A-State Students Receive Diplomas at Spring 2024 Commencement

JONESBORO – Today, nearly 2,500 students received degrees from Arkansas State University.

The ceremony was held at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at First National Bank Arena, where students from 8 colleges and the Graduate School celebrated with their friends, family, and A-State community.

“Commencement is a special time to achieve a milestone. I am confident that all of you have worked hard to reach this day, overcoming challenges while balancing your studies with other responsibilities,” Chancellor Todd Shields said.

Shields, along with Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, conferred degrees to the graduates. From the College of Agriculture, the Neil Griffin College of Business, the College of Education and Behavioral Science, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Liberal Arts and Communication, the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the Beck College of Science and Mathematics, and University College.

The speaker at the morning ceremony was Ann Long, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, from Jackson, Mo., who graduated with a double major in political science and history from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.

“All of you persevered in the face of uncertainty, and that says a lot about the quality of the Class of 2024,” Long said. “As you move into the next chapter of your life, look back on your time here and remember all that you have accomplished. Think about your victories, big or small, as well as the relationships and friendships you have built with classmates and the A-State family that will last a lifetime, because now and forever you will be a Red Wolf.”

The afternoon ceremony featured Wilson Award recipient Natan Gomez, who graduated with a degree in biotechnology from the Beck College of Science and Mathematics.

“I can sum this up through my research over the past four years. I have worked with the most beautiful organism, plants,” Gomez said. “I have learned that they give far more than they take. They don't make unnecessary noise; they simply grow and listen. We may not be able to produce oxygen like they do, but we can certainly enrich the world around us, planting seeds of kindness and ambition wherever we go.”

The morning ceremony was for graduates of Business, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, and University College.

The afternoon ceremony was for graduates of Agriculture, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, and Science and Mathematics.