Sympathy to the Family and Former Colleagues of Richard Carvell

09/10/2025

JONESBORO - The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Richard Carvell, emeritus assistant professor of radio-television, who died Monday.

Carvell enjoyed a long career in broadcasting and higher education before retiring from Arkansas State University in 2008, concluding 37 years of service that included the last 19 as department chair and director of broadcasting. Earlier he had served as station manager and in other capacities for KASU radio, the university's public broadcasting service.

As a 23-year member of the Nettleton School Board, he was recognized many times for his contributions to public education, including the Arkansas Times and Arkansas Friends for Better Schools award as Arkansas Public School Hero in 1995.

A native of Brinkley, Carvell earned a bachelor's degree in radio journalism at A-State in 1966 then started graduate studies at the University of Illinois, but he interrupted his education to join the Air Force. After completing USAF Officer Training School he served for four years, including a year in Vietnam in charge of a reconnaissance unit's photo lab. He rose to the rank of captain and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

After his discharge, he resumed his formal education, returning to Illinois to complete a master's degree in broadcasting, then he joined the A-State faculty. His numerous public service activities include military veterans' organizations and activities, the Northeast Arkansas United Cerebral Palsy Board, and the Kays Foundation board of directors. The A-State Alumni Association inducted him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2018.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, five sons, and their families.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, and a memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. Friday at Cornerstone United Methodist Church.

The clock tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library will be darkened Friday evening in memorial tribute to Carvell for his contributions to A-State and higher education.

Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial are asked to considerthe Carvell Family Scholarship Fund through the Arkansas State University System Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University AR 72467. His complete obituary is online.