Two high school seniors are making history at Arkansas State University-Beebe in the Early College program after becoming the first students to complete the college’s practical nursing program while still enrolled in high school.
Zi'Kiya Smith of Augusta High School and Kooper Neal of Riverview High School completed the rigorous practical nursing pathway through ASU-Beebe while simultaneously finishing their high school coursework. As a result, both students will graduate with a high school diploma and a college credential.
“Zi'kiya is a testament to what is possible when capability meets ambition,” said Becky Coyle, Augusta High School principal. “The Augusta School District is extremely proud of Zi'kiya and her accomplishments.”
“Riverview School District is beyond proud of Kooper Neal for her hard work and determination shown throughout this journey,” said Susan Blockburger, assistant superintendent of Riverview School District. “Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others through healthcare have set a remarkable example for future students.”
The students began the practical nursing program as high school juniors in August 2024 and successfully balanced the demands of college-level nursing coursework alongside their high school classes, activities, and responsibilities.
“These two young women have accomplished something truly extraordinary,” said Dr. Cindy Smith, director of nursing at ASU-Beebe. “From day one, they handled the demands of this program with a level of maturity far beyond their age. Over the last two years, they showed up early, stayed late, pushed through challenges, and consistently demonstrated the professionalism we expect from future nurses.”
Smith added that the students established a strong foundation for future participants in the pathway program.
“They are the very first students to complete our high school LPN pathway, and they’ve set an incredibly high standard for every class that follows,” Smith said. “We are extremely proud of their dedication and resilience, and it is an honor to recognize their achievements and celebrate this milestone with them.”
Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe, said the accomplishment reflects the impact of educational partnerships and the determination of students willing to challenge themselves at a high level.
“Zi'Kiya and Kooper have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance, and professionalism throughout this journey,” Methvin said. “Their success highlights the life-changing opportunities available through ASU-Beebe and our partnerships with area schools. Earning a high school diploma and completing a college-level nursing program at the same time is an incredible achievement, and we are proud to celebrate this historic milestone with them.”
The accomplishment marks a significant milestone for ASU-Beebe’s nursing program and highlights the opportunities available through partnerships between secondary education and higher education. By completing the program while still in high school, Smith and Neal are entering the workforce with advanced training, hands-on experience, and a head start in the healthcare field.
Their achievement also represents the continued growth of innovative educational pathways designed to prepare students for high-demand careers while accelerating their academic journey.
The historic achievement of these students highlights the strength and opportunity within nursing education at ASU-Beebe. For those inspired to follow in their footsteps, ASU-Beebe offers multiple pathways into the nursing profession, including both the licensed practical nursing and registered nursing programs.
The practical nursing program provides students with hands-on clinical experience and classroom instruction designed to prepare graduates for entry-level nursing practice, while the registered nursing program builds on that foundation to prepare students for advanced licensure and expanded career opportunities in healthcare.
Learn more about how ASU-Beebe is preparing the next generation of nurses in the practical nursing program at https://www.asub.edu/degrees-and-certificates/licensed-practical-nursing/ or the registered nursing program at https://www.asub.edu/degrees-and-certificates/registered-nursing/.
About ASU-Beebe Early College
Early College is a collaborative partnership between the college and participating school districts. The program allows high school students to experience the rigor and expectations of college-level learning in a supportive environment. Courses offered through the Early College program provide academic credit toward high school graduation and college credit, as well as workforce-ready credentials in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, welding, medical professions, and other career pathways.
Pictured: Early College high school students, who were presented with their certification in practical nursing from Dr. Cindy Smith (middle), are Zi'Kiya Smith (left) and Kooper Neal.
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