Catalyst NEA 2026 to Explore AI, Cybersecurity Research Partnerships, Workforce Development and Rural Health

JONESBORO — Arkansas State University has announced the panel topics for Catalyst NEA: Economic Development and Leadership Forum, returning Thursday, Nov. 5, to the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 forum are now available.

Hosted by Arkansas State University, Catalyst NEA brings together business leaders, educators, policymakers, researchers and innovators for a full day of conversations focused on the issues shaping the future of Northeast Arkansas, the state and the broader Mid-South. The forum has attracted more than 600 attendees in each of its first two years.

“Catalyst NEA creates an opportunity for public and private leaders to bring their knowledge, resources and perspectives together around the challenges facing our communities, region and state,” said Calvin White Jr., interim chancellor of Arkansas State University. “Research has the greatest value when it moves beyond the university and helps solve real problems for the people and industries we serve. By creating stronger partnerships, we can accelerate discovery, strengthen our economy and produce solutions with an impact well beyond Northeast Arkansas.” 

This year’s program will feature four panel discussions examining how research, education, industry and public leadership can work together to strengthen the economy, prepare the workforce and improve quality of life.

Innovation and Resilience: Building the AI and Cybersecurity Workforce Together will explore how the region can prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy while strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure. The discussion will consider how education, industry and public institutions can build the talent and resilience required in a rapidly changing environment.

The Innovation Engine: University-Industry Partnerships That Deliver Results will examine how universities, businesses and research organizations can turn discoveries and expertise into practical solutions. The discussion will highlight how research and public-private partnerships can create opportunities, strengthen industries and generate broader economic impact.

Bridging Learning and Earning: Strengthening the Workforce Continuum will focus on building stronger connections from K–12 education through higher education and into employment. Panelists will discuss how schools, universities and employers can better align learning with the skills and opportunities Arkansans need to build successful careers.

Rewriting the Rural Health Playbook: Collaboration That Delivers will examine how universities, health care providers and community partners can address gaps in rural health care access. The discussion will focus on collaborative approaches that strengthen services, develop the health care workforce and improve outcomes across rural communities.

A-State’s role as a convener, research institution and economic partner is already felt throughout Arkansas. A recent economic-impact study found that the university generates $2.5 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 16,000 jobs and returns $7.10 in economic impact for every $1 invested by the state.

Among the panelists are: Jared Wiley, director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Nathan LaRue, CEO of Kalmer Solutions; Todd Shields, president of the Arkansas State University System; Bryan J. Barnhouse, president and CEO of the Arkansas Research Alliance; Annette R. Hux, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science at A-State; Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas; former interim ASU System President Robin Myers; Stephanie Williams, Arkansas Teacher of the Year; Heidi Banse, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; and Stacy E. Walz, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. 

Mitch Bettis of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, A-State Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Heather Nelson, and interim Chancellor White will serve as panel moderators.

“Catalyst NEA brings together people who may work in different industries, institutions or parts of the state but are often trying to solve connected problems,” said Eric Howerton, an Arkansas State University graduate and owner of PodcastVideos.com, the forum’s presenting sponsor. “Last year, I took part in conversations on and off the stage that led to ideas being put into action and relationships that have lasted well beyond the event. I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when the right people come together, and that is why we wanted to play a larger role in Catalyst NEA this year.” 

Individual tickets, table tickets, group registration and sponsorship packages are available now at AState.edu/Catalyst. Corporate tables are $550 and individual tickets are $60 each.

Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities may also contact fjagriti@AState.edu or catalyst@AState.edu.