NEA Business Notes: RightFiber expands into North Texas

Jonesboro-based RightFiber is expanding its 100% fiber optic internet with a more than $50 million investment in north Texas. RightFiber brings speeds up to 5 gigabytes to homes and up to 100GB to businesses in the communities. Construction on the expansion is underway with Seagoville being the first community of many to see activity. Residents can expect communication during the construction process, including signage, door hangers, mail and door-to-door team members. Any property impacted during installation will be restored to its original condition.

Eli Lassiter Joins First Community Financial Services
Eli Lassiter has joined First Community Financial Services as a financial adviser, and will work in the Newport and Jonesboro markets.

In his new role, Lassiter will provide personalized financial planning, investment guidance, and retirement strategies to help clients pursue long-term financial goals. He will work with clients to develop customized plans that strive to support financial stability, growth, and generational wealth.

Lassiter previously worked in the trust department at First Community Bank, and brings two years of banking experience to his new role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in investments and a minor in management from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree in business administration from Arkansas State University. He also holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Arvest Bank’s Mortgage Division Receives Program Honor
Arvest Bank’s mortgage division has been named a 2025 STAR Performer in General Servicing by Fannie Mae through the Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards STAR Program. This marks the third consecutive year Arvest has been named a STAR Performer.

The STAR Program honors servicers who demonstrate outstanding operational performance and tangible results in supporting Fannie Mae’s mission to preserve homeownership. Arvest offers a variety of mortgage products, with more than 95% of its mortgages serviced through the life of the loan.

According to Fannie Mae, STAR Performer recognition is awarded to top servicers who demonstrate excellence in overall servicing, solution delivery or timeline management. The 2025 honorees were chosen through a review of people, processes, quality control, reporting, and training.

Williams Baptist University To Offer Certificate In Museum Studies
Williams Baptist University is launching a new program for students to earn a certificate in museum studies. The 18-hour academic program is designed to prepare students for careers in museums, archives, cultural institutions and the growing field of public history.

The certificate combines classroom instruction with supervised, hands-on experience, according to Dr. Rodney Harris, chair of the Department of History and Political Science. Harris said the region offers a distinctive advantage for students entering the field.

The program, which will be available starting this fall, includes two newly developed courses: introduction to public history and a museum internship.