Niel Crowson
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed Niel Crowson of Jonesboro to a five-year term on the ASU Board of Trustees.
Crowson, a 1975 graduate of ASU who was honored as a distinguished alumnus in 2012, succeeds Dan Pierce of Jonesboro, who served five years on the board, most recently as chair.
Crowson’s appointment expires in January 2020.
“Arkansas State’s mission is to educate leaders, to enhance intellectual growth and to enrich the lives around them,” Hutchinson said in a news release. “Not only does Niel embody that mission, but he understands the important role ASU serves in the northeast Arkansas community, as well as the rest of the state.”
ASU System President Chuck Welch said Crowson is a longtime supporter of the university who will be a valuable addition to the board.
“Mr. Crowson’s success in business and experience in leadership of large organizations will serve him well on our board,” Welch said. “He has all the qualities you hope for from your alumni, from educational and professional success to an ongoing relationship with the university. We’re proud to have another A-State alumnus contributing to the growth and success of the ASU System.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the ASU System,” Crowson, 62, said. “Arkansas State and our community colleges serve our state well, and I’m excited about the pending addition of Mid-South Community College as we expand our role in workforce development. A-State provided me an educational foundation that prepared me for a life I could not imagine as a student. I will always be grateful and look forward to serving with the other trustees.”
Crowson earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from ASU in 1975. He is president and CEO of E. C. Barton & Company, one of Arkansas’ largest private companies.
The ASU System has more than 22,000 students throughout Arkansas.
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