University Community Mourns Death of Senior Shelby Rhodes

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University student Shelby Rhodes died Thursday evening in an automobile accident near her hometown of Sheridan.

She was a biology major, and about to start her senior year at A-State.  Among her campus activities, she was president of the Honors College Association.

“The Arkansas State University community is deeply saddened by the loss of such a talented and dedicated student leader," stated Chancellor Kelly Damphousse.  "Beth and I extend our deepest sympathy to Shelby's family and friends at this difficult time. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

“This tragic loss has and will continue to devastate the Honors and A-State community," added Rebecca Oliver, director of the Honors College.  "Shelby was a student leader, a sweet soul, and had a bright future ahead of her."

An A-State Scholar, Shelby had studied abroad in Costa Rica last year and participated in the Honors World War II study abroad experience in 2015.  She also was an Honors Ambassador, a College of Sciences & Mathematics Ambassador, and member of Women in STEM.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, at First Landmark Baptist Church in Sheridan. A complete obituary is online. 

For those grieving, Arkansas State students are reminded that counseling is available through the A-State Counseling Center located on the second floor of the Carl R. Reng Student Union, 870-972-2318.

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