A-State graduates fall 2024 class

The Arkansas State University Fall Commencement took place in December at First National Bank Arena. Chancellor Todd Shields and Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, conferred the degrees during the ceremony.

Approximately 2,000 students graduated from the eight colleges: College of Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, and University College.

The student speaker for commencement was Emanuel Cazano, a biological sciences major with an emphasis in pre-professional studies from Jonesboro. In addition, those in attendance featured one of the first graduates of the ASU – Qatar Initiative, a partnership between the university and the Global Studies Institute in Qatar.

Abdallah Dobashi, the second graduate of the program, received a bachelor of science degree in engineering management systems.

 

Dr. Utibe Ndebbio wins Living The Mission Award

Physicians practicing at St. Bernards Medical Center awarded Dr. Utibe Ndebbio their 2024 Living The Mission Award. The award involves a selective process that begins with nominations submitted by any of St. Bernards’ 4,700-plus team members. A selection committee pares the nominees to three before more than 200 physicians vote a winner by submitting secret ballots.

Dr. Tasha Starks leads the team of Adult Hospitalist physicians at St. Bernards Medical Center. This team of more than 25 physicians, including Dr. Ndebbio, has led and directed patient care within St. Bernards Medical Center for the past 15 years. Dr. Starks said her entire team recognizes Dr. Ndebbio’s talents and gifts as a colleague and friend.

Ndebbio joined St. Bernards in 2022. In only two years, he has earned a reputation for providing exceptional care. Dr. Starks said he makes sure that patients have their needs met, mentoring and equipping staff members to help meet those needs.

Born in Georgia, Dr. Ndebbio returned to his parents’ home country of Nigeria when he was young. He received his education and early medical training there, beginning his career in public health endeavors. He moved to the United States in 2019 to begin a medical residency at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. He finished his residency at North Alabama Medical Center before moving to northeast Arkansas.

 

Seven physicians with NYITCOM at A-State receive military residencies

Seven members of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM at A-State) Class of 2025 matched into U.S. military residencies and will perform their graduate medical education (GME) in conjunction with service to their country.

NYITCOM at A-State student doctors who participated in the Military Match include: Emmanuel Adebogun (Air Force), who matched into the psychiatry program at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.; Chloe Busse (Air Force), operational emergency medicine in Tucson, Ariz.; Hyemi Choi (Army), preventative medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center in Ft. Lewis, Wash.; Hallie Henderson (Army), anesthesiology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio; Ian Snyder (Air Force), transitional year at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Center (SAUSHEC) in San Antonio; Breanna Thompson (Army), OB/GYN at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Liberty, N.C.; and Claudia Vestal (Air Force), internal medicine at SAUSHEC in San Antonio.

Shane Speights, D.O., is the dean of NYITCOM at A-State and previously served in the U.S. Army National Guard attached to the Arkansas Medical Command (MED DET) unit based at Camp Robinson.

Upon completing medical school, physicians must complete a residency training program and obtain a medical license to practice in the United States and become board certified in a specialty. Medical residencies last three to five years for primary care physicians, with other specialties requiring additional years. While the “civilian” match will take place in March, medical students who commit to military service for their residency are matched in December.

The seven students who participated in Military Match will take the military oath of office at NYITCOM’s 2025 hooding ceremonies next May.

Physicians enlisted in the military deliver healthcare services to military personnel and their families and work in a variety of settings, including hospital ships and international medical centers, among others. Much like civilian doctors, their daily responsibilities include treating patients, diagnosing illness, and prescribing medicine. Military physicians may also participate in international relief and humanitarian efforts, helping to care for the victims of natural disasters and other events requiring medical stability assistance.

Amanda Deel, associate dean of academic affairs and graduate medical education at NYITCOM at A-State, attended medical school through the U.S. Navy’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). Upon completion of medical school, she served five years of active duty with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander.

 

Kayleigh Abbott wins BRTC’s President’s Scholarship

Kayleigh Abbott of Searcy has been awarded the BRTC President’s Scholarship.

Abbott is a 2020 graduate of Riverview High School. She is seeking a degree in respiratory care.

The BRTC President’s Scholarship pays full tuition for fall and spring semesters provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and full-time enrollment.

 

Scholarship endowed for future veterinary students

Future Arkansas State University students entering the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) will have the opportunity to benefit from those who came before with the establishment of the Smith, Whitney, Eubanks Veterinary Scholarship.

Dr. Harry Smith, Dr. Wayne Whitney and Dr. Steve Eubanks are all 1979 A-State graduates. The friendship among the trio began on campus through the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and played a key role in shaping their academic and professional careers.

Three A-State alumni have funded the $35,000 endowment for the CVM. The three veterinarians know how important it is to get a quality education and look forward to seeing what those who will attend the CVM can accomplish.

The three A-State graduates are featured in the latest Voices magazine, published by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association.

Their shared dedication paid off when all three earned acceptance to Louisiana State University’s veterinary school in 1979, which was a significant accomplishment, as they were the only students from Arkansas selected that year. It marked the first time A-State alumni filled all three Arkansas slots at the school.

Together, they continued their academic journey at LSU, supporting one another through the rigors of veterinary school.

Smith went on to build a career mentoring veterinarians as owner and director of Banfield Pet Hospital in South Carolina before retiring. Whitney co-founded Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, gaining recognition as a leader in minimally invasive surgery. Eubanks returned to Arkansas, where he established multiple practices and currently owns Eubanks Animal Clinic in Jacksonville.

The scholarship fund is designed to support students with a passion for veterinary science and commitment to their communities. As the A-State College of Veterinary Medicine prepares to welcome its first students, Smith, Whitney, and Eubanks hope their gift inspires others to support the program.

The CVM is slated to open in the fall of 2026.

 

Arvest Foundation donates $5,000 to St. Bernards Development Foundation

The Arvest Foundation recently announced a $5,000 grant to St. Bernards Development Foundation as part of a Giving Tuesday match challenge.

The funds will be used to support various initiatives through St. Bernards Healthcare, which provides education, treatment and health services in Jonesboro and surrounding areas.

Arvest associates recently joined Arvest Community Bank President Kevin Hufstedler in presenting the check on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to members of St. Bernards.

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, encourages people to give back to their communities by donating their time and money to charitable causes.