituent engagement.

Now, Andrea is the co-founder of both the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy, Northeast Arkansas Leadership Accelerator Academy and NEA Political Animals, organizations dedicated to cultivating civic leadership and community involvement. She has been appointed by the Governor as a commissioner on the Arkansas To***co Settlement Commission and as a Commissioner on the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Additionally, she serves on the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation. We're excited to hear her insights on regional leadership transforming the Delta!

Meet Olivia Huey-Pennington! Olivia is a proud A-State alumna with degrees in Business Administration and Finance. She i...
09/18/2026

Meet Olivia Huey-Pennington!

Olivia is a proud A-State alumna with degrees in Business Administration and Finance. She is a former Women's Leadership intern and current advisory board membor for the Center for Leadership Excellence. Now, Olivia works as a Project Buyer at Designed Conveyor Systems, where she specializes in procurement, supplier management, and process optimiation. We're excited to hear Olivia's thoughts on leadership development and empowering the next generation of professionals!

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

Join us in welcoming Roshawntae Boone! Roshawntae is a graduate of Arkansas State University where she earned her Bachel...
09/18/2026

Join us in welcoming Roshawntae Boone!

Roshawntae is a graduate of Arkansas State University where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, now working as an Internal Auditor at Arvest Bank. Roshawntae has 6 years of experience in financial services and customer relations. Reflecting her commitment to continous learning and professional growth, Roshawntae is pursuing a Master of Accounting. Join us for You've Graduated: Now What? and hear her advice on meaningful impact through leadership, mentorship, and service!

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

The best leadership combines integrity, curiosity, and operational excellence. 🌟We're pleased to have Samantha Risi, for...
09/18/2026

The best leadership combines integrity, curiosity, and operational excellence. 🌟

We're pleased to have Samantha Risi, former WLC alumna and current CLE Board Member. Through her 7+ years of experience driving global impact, Samantha is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and helping others build meaningful careers. Join us for You've Graduated: Now What? and hear Samantha's insight on life after graduation, leadership, and building a meaningful career!

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

Meet Atin Suri! 🎉Atin is an award-winning hospitality executive and community leader serving as CEO of Suri Hospitality ...
09/18/2026

Meet Atin Suri! 🎉

Atin is an award-winning hospitality executive and community leader serving as CEO of Suri Hospitality Group. Atin is deeply involved in the community leadership, serving as President of the Jonesboro Young Professionals Network, Board of Director and Goodwill Ambassador for the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board Member for the Center for Leadership Excellence, Board Member of the Delta Symphony Orchestra, Talent Ambassador for Always Jonesboro, and Steering Committee Member for Plan Jonesboro with the City of Jonesboro. Atin is passionate about connecting people, developing future leaders, creating opportunities, and contributing to the continued growth of Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas. We're eager to hear his knowledge regarding community engagement and developing future leaders!

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

✨Speaker Spotlight!!What comes after graduation? Katlyn Allred, Controller at GPS Dental, is joining us to share her jou...
09/18/2026

✨Speaker Spotlight!!

What comes after graduation? Katlyn Allred, Controller at GPS Dental, is joining us to share her journey from A-State student to CPA and business leader. As a proud A-State graduate and former member of the inaugural CLE intern class, Katlyn knows what it’s like to take those first steps into a career. Now, she’s passionate about mentoring young leaders and giving back to the Center for Leadership Excellence. Come hear her advice, experiences, and lessons for navigating life after college!

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

Strong leadership starts with investing in people. ⏰We’re excited to have Cindy Boyle, founder of Boyle Consulting, LLC,...
09/16/2026

Strong leadership starts with investing in people. ⏰

We’re excited to have Cindy Boyle, founder of Boyle Consulting, LLC, joining us to share her experience in leadership development, executive coaching, and building stronger organizations. With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, IT risk and compliance, board service, and leadership development, Cindy brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. We’re looking forward to hearing her insights and learning how we can become better leaders in our own communities.

📍 Centennial Hall
📅 September 29, 2026
🔗 Sign up in the link bio!

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Jonesboro, AR
72401

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