Arkansas State Signs Non-Binding Agreement With NYIT for Medical School Consideration
JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of a site on the Jonesboro campus for the operation of one of the leading colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States.
Both parties agree to exclusively consider this project with each other for the term of the 90-day MOU. In a related development, NYIT has formally notified the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of a feasibility study regarding an additional site for its college of osteopathic medicine in collaboration with Arkansas State.
Early exploration includes A-State’s engagement of external consultation by Tripp Umbach, a leading medical industry research firm based in Pittsburgh, to assess the adequacy of community and regional support for the establishment of an osteopathic medical school. Its report is expected in December.
“If the study determines a school in Arkansas is feasible, then we will advance the overall idea with NYIT,” A-State Chancellor Tim Hudson said. “The NYIT colleagues we have met during these preliminary discussions are remarkable professionals committed to making a transformative difference in medical education and health care in the mid-South.”
NYIT President Edward Guiliano said, "We applaud and support Arkansas State's commitment to enhance the health status of Arkansas’ citizens by contributing to an increase in the physician workforce supply — a fundamental requirement to address access, cost and quality of health care in the region. We are pleased to report that discussions are in progress as we pursue the potential for collaboration to establish a medical education program on the Arkansas State campus."
