ASU Board of Trustees Approves Sale of Jonesboro Property
JONESBORO, Ark. — The Arkansas State University Board of Trustees today approved the sale of property commonly known as the Arkansas Services Center site in Jonesboro.
System President Charles L. Welch told members of the board during a teleconference meeting that ASU, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and the Arkansas Department of Career Education have undivided interest ownership in 39.68 acres at 2920 McClellan Drive. The property has been vacant for months.
The Arkansas Building Authority sought bids on the property, and the highest offer was $1.1 million by City Water & Light of Jonesboro. ASU will receive a share of the sale proceeds.
The Board of Trustees also approved a resolution designating Dr. Larry Williams as Chancellor Emeritus of ASU-Newport “in recognition of his countless contributions and in deep gratitude for his legacy of wise and generous counsel and untiring efforts on behalf of the university, its students, faculty, staff, and friends.”
Williams has served as chancellor of ASU-Newport since 2001 and announced he will retire effective Aug. 31. A search for his successor is under way.
In other business, the Board approved:
• A request by the Jonesboro campus to borrow $1 million from the Higher Education Revolving Loan Fund to assist in the completion of pedestrian and parking improvements on Driver Street. The loan is for a term of 10 years at a rate not to exceed 0.24 percent.
• ASU-Beebe requests to offer technical certificates in agricultural systems and controls, pre-health care studies, and mechanical drafting, and a certificate of proficiency in advanced agriculture mechatronics. Courses, instructors, and facilities already exist to implement the programs, so the campus will have no additional cost.
• A 2013 fall private camp agreement for ASU head baseball coach Tommy Raffo in Jonesboro.
