Leadership Development
NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy
2026 class photo is with Jerry Halsey, Arkansas Highway Commissioner, who talked to the class about the process of funding highways and NEA highway project updates at the session in Wynne, AR, sponsored by the Cross County Chamber of Commerce.
The NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy is a year-long leadership development program designed to connect and equip emerging and established leaders from across Northeast Arkansas. Led by the Delta Center for Economic Development and College of Liberal Arts and Communication at Arkansas State University, the Academy brings together participants from multiple sectors and communities across the 17-county region to strengthen collaboration, build leadership capacity, and address shared challenges. Through interactive sessions, executive education, site visits, and problem-solving experiences, participants gain practical skills while developing lasting relationships with peers who are committed to advancing sustainable growth in Northeast Arkansas. The program ultimately cultivates a strong regional network of leaders working together to create meaningful impact in their communities.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 21, 2026.
PROGRAM COST: $750
For more information, contact tajenkins@AState.edu.
Who Should Apply?
This program is for motivated, high-performing men and women aged 21 and older who live in Northeast Arkansas and are ready to drive positive change within their organizations or communities.
Eligible Counties include: Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp, St. Francis, and Woodruff.
Curriculum
This program involves a mix of interactive and engaging work sessions as well as networking opportunities. Session topics include:
- Communications & Confidence
- Goal Setting & Strategic Planning
- Leadership & Stress Management
- The Power of Unity Across Backgrounds
- Influence & Negotiations
- Mentorship
2027 Schedule
In Person:
- January 13
- March 10
- May 12
- July 14
- September 15
- November 10
Virtual
- February 10
- April 14
- June 9
- August 11
- October 13
Application Example
Full Name:
Last Name:
Email:
Work or Cell Phone Number:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Current Title:
Do You Currently Oversee a Team?:
Describe the reason you are applying to the Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Institute:
What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain that would enable you to strengthen your community and contribute to regional growth?
What do you consider the top three challenges that need to be addressed to improve
equity and opportunity in
your community?
Reference (Name, Title and Email):
How did you learn about the Northeast Arkansas Regional Leadership Institute?
Attachments:
- Resume
- One Personal Letter of Recommendation
- One Professional Letter of Recommendation
- Attendance Policy
- Name and Image Use
- Employer Support
Leadership in Banking
The Leadership in Banking Series is an annual leadership development program offered to banking professionals throughout the state. The program is a collaboration of the A-State Delta Center, College of Business and Leadership Jonesboro.
Faculty members from the College of Business and banking professionals facilitate six sessions - Contemporary Issues in Banking, Leadership in Lending, Management Issues in Banking, Business Communications for Banking, Sales and Marketing for Banking and Leadership Fundamentals for Banking.