ASU System Approves Construction of Windgate Center for Innovation and Art at A-State

NEWPORT, Arkansas – Construction will begin on the Windgate Center for Innovation and Art, valued at $25.2 million, at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro after approval today by the ASU System Board of Trustees at its quarterly meeting on the ASU-Newport campus.

The new 38,887-square-foot Windgate Center will provide space to support learning and creative activities for the Department of Art + Design as well as the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Funding sources include $22 million in private support from the Windgate Foundation and $3.2 million in institutional reserves. Completion is expected in 2027.

System Interim President Robin Myers thanked U.S. Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., for his leadership in securing a $10 million federal appropriation to advance development of the A-State Center for Steel and Advanced Materials Manufacturing. A-State will use the funding to invest in high-tech equipment for a multimillion-dollar facility supporting Northeast Arkansas's position as the nation's largest steel-manufacturing region.

System Executive Vice President Julie Bates reported that the system's financial position remains stable, with tight cost control and no new debt issued by the campuses in Fiscal Year 2023. Henderson continued to make progress toward recovery, achieving compliance with the System's Financial Reserve Policy at 62 days cash on hand as of June 30, 2023. Bates noted that Henderson has reduced annual personal services expenses by approximately $14 million, or 41%, since 2019, when the institution had only seven days of cash on hand.

“That's truly an achievement,” Trustee Steve Eddington said of Henderson's financial progress. “I recognize the emphasis placed on this effort.”

In recognition of significant contributions to A-State, the Board approved naming the Beck College of Science and Mathematics. Army Colonel Buddy Beck and his wife, Charlotte, are distinguished A-State alumni who have supported numerous initiatives through the Beck Foundation, including establishing the nationally recognized Beck Veterans Center.

Myers noted that the Becks, among the university's five largest donors, have established numerous scholarships and professorships in chemistry and engineering. Most recently, their foundation committed full funding for the Beck Scholars Fund at the College of Science and Mathematics, a grant to support undergraduate research through Create@State, an endowed dean's position, and endowed scholarships in chemistry, mathematics, or physics to recruit and retain faculty.