ASU, NYIT extend DO School agreement to 2036

The Arkansas State University System board of trustees agreed Monday (April 5) to a 15-year extension of its partnership with New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. The agreement was reached during a specially-called board of trustees meeting.

NYIT began operation of the medical school in August 2016 with incoming classes averaging 115 students. More than 200 students have graduated or will graduate this spring.

“Arkansas State and NYIT have created a formidable partnership in addressing critical physician shortages throughout the Delta region and beyond,” ASU System President Chuck Welch said. “With 560 new students and employees, along with spouses and families, the medical school has also made a substantial economic impact on the Jonesboro region. We appreciate the remarkable cooperation and work with NYIT and its leadership, and we’re excited about extending this relationship.”

The new, modified agreement was extended to 2036 and includes NYIT operation of the ASU Student Health Center.

In other business during the special meeting by teleconference, the board approved resolutions to:

• Grant a 10-foot easement to 3E8 Broadband Solutions LLC, which operates as empower Delivered by Craighead Electric, to install fiberoptic cable and high-speed internet service to the KASU tower building.
• Approve ASU to apply for federal grant funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program for support of the Campus Loop Trail in Jonesboro.
• Approve ASU-Newport to apply for federal grant funding from the Recreational Trails Program and Transportation Alternatives Program for support of a campus loop trail.
• Approve Henderson State University to grant a 10-foot easement to the Arkansas Research and Educational Optical Network to install upgraded fiberoptic cable to enhance internet service to multiple buildings on campus.