Nearly 2,000 Students Receive Degrees at A-State Commencement

JONESBORO – Nearly 2,000 graduates received their degrees on Saturday, December 16, during Fall Commencement at First National Bank Arena, Arkansas State University.

Chancellor Todd Shields said, "I am confident that all of you have worked hard to reach this day, overcoming challenges while balancing your studies with other responsibilities."

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

Graduates received doctoral, specialist, master's, bachelor's and associate degrees, along with short-term certificate programs.

Representing the graduates was student speaker Bao Nguyen, a Vietnamese student who addressed the morning ceremony.

"We all come from different places and backgrounds, but all of us came to Arkansas State University to further our education and open up more opportunities in life," Nguyen said.

Nguyen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He was selected based on having the highest GPA and the most credit hours among students on the Jonesboro campus.

"The college journey is never easy; everyone struggles with their studies or their life. All of us have learned so much from faculty, friends and family, not only knowledge but also life lessons, and today we are here to celebrate our graduation," he continued.

"To my fellow graduates, as we embark on our next adventures, remember this: our belief in ourselves will shape our destiny. Let us choose to believe in our strength, our abilities and our potential. All of us are well prepared to take whatever next step may come."

In the weeks following commencement, graduates will have access to a digital version of their diploma, which can be shared with future employers.