Arkansas Biosciences Institute’s 20 Years at A-State are Celebrated

09/24/2024

JONESBORO - The 20th anniversary celebration for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute at Arkansas State University on Wednesday, Sept. 18, provided a platform for state and university officials to reflect on its founding and focus on its future and the way it has met and exceeded expectations during its first two decades.

The annual ABI Research Symposium concluded the two-day celebration on Thursday, showcasing oral presentations from faculty and poster presentations from students and staff of the five member institutions of the ABI consortium.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe of Searcy, who as a state senator was highly instrumental in bringing the statewide ABI to reality, was one of the primary speakers for the afternoon celebration. He recounted the political process that led to a collaborative research enterprise dedicated to improving the health of the state's citizens. The result was the Arkansas Biosciences Institute.

He commended members of the state General Assembly who ". . . year in and year out have appropriated the money that has come in from the tobacco settlement. The rest of the credit goes to the educators, researchers, and visionaries-the people-who took this asset . . . and made something out of it for the future of our country," Beebe told those gathered around the front of the ABI building, as they did Sept. 18, 2004, the day the building was dedicated.

Beebe was introduced by Shane Broadway, vice president for university relations for the ASU System, who was speaker of the state House of Representatives at the time and also was a key player in securing support for the ABI plan.

"For many, many years beyond my lifetime . . . (ABI) will find new discoveries and it will cure diseases and it will come from researchers right here at the alma mater that I so deeply love," Broadway said.

He also read a congratulatory letter from Mike Huckabee, who as governor was a vigorous advocate for the plan the voters eventually approved, doing something ". . . that virtually no other state did, which was to take the funds from the national settlement with tobacco companies and invest 100% of it in health-related issues."

Dr. Todd Shields, A-State chancellor thanked those who have worked so diligently to make ABI a success.

"Your presence here is a testament to the importance of the work being done here at ABI and the impact it has on our community, state and beyond," Shields told the audience. "As we reflect over the past 20 years, it is remarkable to see how far we have come. ABI was established with a mission to conduct cutting-edge research in agricultural and medical sciences. Since then, ABI has grown into a powerhouse of scientific discovery, fostering collaboration among scientists from Arkansas State University, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences."

Dr. Calvin White, Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost, talked about the significance of the research conducted at ABI during its first 20 years at A-State.

"First and foremost, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute represents the spirit of collaboration, critical to achieving meaningful scientific progress. Through its interdisciplinary approach, ABI brings together researchers from diverse fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science and health sciences," he said. "This collaborative environment doesn't just happen within our own labs. ABI fosters partnerships with other universities, private companies and government agencies across the state, region and even internationally."

Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation and discovery and executive director of ABI at A-State, also reflected on how ABI has touched so many lives.

"In the last year, the ABI faculty and staff have been taking a deep look back and a long look into the future as we develop our strategic plan," Marsico explained. "We have identified that ABI has a vision to serve the people of Arkansas as the leading student-centered interdisciplinary research institute.

"We have always been student-focused and student-centered. Long before we were recognized as a research institution, we were effectively educating students. But with the addition of ABI and a changing mindset across campus, we have grown the expectation that authentic experiential learning through research is education."

Following the formal outdoor ceremony in front of the A-State ABI, attendees took guided tours of the building where they heard from ABI faculty and students about the current research they are conducting.

Afternoon tours were followed by a dinner celebration at the Fowler Center with recognition of Dr. Carole Cramer, the founding A-State ABI executive director, and remarks from Dr. Bobby McGehee, executive director of the statewide ABI consortium, and Dr. Don Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System president.

Drs. Julie and Billy Hudson from Vanderbilt University Medical Center were the keynote speakers, and they highlighted their collaboration with A-State ABI and Wynne High School for improving rural STEM education. The evening was capped off with a celebration dance in the Fowler Center Grand Hall where attendees grooved to American favorites, Latin hits, and some Bollywood tunes, reflecting the international nature of ABI scientists.

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