A-State Announces Spring Commencement Plans and Honorary Doctorate in Music
JONESBORO – Students will receive their alumni status from Arkansas State University as they participate in the 2025 Spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at First National Bank Arena, located at 217 Olympic Drive.
The university will hold two ceremonies, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., both open to the public.
Approximately 2,800 degrees and certificates will be awarded over the two commencements.
Dr. Todd Shields, chancellor, and Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, will confer degrees upon graduates from eight colleges.
Former Red Wolf and Grammy-winning country music singer and songwriter Ashley McBryde will return home to A-State for commencement to receive an honorary Doctorate in Music.
McBryde, originally from Arkansas, initially planned to become a band director until a professor encouraged her to pursue her dreams in the music industry.
McBryde has one Grammy and has been nominated six times for the distinguished award. Additionally, she has received three Academy of Country Music Awards, one Country Music Association Award, and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. McBryde is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The student speaker for the morning ceremony will be Amber Yates, R.E. Lee Wilson Award winner from Salem. She is a communication studies major from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication and graduated in December. The graduation will feature the Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and University College.
The student speaker for the afternoon commencement is Sabrina Pierce, a psychology major in the College of Education and Behavioral Science from Maumelle, who will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She was also named the 2024-2025 Bachelor of Science psychology student of the year.
The ceremony will include the College of Agriculture, College of Education & Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics.
Of the graduates, 43 students have achieved summa cum laude status with a 4.0 GPA, 157 will graduate magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.80-3.99, and 172 will graduate cum laude with a GPA of 3.60-3.79. The ceremony will also highlight nine Honors College graduates for their academic achievements.
All parking near First National Bank Arena will be available with gates up. Parking on grass surfaces will not be permitted. There is a clear bag policy that will be enforced. Doors will open 90 minutes before the ceremony begins.
A livestream of the ceremonies will be available online.
First National Arena
