Dr. Andrew “Drew” Fleming, a professor at Arkansas State University, is among 12 researchers statewide selected for the Emerging Research Leaders Program, a new initiative aimed at expanding research capacity at Arkansas institutions.
The program, launched by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, provides each selected researcher with a $100,000 grant over two years to support early-career research projects. Fleming will use the funding to advance his work in supply chain resilience, a field that has gained national attention following widespread disruptions triggered by the pandemic and global geopolitical tensions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to not only grow my own research agenda but also to bring meaningful research activity to A-State and the broader region,” Fleming said in a statement shared with Talk Business & Politics.
Fleming’s project focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in regional supply chains and developing frameworks that can help businesses and public agencies prepare for future disruptions. His research will include collaboration with local industry partners, with a particular emphasis on sectors critical to Northwest Arkansas, including food processing, logistics, and manufacturing.
Investing in Regional Research
The Emerging Research Leaders Program is part of a broader push by state leaders to diversify Arkansas’ economic base and strengthen its research infrastructure. Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, is one of six institutions participating in the initiative. The others include the University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Arkansas Tech University.
According to the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the program is designed to “accelerate the development of a robust research ecosystem” by supporting mid-career faculty who show promise in securing federal funding and contributing to Arkansas’ innovation economy.
“We’re investing in people who are already doing impactful work in their fields,” said Dr. Patrick Hickey, executive director of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. “By giving them the resources they need early in their careers, we’re setting the stage for long-term research success in Arkansas.”
Fleming joined Arkansas State University in 2019 and has since published multiple peer-reviewed studies on supply chain risk management. Prior to his academic career, he worked in logistics consulting, advising Fortune 500 companies on network optimization and resilience strategies. His applied experience, combined with his academic research, positions him to bridge the gap between theory and practice in supply chain management.
“Dr. Fleming’s selection reflects the high-quality research being conducted at A-State,” said Dr. Lori Redwine, Arkansas State University’s vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school. “His work has direct relevance to Arkansas businesses and has the potential to influence national conversations around supply chain security.”
Implications for Northwest Arkansas
While the grant is administered through Arkansas State University, the ripple effects are expected to reach businesses across the state, including those in Northwest Arkansas. The region, home to companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, relies heavily on efficient supply chains to maintain operations and competitiveness.
Fleming’s research could provide actionable insights for local firms looking to mitigate risk in their logistics networks. It also underscores the growing role of higher education institutions in supporting economic development beyond traditional workforce training.
“Universities are not just about teaching,” said Dr. David Schroeder, director of the Supply Chain Institute at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. “They’re also about creating knowledge that can help businesses operate more effectively and adapt to new challenges.”
The Emerging Research Leaders Program is funded through Arkansas’s Research and Development Grant Fund, which was established by the Arkansas Legislature in 2023 to promote innovation and economic growth. The program’s first cohort began in May 2026.
Fleming plans to begin his research in the fall and will present preliminary findings at the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority’s annual symposium in 2027.
Source: Talk Business & Politics
