28 Jul 2025 ASU-Beebe celebrates 60 years of educational partnership with LR Air Force Base

JACKSONVILLE — Arkansas State University-Beebe will host a community celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at its Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) Campus to commemorate 60 years of educational partnership with LRAFB. The event is free and open to the public.

Since 1965, ASU-Beebe has proudly served military personnel, their families, and civilians through its LRAFB University Center. This pioneering collaboration was one of the first of its kind in Arkansas and continues to adapt to meet the evolving educational and workforce needs of the region.

“This partnership is one of the most meaningful and enduring in ASU-Beebe’s history,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe. “For 60 years, we have walked alongside our military community, providing access to higher education, career training, and personal growth. This celebration is a way to say thank you — to the base, to the city of Jacksonville, and to all who have supported this work through the decades.”

The event will feature a variety of interactive displays and family-friendly activities, including health screenings from ASU-Beebe’s allied health programs, emergency medical demonstrations with an on-site ambulance, and a Teddy Bear Clinic hosted in partnership with Cabot Emergency Hospital and ASU-Beebe emergency medical technician students.

In addition, Unity Health will provide an interactive stroke awareness brain exhibit and members of the Jacksonville fire and police departments will be on-site to engage with families and provide safety demonstrations. Also, academic advisors will be available to assist individuals interested in learning more about ASU-Beebe programs and enrollment.

A special commemorative coin has been designed and will be distributed as a keepsake to mark this historic occasion.

Guests will enjoy a cookout featuring hamburgers and hot dogs generously provided by First Arkansas Bank & Trust, along with a celebratory birthday cake. Connect2First and First Electric Cooperative are also key sponsors supporting promotional efforts and event logistics.

ASU-Beebe remains dedicated to offering associate degrees, technical certificates, and non-credit workforce training at the LRAFB campus, providing flexible and affordable educational pathways. The college’s commitment to the Jacksonville community and the Air Force base continues to grow stronger as this valued partnership enters its next chapter.

For more information about the event or ASU-Beebe programs at LRAFB, visit asub.edu or call 501.882.8867