“Cooperation is a better strategy for living and working together than constant conflict.” - President Bill Clinton

  On February 11, 2019, President Bill Clinton came to speak with the people of Jonesboro and students from Arkansas State University in Riceland Hall inside the Fowler Center.  The event, "An Evening with President Clinton," was brought forth as part of Riceland Food's Distinguished Presentation Series sponsored by Riceland.  

The announcement of his return to the A-State campus, triggered a scurry among local citizens and A-State students alike trying to get a seat before the event was sold out.  Tickets to the event were so highly sought-after that general public tickets sold out in less than two minutes and tickets alloted for university students were gone within ten minutes.  

Throughout his speech, Clinton reflected on the previous time he spent on the campus of Arkansas State University during his time as Attorney General; however, this was not his prime focus.  After basking in a bit of nostalgia, Clinton dove into the true purpose of his speech:  A challenge not only to current students and future professionals, but all citizens of the U.S.. 

Clinton challenged every individual in the audience to adopt an alternative perspective regarding conflicting viewpoints on major political issues.  Citing a major cultural divide emerging among U.S. citizens on the basis of opposing opinions, Clinton suggested those differences be viewed instead as opportunities for strategic discussion and improvement.  He continued by emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and seeing it as a chance to better understand our neighbors' perspective or situation, rather than a chance to lengthen our list of enemies. 

Ultimately, he believes the implementation and acts of heterogeneous groups will be the key to the current and future success of our great country.