Board of Trustees Approves Faculty Promotions and Tenure Appointments for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Jonesboro, Arkansas – Arkansas State University (A-State) has announced an important decision aimed at enhancing the quality of its faculty and contributing to the university's academic development. The ASU System Board of Trustees has officially approved proposals for the promotion and tenure of outstanding faculty members, effective July 1, 2025, marking the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

In this review cycle, 26 faculty members at Arkansas State University were promoted in academic rank. This is well-deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service.

In particular, 19 faculty members were also granted tenure, marking an important milestone in their careers at A-State. Being granted tenure not only reflects the university's confidence in the faculty members' abilities and long-term commitment but also enables them to continue dedicating themselves fully to research and education.

Below is the list of Arkansas State University faculty members who have been promoted and granted tenure, effective July 1, 2025:

Faculty Promoted to Professor

• Nicole Arnell: Art
• Dr. Veena Kulkarni: Sociology
• Dr. Rollin Tusalem: Political Science
• Dr. Amanda Wheeler-Gryffin: Kinesiology
• Dr. Kellie Wilson-Buford: History

Faculty Promoted to Associate Professor

• Dr. Amanda Carpenter: Public Health
• Dr. Teresa Campbell Clark: Nursing
• Dr. Savannah Cormier: Psychology
• Dr. Sarah Dearing: Nursing
• Dr. Hrishikesh Desai: Accounting
• Dr. Jim Farris: Physical Therapy
• Dr. Robert (Drew) Fleming: Mechanical Engineering
• Dr. Stephanie Gotay: Counseling
• Dr. Kyle Gustafson: Biological Sciences
• Dr. Matt Harmon: Nursing
• Dr. Sarah Hooper: Veterinary Medicine
• Dr. Rachael Isom: English
• Dr. Brianna Larson: Theatre
• Dr. Kristin Leitterman: Music
• Dr. Dwayne Powell: Accounting
• Trinity Pullam: Nursing
• Dr. Jerica Rich: Animal Science
• Dr. Kristen Ruccio: English
• Todd Sanders: Occupational Therapy
• Dr. Andrew Sweet: Evolutionary Biology
• Eric West: Nutrition

Faculty Granted Tenure

• Dr. GwanSeon Kim: Agricultural Economics
• Dr. Jacob Manlove: Agricultural Economics
• Dr. Amanda Carpenter: Public Health
• Dr. Teresa Campbell Clark: Nursing
• Dr. Savannah Cormier: Psychology
• Dr. Sarah Dearing: Nursing
• Dr. Hrishikesh Desai: Accounting
• Dr. Robert (Drew) Fleming: Mechanical Engineering
• Dr. Stephanie Gotay: Counseling
• Dr. Kyle Gustafson: Biological Sciences
• Dr. Matt Harmon: Nursing
• Dr. Rachael Isom: English
• Dr. Brianna Larson: Theatre
• Dr. Kristin Leitterman: Music
• Dr. Dwayne Powell: Accounting
• Trinity Pullam: Nursing
• Dr. Kristen Ruccio: English
• Dr. Andrew Sweet: Evolutionary Biology
• Eric West: Nutrition

This decision was made based on thorough recommendations from the Promotion, Retention, and Tenure Committee along with university leadership. The Board of Trustees' approval affirms Arkansas State University's commitment to building a strong, professional faculty that is always innovative and dedicated to student success.

Arkansas State University consistently values investing in its faculty – the individuals who play a key role in shaping students' futures and advancing knowledge. These decisions are not only a source of pride for each individual faculty member but also a testament to the dynamic and sustainable academic environment at A-State.