Arkansas State University: A Century of Innovation
Founded in 1909 as an agricultural school, Arkansas State University began with the mission of teaching agriculture, horticulture, and textile manufacturing. By the 1920s, the institution had evolved into a junior college, and in 1925 it officially became the First District Agricultural and Mechanical College. Within decades, it had evolved into a full-fledged university, awarding its first four-year degrees in 1932.
Each milestone in A-State’s history reflects a commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and leadership development. From welcoming the first Afro-American students to pioneering graduate programs and achieving Olympic-level success in athletics, Arkansas State has continuously redefined what higher education can achieve. A-State had expanded its reputation as a research institution with the creation of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the addition of new doctoral programs, granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Today, its century-long legacy positions it as a globally recognized institution preparing leaders to navigate a complex and interconnected world.
From Jonesboro to Querétaro: Education Without Borders
In 2012, under Chancellor Dr. Tim Hudson, A-State began major projects to transform its Jonesboro campus into a destination university. Among them was the arrival of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), reinforcing A-State’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders with a global mindset.
In 2017, Dr. Kelly Damphousse became chancellor, guiding the university toward steady growth, greater visibility, and stronger student retention. With the continuous accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission since 1928 ensuring academic excellence, Arkansas State University expanded internationally.
In 2017, Arkansas State University made history again by opening its Querétaro campus, the first American-style university in Mexico, with a multimillionaire investment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum aligned with U.S. academic standards, this campus embodies the future of global education. Students earn degrees valid in both the U.S. and Mexico while gaining access to international programs that expand horizons. Opportunities to study abroad in any part of the world prepare students to thrive in a global economy. Intercampus programs with Jonesboro allow for an immersive U.S. experience, blending cultural fluency with rigorous academics.
Arkansas State University: Accredited and Ranked for Excellence
The prestige of Arkansas State University is backed by its accreditations and consistent recognition in national and international rankings. Its Neil Griffin College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, representing the highest standards of academic quality and excellence.
In the 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, A-State ranks #342 among U.S. universities and #183 among public universities, while its online programs consistently appear in top 100 rankings. A-State has also earned recognition at the state level, being ranked #1 as the Best Online College in Arkansas by BestColleges in 2022 and Military Friendly® School with Gold distinction for 2025–2026, a recognition that highlights a dedication to accessibility, inclusivity, and student success.
Beyond rankings, Arkansas State University has demonstrated consistent academic quality, maintaining continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1928 guarantees that every program meets the highest global standards. This long-standing recognition ensures that A-State’s programs meet the highest standards of excellence, giving students the confidence that their education is both rigorous and globally respected. At A-State, excellence isn’t optional—it’s embedded in every degree, every course, and every opportunity.
International Experiences That Shape Your Future
Arkansas State University Querétaro is a direct extension of our main campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This means that students here receive the same American academic excellence, backed by the same accreditations and recognitions that define A-State. By studying at our Querétaro campus, students earn a degree valid in the U.S. and one valid in Mexico, carrying with it the same prestige and global value as if they had studied entirely in the United States.
A-State Querétaro opens the door to international experiences that expand perspectives and create lifelong opportunities. Opportunities to study abroad in any part of the world prepare students to thrive in a global economy, fostering cultural fluency, global networking, and real-world experience. Intercampus programs allow students to spend one or more semesters at the main campus in Jonesboro, fully immersing themselves in the vibrant Red Wolves community.
This unique pathway allows students to combine the advantages of an international education in Mexico with the life-changing experience of studying in the U.S., preparing them to thrive as global citizens. Every course, program, and activity is designed to empower students to turn knowledge into action and ambition into achievement.
Partnerships That Open Doors Worldwide
At Arkansas State University within Elisia Education Hub, students benefit from strategic partnerships with leading national and international companies, creating a direct bridge between the classroom and the professional world. These alliances provide access to internships, real-world projects, and even early job offers, allowing students to begin building their careers before graduation.
Strategic partnerships with top companies—including Mars, Mabe, Terminal Logistics, PPG and many more—offer internships, collaborative projects, and early leadership opportunities. These opportunities not only strengthen their résumés but also develop essential skills like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by global employers.
Students gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop skills that top employers demand. Graduates leave not just with degrees, but with confidence, expertise, and the ability to lead industries, innovate solutions, and shape the future. At Elisia Education Hub, learning is the starting point—impact is the outcome.
A-State Querétaro: Where Legacy Fuels the Future
Arkansas State University Querétaro is the embodiment of vision, transformation, and limitless potential. From its roots in 1909 as an agricultural school in Jonesboro to becoming a globally recognized institution in Mexico, A-State has consistently set the standard for academic excellence and innovation. International accreditations, robust industry partnerships, and cutting-edge programs ensure that every student is prepared to lead, innovate, and make an impact on a global scale.
Here, tradition does more than endure—it drives progress. Students at A-State Querétaro don’t just learn; they experiment, create, and redefine what’s possible. Dreams become actionable plans, ideas turn into real-world impact, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. At A-State Querétaro, the journey is only the beginning—and the future belongs to those bold enough to lead it.
Arkansas State University Querétaro
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