The Arkansas State University System includes Arkansas State University (A-State), a four-year research institution in Jonesboro with Campus Queretaro in Mexico, and four-year research institution, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, as well as five independently accredited and functionally separate two-year institutions: ASU-Beebe, with additional campuses in Heber Springs and Searcy and an instructional site at Little Rock Air Force Base; ASU-Newport, with additional campuses in Jonesboro and Marked Tree; ASU-Mountain Home; ASU Mid-South in West Memphis; ASU Three Rivers (formerly College of the Ouachitas) in Malvern.

[5] The chancellors are Dr. Todd Shields at Arkansas State,[6] Dr. Jennifer Methvin at ASU-Beebe, Dr. Johnny Moore at ASU-Newport, Dr. Bentley Wallace at ASU-Mountain Home,[7] Dr. Debra West at ASU Mid-South, Dr. Steve Rook at ASU Three Rivers, and Dr. Trey Berry at Henderson State.

The ASU System provides a wide range of degree and certificate programs, serves as a leading voice on state higher education issues, and supports significant programs for the state and region, including economic development initiatives, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and Arkansas heritage sites.

The mission of the ASU System is to contribute to the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of Arkansas by providing quality general undergraduate education and specialized programs leading to certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master's, professional, and doctoral degrees; by encouraging the pursuit of research, scholarly inquiry, and creative activity; and by bringing these intellectual resources together to develop the economy of the state and the education of its citizens throughout their lives.

[10] The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved Arkansas State University's plan to launch a College of Veterinary Medicine in Jonesboro, and the university will now proceed with the national accrediting agencies associated with veterinary colleges.