College Guide 2016

COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

EDUCATION . LIFESTYLE Proud National Park College graduate, May 2016. Courtesy National Park College.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

LYNITA COOKSEY, ACTING CHANCELLOR ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

“Supporting our students as they work toward their academic goals remains the primary motivationofArkansasStateUniversity’sfaculty and staff. Our mission is educating leaders, enhancing intellectual growth and enriching lives. Whether that is a caring professor that makes a connection with a student or a supportive administrator who assists with a solution, this is the hallmark of A-State.

With close to $200 million in facility upgrades and enhancements on our campus and the arrival of the state’s second medical school here in Jonesboro, Arkansas State remains the intersection of innovation and tradition.

We invite you to visit and see for yourself.”

ZULMA TORO, INTERIM CHANCELLOR, EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR AND PROVOST

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

“Arkansas high school graduates who are looking for an excellent, affordable education will find a unique experience at UALR. With each student, we start by exploring scholarship and financial aid opportunities to reduce his or her college costs, discuss that student’s education and career goals, then design his or her individual pathway to reach those goals. By living in the capital city, our students are uniquely positioned for internships, service learning, mentoring, research, graduate school, global studies, and career-specific jobs.”

DR. DONALD WEATHERMAN LYON COLLEGE

“Lyon College offers an outstanding undergraduate education in a personalized setting. Our core curriculum, EPIC (Educating Productive Involved Citizens), provides studies in the fine arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences to prepare our graduates for effective and fulfilling participation in society.

Additionally, our student-run honor and social systems are dedicated to developing the character of our students. Our outdoor program provides mountain bike trails, a zip line, climbing grotto, and much more. Finally, our faculty members have won 14 Arkansas Professor of theYear Awards. Lyon provides its students immediate access to one of America’s strongest and most dedicated faculties.”

TOM COURTWAY

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

DR. STEVE COLE, CHANCELLOR COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

“College of the Ouachitas is changing the lives of the residents of Hot Spring, Grant, Dallas, Saline, and Clark Counties. For almost 50 years, COTO has been committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives. COTO ensures you have an opportunity to achieve your educational goals by providing programs and services designed for students who plan to seek immediate employment, transition to a new career or a four-year degree. Nowhere else in Arkansas will you find the state of the art technical programs with cutting edge technology to prepare you for today’s high tech world. For example, COTO has one of the largest 3-D print farms in the world and it is waiting for you. Visit us at One College Circle in Malvern or on the web at www.COTO. edu. At College of the Ouachitas you will discover a Higher Degree of You!”

“The University of Central Arkansas remains focused on preparing its students for success.

Our increased retention and graduation rates demonstrate our commitment to helping every student develop into an accomplished global citizen. We do not merely concentrate on enrolling new students, but on ensuring that those students fulfill their academic potential and receive a degree. New facilities and improvements enhance the campus life experience for students and our university community. Students who graduate from UCA are proving that when they go here, they can go anywhere.”

DR. COY GRACE

DR. RODERICK L. SMOTHERS, SR.

JUDY I. PILE, ED.D., CHANCELLOR

“East Arkansas Community College is a learning-centered community committed to providing quality lifelong education opportunities for the diverse citizenry of the Arkansas Delta. We’re creating exciting educational opportunities with a focus on the future. EACC provides students with the academic, technical, and personal skills that will prepare them for a successful career or for transfer to a four-year college. Our students are being enriched by new perspectives, new academic and technical programs, and by a sense of community that encourages and inspires. The faculty, administration and staff at EACC are dedicated to the success of all of our students.”

“Philander Smith College is inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders who seek to enact change in our communities, state, nation and world. Our quality liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on social justice, is designed to produce graduates who are innovators prepared for the 21st century global economy. Though a small, private institution, PSC dreams big. Our dreams include making education accessible to students who have a desire for knowledge and academic achievement. With a historic legacy, student-centered approach to learning, and a steadfast dedication to helping our students thrive, PSC is committed to moving FORWARD.”

“BHCLR is a unique institution guided by the healthcare workforce needs in Arkansas. We offerone-yearprograms,associatedegrees,and bachelor degrees through several university affiliations. Our outcomes in retention, board/ registry passage and graduate placement are competitive and are available on our website.

BHCLR offers rich clinical experiences and a Christian environment. Individuals who fit well in healthcare have a natural tendency to care for others, enjoy learning and challenge and exhibit professionalism in all areas of their life. The field of healthcare is dynamic and growing and there are many avenues to an incredible career. Visit our website to learn more at www.bhclr.edu.”

“We know you have choices in life-choices about your friends, your music, your life. We would love to be your choice for education. We refuse for UA Cossatot to be an old and stale college. We love technology and are always looking for ways to make our college fresh.

Our textbook program is really cool…gone are the days where your books cost more than your tuition. We offer textbook rentals for a small fee and many classroom materials are completely free. If you are looking for a job, we have many technical options that will get you trained quickly. If you are looking for a university college experience, enjoy the community college life first and then make the leap to a 4-year college. We are excited about another awesome year and hope to be your choice for higher education!”

DR. TREY BERRY

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

“Over the past four years, Southern Arkansas University has experienced record enrollment and growth. New academic programs in cybersecurity, engineering, game design and animation, musical theatre, marine biology, and wildlife biology have attracted students and have transformed SAU into a truly global campus.The School of Graduate Studies has also grown dramatically and offers a wide variety of programs, both online and on campus. Our primary mission at SAU is to serve students.

That commitment to students is present in all areas of our campus life. Since 1909, our outstanding graduates have used SAU as the foundation from which to become leaders throughout our state and nation.”

DR. LAURENCE B. ALEXANDER UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF

“The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public comprehensive HBCU 1890 LandGrant Institution. It is dedicated to academic excellence that contributes to student success, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Agriculture, Business, Education, and Arts & Sciences, including a Ph.D. in Aquaculture and Fisheries. In addition, UAPB offers a summer-enrichment program, the Learning Institute and Opportunities for New Students (LIONS). UAPB provides a supportive, welcoming environment in an intimate setting. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get the opportunity to know members of our very accomplished faculty. UAPB has 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams and more than 100 student organizations. We are committed to preparing students for advance study and employment in the 21st century globalized society.

For a gratifying college experience with a personal touch, join the pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where we are student-focused, success-driven, and mission-based.”

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STEVE ROOK, ED.D.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

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EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

DR. KEITH PINCHBACK, CHANCELLOR

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

“Our goal is for everyone, who walks in, to leave as part of our Family! For decades, PCCUA has been changing to offer greater opportunities. New this fall are programs in criminal justice and CDL\truck driving, careers with short-term training, good pay and benefits. As we’ve changed, we have kept affordable rates, gaining us recognition among the top 25 best value two-year colleges. The state’s first community college, PCCUA has more experience than anyone else. Fiftyone years later, PCCUA is still evolving to serve you. What dreams can PCCUA help you realize?

Check us out; you’ll like what you find!”

DR. RICHARD L. DAWE

“At Henderson State University, we believe in the potential of every person to become an extraordinary leader and difference maker in society. The university’s very foundation rests on its outstanding ability to educate first-generation college students and students from rural areas by harnessing the transformative power of higher education and making it available to any and all prospective students who desire to become educated. For 125 years, Henderson State has worked to bridge student aspirations to career success by instilling in students the skills employers most want – communication, decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving – through the application of a strong core of liberal arts classes that are applied through professional studies.”

“Ozarka College, located in the beautiful hills of north central Arkansas serves students in Izard, Sharp, Stone and Fulton counties in Arkansas and beyond. Ozarka offers more high quality, fully accredited online degrees and certificates than any other two year college in the state. Programs include a robust Allied Health program that produces more LPN nurses than any of the 21 other two year colleges in Arkansas. Other exciting programs include Aviation – Professional Pilot; state of the art CulinaryandHospitalityManagement;Criminal Justice and Corrections; Information Science Technology; Automotive; and many additional AA and AS transfer degrees. As a small rural college with four campus locations, Ozarka is proud of our innovative culture, small classes with highly committed and talented faculty, and staff that are dedicated to providing Life Changing Experiences through Education.”

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

OZARKA COLLEGE

KARLA HUGHES, CHANCELLOR

O. JEROME GREEN, ESQ.

DR. MARGARET A. ELLIBEE

“Since becoming chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello in January, I have come to understand and embrace the unique mission of the institution which can be summed up in one word – opportunity.

UAM provides a broad range of academic opportunities, from certificates of proficiency and technical certificates at our Colleges of Technology in Crossett and McGehee to baccalaureate and master’s degrees on our main campus in Monticello. We are home to the state’s only School of Forestry and Natural Resources; our Computer Information Systems students excel in statewide competitions; our science graduates have one of the state’s highest acceptance rates to professional and graduate schools; and we have a world-renowned jazz program.

As we move forward, we will continue to focus on opportunity – for our students to succeed and make their dreams a reality.”

“Shorter College, founded in 1886, is a private two-year, non-residential liberal arts institution located in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

With the institution-wide mantra of “You Fit Here”, the faculty, staff and administration of Shorter College have committed themselves to embracing an open-enrollment policy that provides opportunities that bridge the gap for individuals who would not be considered at other institutions to gain a quality education. Shorter College offers a caring and nurturing environment that will prepare them to succeed and excel onward to a four-year college experience. We believe that Shorter College’s mission fills a large void and serves the needs of the community-atlarge by creating a transformative experience that impacts a student’s life through our “4 C’s; Culture, Citizenship, Character and Competency! Welcome to the new Shorter College! You Fit Here!”

“Pulaski Tech’s longstanding reputation for dedication to student achievement is a direct result of the dedication and professional excellence our faculty and staff bring to the student experience. Pulaski Tech students dig deeper to find value and excellence within themselves. Our job is to give them the tools to do it. Whether a student pursues a university-transfer degree or needs cuttingedge technical training, it’s the personal touch that makes the difference.”

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO

SHORTER COLLEGE

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

PRESIDENT GLEN JONES

DR. EVELYN E. JORGESON

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DR. PAUL B. BERAN, CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH

“As one of the best values in the state for a career-focused education, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith prepares students for the next step in their lives through applied learning overseen by dedicated professors, a tight-knit campus offering numerous leadership opportunities, and a unique bond with the community that allows them to do more with their education. Our students apply what they’ve learned in a variety of ways: they paint in international murals festivals, write and direct their own theatrical productions, intern with industry leaders and elected officials, and receive mentoring opportunities from community leaders and CEOs. Visit our beautiful campus and learn more about the opportunities UAFS has to offer.”

JOSEPH E. STEINMETZ, CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

“Offering 236 different degrees and certificates, the University of Arkansas is the most academically comprehensive university in the state. Nowhere else in Arkansas can you find the range of majors, classes, research opportunities and access to world class faculty and cutting edge facilities. Our graduates are state governors, Fortune 500 CEOs, scientists and novelists. They’re nurses, teachers, architects, engineers, and lawyers.

We’re routinely recognized as one of the best values in higher education, and Fayetteville has been ranked the third best place to live in the country. I encourage you to come see why, get a great education, and leave your name engraved on Senior Walk.”

DR. ROBIN E. BOWEN

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

DR. KARLA FISHER, CHANCELLOR

DR. JOHN A. HOGAN

“Founded in 1927, ASU-Beebe has a long history as a student-centered university, dedicated to transforming lives through quality educational experiences.We value our students and constantly strive to be more effective at meeting their educational and professional needs in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

We are an independently accredited and operationally separate two-year institution of the Arkansas State University System. With campuses located in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, Little Rock Air Force Base, and online, we offer high-quality, affordable education close to home. Whether seeking an associate degree, certificate, industry credential, or workforce development training, ASU-Beebe is ready to assist.”

“At NPC we guarantee the quality of our graduates. We value our partnerships with employers and universities. If an NPC graduate lacks a specific skill after transferring with one of our degree or certificate programs, we will permit the student to retake those courses tuition free.We understand the cost of college is expensive. NPC didn’t increase tuition this year, in fact, we decreased it last year.We have developed a plan to help prepare for the cost of education and provide an incentive to help students graduate on time. The NPC Tuition Guarantee freezes tuition for all continuously enrolled students until the completion of a degree or certificate. We strive to provide access to seamless transfer opportunities, and we count it an honor to equip our students and prepare them for careers by challenging them to think analytically, to be inquisitive, and to realize and utilize their talents. Find your path at www.np.edu.”

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

“Arkansas Tech University has established a new institutional record for enrollment in each of the last 17 years. More than 12,000 students enrolled at Arkansas Tech during the 2015-16 academic year, and we’ve been ranked as one of the ten fastest-growing master degree-granting universities in the United States for three consecutive years. What has allowed Arkansas Tech to become one of the three largest universities in Arkansas while building one of the highest graduation rates among public universities in the state? Our students tell us it is because Arkansas Tech faculty and staff care about them as individuals. It’s because we offer academic programs that connect with current and emerging career opportunities while remaining an affordable choice for higher education. Learn more at discover.atu.edu.”

“NorthWest Arkansas Community College serves and strengthens our region by providing high-quality, affordable instruction at locations throughout Benton and Washington counties. We focus on providing what our learners need, whether that’s adult basic education, new job skills for today’s workplace, or the foundation to pursue a four-year degree and post-graduate study.

NWACC creates an environment that inspires students and encourages them to maximize their potential.”

DR. CHARLES POLLARD JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

“At JBU, our goal is for students to be change agents for good. We are pleased to be highly ranked by U.S. News, but our measure of success is when our graduates serve other people in ways that transform lives. From engineers providing sustainable water solutions in Guatemala, to teachers challenging at-risk students, JBU grads make a difference. Our academic program is built on intellectual rigor, practical application and integration of faith and learning. It is a program that encourages students to be Christ-like, seeking grace and truth, and engaging a broken world with compassion, insight, and love.”

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Major Trends

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS, TECHNOLOGY HELPING TO CHART HIGHER EDUCATION’S FUTURE COURSE

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rkansas’ institutions of higher learning, not unlike their peer institutions nationwide, continue to evolve with changing student demands and priorities. Administrators say many of

more involved and students are much more interested in specific career goals. Those decitoday’s college students view higher education very differently than sions might change throughout their academic career, but generally speaking, students come previous generations did, seeing it as a clear means to a specific end. with a greater desire to have a purpose for coming that leads to some kind of job and career.”

Beran added the motivators for this purpose were not “Student expectations of a college education are much exclusively financial and that the desire for a certain kind different from the ‘60s and ‘70s, when college education of lifestyle – to help people or for entrepreneurship – are started to become significantly more attainable,” said Paul equally powerful draws for today’s collegian. Whatever the B. Beran, chancellor of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. reasons, it’s fallen to colleges to be creative in developing “Students went to higher education to discover and develop well-rounded graduates. different areas of interest that may lead them to a career.

“At UAFS, we push students very hard to declare a major “Students today are much more focused, parents are

and to also look at declaring a minor that may or may not be related to the major,” he said. “For example, if students want to be a theater major, we’re encouraging them to develop a minor in a field of study like business so when they graduate, they have practical business skills to go along with their artistic skills, which will ultimately help them to find employment more successfully.”

Judy Williams, associate vice chancellor of communications and marketing at University of Arkansas-Little Rock, said whether part of the student’s major curriculum or not, methodology and structure of classes is also evolving rapidly. Having grown up with instant access to information, the current generation is used to educating themselves and aren’t about to change learning styles once they hit college.

“Students today expect more engaged learning opportunities from colleges and universities, including research, study abroad, community service and internships,” she said.

“Personalized learning is a trend that will be key to student success. Universities such as UALR are investing in resources that help each student stay on a clearly communicated career path to college completion through prior learning assessment, customized degree plans, faster feedback on academic performance, coaching and mentoring.”

Colleges are finding hands-on, experiential learning strikes a particular chord with today’s college students. Given the generally fickle nature of millennials when it comes to work and careers, providing an early “real world” taste of a prospective career field also serves a practical purpose in zeroing in on that first job.

“UALR academic programs meet this need by offering many chances for hands-on research whether in the lab or within a community study,” she said. “We provide chances to study abroad, often funded or partially funded by scholarships and take advantage of the many options in the capital city and across the globe for community service and engagement. Programs such as Heifer International and Children International and internship opportunities throughout central Arkansas provide that real-world experience in fields such as government, banking, nonprofits, tech and other industries.”

Even with the steps that many colleges and universities have taken to adapt the makeup of programs, many of today’s college students arrive on campus with an unrealistic expectation of the rigors of college-level study.

Community colleges have also seen their share of change, resulting in technological investment and college amenities that are challenging the stereotypical ‘commuter school’ image to provide more opportunities for students to connect on campus.

“Flipped classrooms, in which the traditional lecture model

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH/ RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

Students today are much more focused, parents are more involved and students are much more interested in specific career goals.

Community-minded students volunteer on the Lions Day of Caring at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.

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I knew I’d follow my heart into Arkansas Tech’s nursing program, but I didn’t know I’d fall in love with the campus.

Aleksi Stinnett, a senior Nursing major, at Dean Hall Nursing Skills Lab

At Arkansas Tech, you’ll find teachers who know you in the classroom and a large-campus atmosphere outside the classroom. It’s one of the many reasons more than 12,000 students choose Tech. We offer all five of the most sought-after degrees, and we’ve added more than 50 new programs of study in the past two decades. Tech is committed to providing the highest quality education and has one of the highest graduation rates in the state. With Greek Life, campus recreation and various student activities available both on campus and in the surrounding area, you’ll definitely fall in love with Tech.

Take a tour of the campus and discover what you don’t know about Tech.

Get started at discover.atu.edu.

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ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

“Light the Night” at Arkansas Tech. grades based on work submitted. They see an A as the default grade and B as the grade given for attendance,” said Joanne Lawson, associate vice president for applied sciences at East Arkansas Community College.“Previous generations would earn As by going above and beyond the standard requirements. The level of effort is confused with the quality of work.

“Our faculty goes to lengths to explain the requirements to receive an A or B means quality work exceeding standard requirements.”

Another trend that is shaping study programs in Arkansas colleges and universities is paying more attention to helping

UALR OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

is replaced with a more hands-on, in-class learning experience is a major trend as is online instruction and the use of blended or hybrid online courses,” said Dr. Wade Derden, vice president for academic affairs at National Park College in Hot Springs.

“Students expect more technology in their classrooms and more opportunities to interact with their classmates. At NPC in particular, we have created opportunities for students to use e-textbooks, introduced a number of student clubs and we’ve teamed up with the City of Hot Springs to allow our students to compete against city-wide intramural teams.”

“Students seem to have a sense of entitlement and expect

Students have access to numerous research resources and quiet study spaces at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library.

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students adapt to college-level coursework, sometimes to include providing academic remediation courses.

“Traditional age students are not always well-prepared academically for college and require developmental support systems in order to succeed,” said Dale Bower, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at University of Arkansas-Monticello.

“UAM is aligned with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education Master Plan Closing the Gap 2020 and as such, is reorganizing to provide intensive academic and career advising for more entering students,” he said. “The university is also partnering with the Education Advisory Board to apply predictive data analytics to student success initiatives. Assessment measures will ensure better student placement into classes and career pathways with increased completion outcomes.”

Complicating these issues is the steady and in some cases, rapid growth of minorities and other traditionally underserved populations in the student body. Administrators say while these new and diverse populations add immeasurably to the learning environment, steps do have to be taken to ensure all students are respected and supported.

“Arkansas Tech University serves a predominantly in-state student body with 92 percent of students from the Natural State,” said Sam Strasner, director of university relations.

“The fastest-growing demographic inside Arkansas is the Hispanic population, which increased 836 percent from 1990 to 2010. In response to the changing demographics and thus the changing educational needs of its constituents, Arkansas Tech has launched several initiatives to reach the Hispanic population.”

Among these, Strasner said, were distributing bilingual posters and flyers providing year-by-year advice on how to prepare for college to high school students around Arkansas. The university also reached out to prospective students and their families with bilingual advertisements in periodicals dedicated to the Hispanic community and made campus tours available in Spanish to make parents and families of prospective students feel more included on campus.

University President Dr. Robin Bowen also leveraged available resources and partnerships to make Tech more affordable to this growing student segment.

“Dr. Bowen worked with the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock to obtain scholarship support for students of Mexican descent,” Strasner said. “On December 3, 2015, the Mexican Consulate announced that Arkansas Tech would be the lone institution of higher learning in the State of Arkansas to receive IME Becas Fellowship scholarship funds during the 2016 calendar year.”

As in virtually every other segment of society, technology is taking higher education into bold new frontiers of studentfaculty communication, research and content delivery.

“Online courses are an important part of our academic offerings, as approximately one-third of our students are enrolled in online classes each semester,” Lawson said. “The number of students requiring the flexibility of online courses continues to grow. Providing college level courses through the convenience of distance education helps us meet the needs of our students and change lives through education.

“A critical success factor facing colleges is the speed with which technology is advancing. Most colleges are financially unable to keep up with the changes. East Arkansas Community College must be creative about addressing future economics and providing the technology necessary for student learning.”

As far as which courses of study are the most in demand, Arkansas students have demonstrated a pretty sharp eye when it comes to getting into fields that are marketable, assisted by on-campus resources.

“The business and education programs are two of our most popular,” said Charlene Chambers, public relations coordinator for Arkansas State University-Beebe. “An academic advisor

that focuses on the traditions of Scottish music as well as a range of courses and scholarships in the Scottish arts, the heritage program has become one of the most significant in the nation for students interested in developing and refining their skills in bagpiping, drumming or Highland dancing.”

“It fits perfectly within our liberal arts tradition and mission to foster the critical, creative thought and ethical, spiritual and intellectual growth of our students.” n

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

can provide assistance in selecting courses which apply toward a bachelor’s degree and our college transfer services works with many four-year universities to ensure students have a smooth transition to further their education to a bachelor’s degree or beyond.

Students who average a 3.25 GPA or higher may receive a transfer scholarship to most four-year universities.”

Business and education are also solid choices at some of the state’s larger schools, where departments such as those at University of Central Arkansas have expanded upon the tried-and-true accounting and management to more contemporary business topics.

“The College of Business officially launched the Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in order to meet the economic development and job growth needs for the Conway region,” said Julia Reed, UCA media director.“The College of Business has more than 1,300 students who have access to one of the most active internship programs in Arkansas.

“The College of Education promotes a strong emphasis on preparing educators to work effectively with low-achieving student populations to improve student learning outcomes and has become one of the largest educator preparation programs in the state. UCA students spend an average of 600 hours in a public school setting through student teaching.”

University of Central Arkansas students Madison Simpson (left) and Haley Harvell.

Henderson is the secondoldest college in the state and one of its most affordable universities.

Such innovation is critical for colleges and universities of all sizes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing educational marketplace, according to Steve Adkison, provost at Henderson State University.

“Henderson is the second-oldest college in the state, Arkansas’s only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and one of its most affordable universities. Even with that, it’s critical that we continue to enhance our curriculum by offering new degree and certificate programs” he said, noting some recent examples that ranged from innovative media and museum studies to creative writing and engineering physics.

Alexandra Patrono-Smith, communications specialist for Lyon College said this evolution of curriculum can follow hand-in-hand with traditional centers of excellence or even encompass cultural heritage of the school, as Lyon has done.

“Lyon has cultivated a Scottish Heritage Program, a program designed to teach, preserve, and celebrate Scottish arts and traditions in the United States,”she said.“Offering a minor

Do you Live Reddie?

Whether you want to be a pilot or a teacher, a doctor or an artist, your ambitions can become a reality at Henderson State University. Here, we Live Reddie by empowering you with the tools to excel. We offer more than 70 majors and a variety of academic support resources. Living Reddie is all about our student-centered focus. Henderson State is more than a university. We’re the School with the Heart that prepares you for a successful career and life.

Visit hsu.edu to learn how Henderson State can help transform your dreams into a lifetime of achievement.

Arkadelphia, Arkansas

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800-228-7333

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hsu.edu

Find us on Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @HendersonStateU ●

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Financial Aid SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GAME-CHANGERS! More than 200,000 Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarships have been awarded to in-state students since 2010. That’s more than $600 million in financial aid funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery!

Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you.

Scholarship applications will be accepted beginning October 1.

Applying is easy at Scholarships.ADHE.edu

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To top things off, the account comes with The bank’s Smart Option Student Loan® for Centennial Bank by Sallie Mae® is available to borrowers attending degree-granting institutions.

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ince awarding its first round of scholarships in 2011, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has awarded more than 200,000 Arkansas Academic Challenge scholarships to Arkansas college students, an investment of more than $600 million.

The Lottery began in 2009 with the express purpose of using net proceeds from the Office of the Arkansas Lottery to provide scholarships and grants to Arkansas residents enrolled in public and private nonprofit two-year and fouryear colleges and universities within the state.

More than 92 cents of every dollar spent on lottery tickets is paid out to scholarships, lottery prizes and commissions for retailers who sell tickets throughout Arkansas.

Last year, Pulaski County students were

awarded 4,405 scholarships, more than any other county, followed by Benton County (2,461) and Washington County (2,305). Counties awarded more than 1,000 scholarships last year included Craighead, Faulkner, Garland, Lonoke, Saline and Sebastian counties.

For academic year 2016-2017, students at four-year institutions received scholarships of between $1000 and $5000, depending on their year in school. First-year students at two-year institutions received $1000 while second-year students received $3,000.

For full details on the scholarship, visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education website at http://scholarships.adhe.edu/ or the Lottery website at http://myarkansaslottery.com/. n

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

In Demand Careers

EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, BUSINESS LEAD PACK OF ARKANSAS JOBS FOR THE FUTURE

T

he Arkansas Department of Workforce Services identified jobs in health

sional services was third on the list at 10.1 percent. Universities, colleges, junior

care, education and business management as having the most potential for

colleges and trade schools were all expected to grow at a brisk pace — 20 percent,

growth through 2022. Education and health services ranked second only to

22 percent and 35 percent respectively, in the education sector. The top business

hospitality in terms of overall job growth, at 19.18 percent. Business and profes-

professions were all forecasted to grow just under 10 percent over the decade.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - BEEBE

Whether students need job skills in a year or less to enter the workforce or are looking to complete bachelor’s degrees or beyond, ASU-Beebe offers degree options at a very affordable price. At $98 per credit hour, the school offers the lowest tuition in central Arkansas.

Most programs at the Searcy campus lead to a certificate of proficiency or technical certificate within the discipline; however, all technical certificates can lead to

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Digital innovation, public administration and engineering management are three new programs with great growth potential. A-State remains one of the top providers of nurses and related health industry careers for the state along with education, business and media related careers.

A-State shines in the field of education, its single largest group of graduates representing 41 percent of the 2015 graduating class. Among those responding to an employment outcomes survey, 84 percent reported being employed in their field or admitted to graduate school. The numbers among grads in healthcare are also impressive – among those responding to the survey almost 70 percent were working full-time or admitted to graduate school.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Arkansas Tech has expanded its academic programs with six new undergraduate degrees including new undergraduate programs of study in chemistry education, computer science education, electrical engineering biomedical option, environmental science, game and interactive media design and physics education. The programs will debut on the Russellville campus during the Fall 2016 semester.

The environmental science degree will create opportuBaptist Health College Little Rock offers three programs that do not require nities for graduates to work previous college experience. in government and private industry. The program will include courses in animal and an associate’s degree for those wishing to pursue that plant taxonomy, geographic information systems and level of education. The Searcy programs offer specific environmental assessment. Three new education degrees training curriculums designed to meet the needs of will help the state and region address teacher shortfalls in area business and industry in programs such as weldtough-to-fill positions. Graduates of the school’s electrical ing, computerized machining, diesel technology and air engineering biomedical option will be prepared to apply conditioning. This past spring, technology programs the concepts and principles of engineering to careers in a in auto body and automotive received accreditation variety of health care disciplines. from the National Automotive Technicians Education Arkansas Tech University has received permission Foundation and the National Institute for Automotive from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board Service Excellence.

12 AUGUST 18, 2016

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(AHECB) to begin offering a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science education. The school’s curriculums in computer science and information systems are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc.; ATU is one of only 24 nationwide to receive ABET accreditation.

Arkansas Tech is launching a new degree in game and interactive media design during the 2016-2017 academic year complete with a new state-of-the-art computer lab.

Students will prepare for careers in video game development, entertainment, animation, simulation programming, web design and interactive visualization construction.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Baptist Health College Little Rock’s occupational therapy assistant program is consistently a competitive, strong outcome program. As more OTA to OT Bridge programs pop up, students are electing to begin with the two-year OTA program, then work and gain experience while earning their OT. The program is extremely hands-on, with only 18 students accepted each year to keep the oneon-one fieldwork ratio between student and teacher, an amazing way to turn a student into an occupational therapy assistant.

Baptist Health College Little Rock is proud to offer three programs that do not require previous college experience and only take one year to complete. These programs are great for students to get into the healthcare field quickly and start building a successful career. These include surgical technology, working in the operating room as part of the surgical team; histotechnology, preparing tissue for microscopic study by the pathologist and is perfect for someone who loved their lab sciences in school; and finally, sleep technology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

Registered Nursing remains at the top of the list for high demand career choices. COTO’s 2014 RN graduates earned an average of $50,322 in 2015. Students that graduated from the LPN program earned $36,417 in 2015.

Truck driving is one of the “high demand occupations” listed with the Arkansas Department of Labor and statistics indicate that prospects for employment in the area of truck driving are excellent. Thanks to a partnership with the Department of Labor grant, the college’s newest program includes a 53-foot truck trailer that serves as a hands-on classroom with four truck driving simulator stations. An instructor’s station in the middle of the trailer also gives the

instructor a chance to monitor each student as they operate the simulators.

Mechatronics and pre-engineering both offer internships with opportunities for employment after graduation. The College’s newly redesigned computer information systems program will roll out in August 2016 in the Center for Applied Science Technology.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Henderson’s curriculum aligns with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) 15 Targeted Industry Sectors. As a result, the majors in high demand correlate with mostdesired jobs.

Among the leading majors is teaching, with an estimated starting salary of $32,000 to $38,000. Henderson offers bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees in all content areas of teaching and master’s degrees that allow graduates to either earn an alternative teaching licensure or advance in instructional studies or leadership.

Other top majors include management and accounting at the bachelor and MBA level; registered nursing, mental health and school counseling programs up to the master’s level and various human services and social work majors, all of which offer a starting salary of between $32,000 and $45,000.

The school’s business programs are particularly robust – students complete internships, receive mentoring from members of the Business Advisory Council, develop business plans, and participate in an investment challenge. Many of them also participate in an experiential learning program called Business Beyond the Classroom.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

JBU offers 39 majors, with top programs in business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.

This fall a new minor in entrepreneurship will equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively navigate the risk and uncertainty of launching a startup or to successfully lead new ventures in an established firm. Our students put their knowledge into practice through real world experience, as well as competing against students nationally. Since 2012, JBU’s business teams have advanced to Reynolds Tri-State Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition after placing top 3 at regionals. This year JBU’s Enactus team took second out of 120 teams at the Enactus United States National Exposition. JBU construction management students took first place for the second time at the 2016 American Institute of Contractors Ethics Competition.

more than 90 percent of law school students who earned undergraduate degrees at Lyon are successful in completing their respective state bar exams on their first try.

In health care, more than 95 percent of Lyon’s pre-medicine students are accepted to medical schools in Arkansas, the South and throughout the United States. National placements for law and medical students include Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Harvard, and other prestigious institutions. Lyon students applying to professional

programs such as pharmacy, dental school and physical therapy schools are accepted at rates far exceeding the national average.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

Employment forecasts place hospitality and tourism as the fastest-growing segment of jobs through 2022, a fact not lost on the entertainment- and tourism-heavy industries of Hot Springs and Garland County. National Park College meets this need head-on with

curriculums to prepare graduates with knowledge appropriate to be successful.

A centerpiece for creating the skilled workers of the future is the development of NPC’s InnovativeTechnologies Center. NPC was recently awarded a Regional Workforce Grant that will expand technology education and create an environment of technology collaboration for industry, educators, innovators and the community. NPC has also partnered with both the University of Arkansas and with Arkansas Tech

WE ARE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH

• • • • •

Future-focused degree programs connecting education with careers Flexible learning options Small class sizes Outstanding student support Beautiful campus and caring people

To see our complete list of degrees visit uafs.edu/degrees

LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College students continue to achieve levels of success seldom matched at most colleges and universities. Almost 100 percent of prelaw students are accepted into law school and

uafs.edu • admissions@uafs.edu • 479-788-7120 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 13

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

University to provide an engineering pathway for students, and the school’s computer information systems program prepares students for networking jobs and programming jobs, with classes that include gaming and mobile app development.

The school’s highly regarded trades programs include training in welding, automotive mechanics, industrial technology and aerospace fabrication and repair. Its marine repair program, developed in partnership with Yamaha, Mercury, Ranger and other marine technology companies, is unique in the region.

OZARKA COLLEGE

Next to Baptist Health in Little Rock, Ozarka College produces more LPNs than any other school in the state with a licensure pass rate of more than 96 percent. To put the quality of its graduates on display, Ozarka hosts a career fair for nursing and health professional students. Having just completed its fourth year, the career fair is organized by Ozarka’s College of Nursing to connect employers with nursing students. This year’s event included employment options from urban and rural hospitals, home health agencies, prison systems, clinics, hospice and nursing homes.

Ozarka College will begin offering courses for the emergency medical technician program this fall. In addition to classroom coursework, additional clinical hours are also required by the program. The courses are being offered through the college’s Ash Flat campus.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – FAYETTEVILLE

The outlook for business students at the Sam M. Walton College of Business continues to be strong, providing impressive earning potential through classroom excellence and networking opportunities. Of job-seeking graduates from Walton College, 88 percent were employed at graduation at an average starting salary of $52,112.

All seven departments at the Walton College – accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing and supply chain management – are distinguished and the supply chain management department, ranked #12 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, continues to grow and expand its influence in the fields of transportation and retail.

Other centers for excellence include the professional architecture, landscape architecture and interior design programs in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, the only one of its kind in Arkansas, and the College of Education and Health Professions, a leader in both nursing graduate programs and rehabilitation counseling, a program ranked #13 in the nation

by U.S. News & World Report.

The poultry science program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences has a 100 percent placement rate and beginning salary range of $43,000-45,000 for

challenges of a changing world. Health care programs include programs in dental hygiene, imaging sciences, nursing (BSN), practical nursing, radiography and surgical technology, and it also offers a Master’s of Healthcare Administration.

The school’s job placement rates for program graduates is consistently over 85 percent with median salaries around $60,000 for diagnostic medical sonographers, $70,000 for dental hygienists with an associate’s degree and $96,000 for a master’s level nurse practitioner.

Preparing students for highly-sought after and well-compensated positions in IT, UAFS’ concentrations include programming, security and enterprise computing and information systems management. Information technology median salaries range from $80,000 for computer system analysts to $86,000 for information security analysts.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK

UALR’s Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology graduates in B.S. and M.S. in construction management, civil and construction engineering, architectural and construction engineering and environmental engineering receive excellent starting salaries and substantial opportunities for rapid advancement.

The 2015 Little Rock Labor Market and Economic Report projects high growth occupations and industries in Little Rock to include general finance, weatherization/green energy and computer and information systems that include health care, logistics and distribution.

To address the needs in many of these fields, Philander Smith College has developed the Workforce Innovation Strategic & Economic Public Private Partnerships (WISE P3) program. WISE P3 has a very specific focus and offers advanced training in the areas of computer coding, STEM, health care, advance manufacturing and finance. Training efforts will encompass a mix of portable certifications and two-year and four-year technical and applied degree programs to meet the state’s workforce needs. An initial focus of the new WISE P3 Program will be the collaborative Arkansas Coding Academy. The goal of the program is for those who complete the courses to be prepared for immediate placement as mobile device app developers, database administrators, cyber security analysts, software code developers and web application developers.

In addressing the demand for STEM fields of study, Philander Smith College has focused very heavily on undergraduate research. The undergraduate research program ensures PSC students are groomed to be competitive in obtaining internships, scholarships, fellowships and awards at regional, state and national levels.

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

Pulaski Technical College prepares students for its industry partners, including Caterpillar, LM Windpower, L’Oreal and Kimberly-Clark.

Supporting the economic development of Central Arkansas is key to PTC’s core mission. The college is an economic engine for the region. PTC offers targeted business training in the areas of health care, information technology, manufacturing, and other high-demand industries. The vast majority of graduates stay in the state, where an estimated 129,000 new and replacement jobs are projected to be available in PTC’s service area by 2019.

In 2012-13, PTC served more than 6,500 participants with business and industry training, continuing education and adult education, totaling 86,835 contact hours. Industry partners include Caterpillar, LM Windpower, L’Oreal and Kimberly-Clark.

14 AUGUST 18, 2016

bachelor’s degree graduates. Graduates of the food science program in Bumpers College are also in high demand. More than 80 percent of undergraduates are placed with companies in the first year with a reported starting salary of $53,000.

In STEM studies, the engineering fields show strong growth with an 8.4 percent rise in enrollment between 2014 and 2015, and the school’s computer science graduates are also in high demand. In fact, more than 90 percent of recently graduated, full-time Master’s of Information Systems students were employed by graduation.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – FORT SMITH

Targeting the jobs of the future – health care, information and data analytics – UAFS programs prepare students for the

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Similarly, technology graduates are in high demand resulting in above-average salaries for qualified graduates. UALR’s College of Engineering and Information Technology offers a wide range of “big data” majors with programs ranging from certificates to doctorates. Information quality, bioinformatics, information assurance and integrated computing command median salaries from $60,000 to $110,000 depending on degree level and marketplace.

Data-oriented fields such as business analytics, which requires technical and analytical skills needed for decision making in today’s increasingly competitive business environment, are in especially high demand. UALR’s MBA program, with its weekend option, was recently redesigned from the ground up by business leaders to make it fit contemporary needs of businesses.

It’s no accident that the graduates of UAM College of Technology in Crossett and McGehee are in demand; the schools’ respective rosters of programs have been on the occupational demand list in Arkansas, particularly the southeast portion of the state, for nearly a decade.

In Crossett, popular programs available through a one-year course of study include administrative office technology, early childhood education, electromechanical technology, health information technology, practical nursing and hospitality services, all of which boast a median hourly wage of over $10 per hour.

UAM-CTC enjoys a reputation of being among the best multi-craft industrial maintenance programs in the region. Graduates of the two-year electromechanical technologyinstrumentation and industrial technology programs are highly recruited by businesses and industries. The job placement rates of graduates in these two-year programs consistently hover near 90 percent annually with an earnings outlook of $18.50 to $27.50 per hour without prior experience in the field.

The practical nursing program has one of the highest pass rates for the NCLEX Practical Nursing Licensure Exam in Arkansas, and achieved a pass rate of 100 percent for 15 of the last 20 years. The program has also been recognized for having the second-highest average licensure pass rates over a five-year period in Arkansas.

McGehee’s reputation for excellence in areas of nursing, welding and early childhood education is well-known through the region and the state. Quality daycare and preschool is strong, as is the need for welders in this blue-collar region of Arkansas. Automotive service technology and the new diesel technology programs are robust and graduates can expect to earn between $15 and $20 an hour upon completion of the program.

country, ranging from coding to marketing. Arkansas-based technology companies, such as Metova, Acxiom, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Ensono, currently employ more than 2,000 technology professionals with a steady need for new talent. These companies have committed to hiring at least 100 new employees each year. n

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO

Lab work at Philander Smith College.

Radiologic Technology

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

UCA’s business degrees lead to career opportunities in the most in-demand fields. The school’s College of Business offers majors in accounting, economics, finance, insurance and risk management, marketing and management and management information systems.

A unique element of the business offerings is the robust entrepreneurship program at UCA, which shows students how to think and act like innovative entrepreneurs within existing business ventures. The College of Business hones the aspiring entrepreneur’s ability to identify problems and opportunities, develop innovative solutions that have a significant positive impact on products, services or processes and launch those solutions.

UCA has also partnered with Metova, Inc. to open an on-campus internship office. The new office will provide student interns with the experience required for gainful employment in one of the many openings in the technology industry available in Arkansas and across the

Scholarships & aid available.

Seamless transfer opportunities.

Half the cost of the average university.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

What’s New On Campus ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The university is in the midst of capital projects totaling more than $175 million, including both renovation and new construction. At the heart of these effects is the opening of the $36 million Humanities and Social Sciences building, opened last year. The 120,000-square-foot facility was funded in part by a $27.7 million bond issue.

That same bond issue helped fund a new 78,000-squarefoot multipurpose facility for students, athletics and the community. The $11 million center and associated relocated soccer complex also opened in 2015.

Renovations of note include the re-opening of historic Wilson Hall. Opened in 1932 and having housed almost every aspect of what was then A & M College, the building is now home to the first college of osteopathic medicine in Arkansas. The New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine

was dedicated this summer following a $12.6 million renovation and modernization of the 86,000-square-foot building.

A-State is increasing its campus housing by another 500 residents in partnership with Zimmer and Associates of Wilmington, N.C. A 350-bed undergraduate facility on the east side of campus and a 165-bed complex primarily for graduate students on the west side of A-State grounds are set to begin construction at the conclusion of the spring semester with a completion date for the fall 2017 semester.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Arkansas Tech University dedicated its new $15.1 million academic facility, Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall, in April 2016. Named for the 11th president of Arkansas Tech and his wife, Brown Hall is a four-story, 66,900-square foot structure designed to serve academic, student support and

administrative needs of the university.

The technologically-advanced facility includes classrooms and conference rooms on all four floors. There are also offices for operating areas such as admissions, registrar, student accounts, financial aid, veteran services, payroll, budget, human resources and the university’s federally-funded TRIO programs — Upward Bound and Student Support Services.

Construction of Brown Hall began in spring 2014. Funding for the project was made possible through general improvement funds from the State of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech physical plant funds and the sale of revenue bonds.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Henderson State’s new residence hall and apartment complex are now open. University Place houses both freshmen and upperclassmen, accommodating 300 students in suitestyle rooms with semi-private restrooms. Reddie Villa Apartments is a 240-bed on-campus complex designed for upperclassmen only.

The Ken Duke Golf Center has been completed, as has installation of new turf on the baseball and softball fields. Other athletic facilities upgrades include an upgraded practice field and a new entrance to the football stadium.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Over 75 percent of JBU’s main campus buildings have been renovated or newly built since 2000. This summer, JBU opened a five-mile mountain biking trail on campus that covers terrain with various elevations for various skill levels. The soft-surface trail runs along Sager Creek and opens into two different trail systems on the north and west sides of campus. JBU’s Health Education Building, a 20,000 square foot facility that opens this fall, will welcome JBU’s first class of nursing students. The completion of JBU’s Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC)’s $5 million renovation in November will offer expanded fitness areas, a new community entrance, new locker rooms, expansion of the HVAC system, and new pool mechanical systems and decking. In spring 2017 JBU begins renovation of Mayfield Residence Hall, the university’s historic women’s dormitory.

Dr. Robert Charles Brown and Jill Lestage Brown Hall at Arkansas Tech.

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LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College recently added two new residence halls to its campus, with the full renovation of older student housing currently ongoing. Each new residence can accommodate up to 100 students and features state-

of-the-art living facilities, open space for student life needs and quiet spaces for studying.

Major rehabilitation of Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building is under way, with a handicapped-accessible bathroom now installed near the back of the stage and cramped rearentrance offices replaced with two spacious offices and a green room. Next summer will see the chapel auditorium’s sound system, stage lighting, seating and flooring replaced and a video presentation system added. When completed, Brown Chapel will provide a firstclass facility for musical performances.

The Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP) introduced its new Highland Adventure Challenge Course this year, an outdoor program featuring high and low ropes elements. The program fosters shared learning, teamwork and personal development. LEAP’s hiking and biking trail, completed in 2010 and expanded in 2016, now also extends almost five miles along a wooded bluff at the edge of the campus.

TheWindgate Charitable Foundation awarded the Pulaski Technical College Foundation a $1.5 million grant to furnish and equip the $30 million center and to establish an endowment for continued operations. The grant is the college’s largest private cash donation in the college’s history.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

SAU’s building and expansion docket has been crammed of late, headlined by Magnolia Hall

and Columbia Hall, both due to be completed this October. The three-story residence halls will each house 132 students and are designed with double-occupancy rooms and common areas that include a kitchenette. Each floor has several single-occupancy bathrooms. All rooms will have fiber connectivity and the buildings are equipped with wireless capability.

The school renovated the National Guard Armory building as the new home for the Engineering Department. The $1.4 million

project creates six labs and three large classrooms, remodeled bathrooms and overhauling of the motor pool area to convert it into a machine shop.

Reynolds Center cafeteria is receiving a $2 million facelift and expansion, which will increase occupancy by 50 percent and include a new food service area. The project also installs an automatic conveyor system in the dish room, slated to be completed next year.

A new $1.2 million softball complex was

YOU’RE IN COLLEGE NOW. YOU’RE IN COLLEGE NOW. YOU’RE IN C IT’S TIME TO IT’S TIME TO IT’S TIME TO IT’S TIME TO IT’S

KE CONTROLTAKE CONTROLTAKE OZARKA COLLEGE

BBA Solutions, the third-largest and fastestgrowing college textbook company in the United States, is coming to Ozarka College.

BBA Solutions, headquartered in Little Rock, currently serves 10 colleges and universities in Arkansas, six of which are community colleges. The company is upgrading the campus bookstore, resulting in new conveniences for students and faculty including a service that gathers books for students, ensuring they get the right materials for their classes. Additional retail and merchandising offerings are also anticipated with the opening of BBA Solutions at Ozarka College, including online purchasing options. The new company began serving Ozarka students this summer.

YOUR LIFE!OF YOUR LIFE!OF Y PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Pulaski Tech made two bold statements about the future of the campus with the completion of a pair of stunning, state-of-the-art buildings, the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute and Center for Humanities and the Arts.

Theculinarycenterisatwo-story,60,000-squarefoot facility. It features 11 gleaming kitchens, each designed for specific purposes including candies and chocolates, soups and stocks and smoking and curing meats. There’s also a wine classroom and a mixology lab, as well as multipurpose kitchens, classrooms, a hospitality suite, computer labs and a celebrity chef theater with stadium seating for 130 people.

Completed in 2013, the institute is home to roughly 500 students enrolled in culinary and hospitality-related programs at the college.

The Center of Humanities and Arts, opened in February, is no less a showstopper. Home to the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts, the college’s largest academic division, the center boasts nearly 60,000 square feet and features the college’s first 500-seat performing arts theatre, costume shop, a performance/dance studio, music rooms and a 1,250-square-foot art gallery.

The choice if and when to become pregnant is yours.

Choosing the right birth control now can help you plan for your future.

The most successful birth control is

long-acting and reversible contraception (LARC).

Talk to your health care provider about choosing the method that is right for YOU.

For more information, visit afmc.org/larc to view our video and eBook.

THIS MATERIAL WAS PREPARED BY THE ARKANSAS FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE INC. (AFMC) PURSUANT TO A CONTRACT WITH THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES. THE CONTENTS PRESENTED DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT ARKANSAS DHS POLICY. THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH TITLES VI AND VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Center was dedicated in September 2015 by the U of A Athletic Department. The facility addresses the academic, nutritional, personal and professional development of more than 460 student-athletes and creates an integrated academic support program focused on the graduation of all student-athletes. The 55,000-square-foot building includes 30-plus tutor rooms, a 135-plus seat auditorium, a 90-plus seat multi-purpose room, a sports nutrition center and a wellness area for a sports psychologist and dieticians. A $10.65 million gift from the Jones family made the facility possible.

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH

Pulaski Technical College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute. finished last spring and $1.2 million in improvements to the track were completed over the summer. Other improvements either on the books or recently completed include improving the library, alumni welcome center, President’s residence, field house, student housing and other projects, total $3.6 million.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FAYETTEVILLE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH/ RACHEL RODEMANN PUTMAN

Three major projects headline facilities improvements and additions on The Hill, including renovation of the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center, which offers performances primarily by the departments of music and theater. Opened in fall 2015, the center has offered more than 200 performances during its first year. The world-class facility seats 650 and was designed as an acoustically modern facility within the university’s historic Field House, which was dedicated in 1938 and is

listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation cost more than $18 million, and Jim and Joyce Faulkner of Little Rock offered a $6 million lead gift to help the 39,400 square foot facility come to life.

New projects include Champions Hall, which opened for fall classes in 2015. The four-story building provides new biological science laboratories, math classrooms, the Math Resource and Teaching Center and open study areas for students. The 62,000-square-foot building cost $26.5 million to build and equip, two-thirds of which was made possible by the University of Arkansas Athletics Department, which committed a portion of the university’s annual share of Southeastern Conference revenues to pay off $18 million in bonds issued to pay for construction.

The Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success

Students utilize the hand weight station during a strength training exercise at the UAFS Recreation and Wellness Center.

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Students reporting for class this fall will enjoy a new student athletic center at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. The 47,000-square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center, which took more than a year and $11.5 million to complete, offers a rock climbing wall, two basketball courts, four volleyball courts and space for workout machines, weightlifting and multipurpose use. The center was made possible after the Student Government Organization led an effort to construct the new center by holding a vote for students to self-impose a student activity fee to fund the center, which passed.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

UAPB will break ground on a residential life complex this fall.

The $11 million Delta Complex will take a year to build and will provide 144 rooms, a courtyard and university police substation.

Campus amenities will get a boost with the L.A. Davis, Sr. Student Union, set to open with the 2016 Fall term. The facility received new paint, flooring and furniture and will include new Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks franchises. Another building project, Larrison Hall, will complete its first phase this fall, at an estimated cost of $650,000.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

The university broke ground in April 2015 to begin construction of a 67,500-square-foot, four-story mixed-use building at the intersection of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. The project, known as Donaghey Hall, will provide 165 beds for upperclassmen on the top three floors and will be ready for residential occupancy in August 2016.

Filling the first floor commercial space will be Blue Sail Coffee, Mosaique Bistro and Grill, Marble Slab Creamery, Uncle T’s Deli Market, Textbook Brokers Bear Wear and a “makerspace,” a place designated for students to gather and share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network and connect with each other.

A scaled model of a new bear was unveiled during March 2016 that will be included in the design of the new Donaghey Hall. Introduced by sculptor and university professor, Bryan Massey, “Otis” will hang from the side of Donaghey Hall once the building is completed. Otis, 15 feet long, eight feet wide and weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, will be made of stainless steel.

In January 2017, the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences will open as the latest academic building for students to further their intellectual success. The project is an extension to the Lewis Science Center. The kickoff of this development began in May 2015 and was made possible in part by a Conway Corporation $3 million gift.

McCastlain Hall is a landmark on UCA’s campus and was newly renovated this year. Upgrades to the historic building include the ballroom, east dining room and fireplace room, along with new bathrooms and an elevator addition.

Thanks to a $5-million gift from the Nabholz Charitable Foundation, UCA will establish a simulation center in the Doyne Health Sciences Building. The UCA Board of Trustees approved the naming of the lab as the “Nahbolz Center for Healthcare Simulation.” n

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 19

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Two Year Schools ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY – BEEBE

demonstrating a focus on the importance of practical application as well as academics.

Baptist Health College Little Rock’s average student age is 28. The student body features a mix of new enrollees at the beginning their career, starting at an older age and coming back for a second career after retirement. The population is diverse and students benefit greatly from the relationships they build with their instructors of all ages, backgrounds and expertise.

A best-kept secret about Baptist Health College Little Rock is its close-knit, hands-on learning environment filled with Christian compassion. Instructors and administrators take

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

With campuses located at Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, the Little Rock Air Force Base and online, ASU-Beebe has the lowest tuition in central Arkansas, making the university an affordable option for students seeking a degree, looking to transfer to other institutions of higher learning or looking to learn while remaining in the workforce. An open admission policy encourages the enrollment of both traditional and non-traditional students.

As the only community college in Arkansas with traditional residence halls, ASU-Beebe is a true college experience both academically and socially.

National Park College students hanging out in the atrium of the Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.

The school emphasizes the uniqueness of each student, providing programs designed to assist students in determining and achieving their educational, personal and occupational goals.

Additionally, ASU-Beebe contributes to the economic development of Arkansas by providing comprehensive training and technical support for business and industry. ASU-Beebe also collaborates with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees on the Beebe campus.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Baptist Health College Little Rock offers exceptional hands-on experience. Students venture to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock and North Little Rock, as well as other healthcare areas in Central Arkansas. The school offers a high clinical ratio, 20 AUGUST 18, 2016

pride in their mission to offer students real-life experience in a hospital, along with the instruction and attention from faculty and staff that turn a student into a nurse.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

Smaller class size is one advantage to the two-year college experience and nowhere is that more on display than at College of the Ouachitas, where the average class ratio is 19:1. Students can earn an award sooner (as little as a year) and the cost is phenomenally less. With COTO’s technical certificate, students may be able to go to work earning as much as some 4-year degrees.

As a comprehensive two-year college, COTO offers educational pathways for everyone. A variety of options are available to choose from, such as allied health/nursing, business, cosme-

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

tology, criminal justice, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships and mechatronics. The college’s general education courses, including its Honors College, can launch students toward earning a high-quality bachelor’s degree.

The quality of the instruction here can be seen through its accreditation by the same regional accreditor, The Higher Learning Commission, as the state’s flagship institution, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Despite its much smaller size, COTO is held to the same rigor and standards as all campuses in the state’s university system.

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Community colleges have increased enrollment in courses that are not part of majors, but yet required in the real world such as business calculus, survey calculus and higher math courses. East Arkansas Community College is no exception, offering Business Calculus and Statistics to capitalize on this trend along with virtual labs for science courses.

The college maintains rigorous academic standards, above what many envision when they think of a community college.

Simply put, faculty and administration believe in earning one’s degree through quality work that exceeds standard requirements. The nature of educational programs mirrors applicable skills. For instance, EACC offers Quantitative Literacy to students who are non-STEM majors. This course focuses on math that will actually be used in the real world.

The school also has a technology-forward focus, offering distance learning across a variety of courses. Online enrollment, as well as in hybrid classes, are a major part of instruction today and online courses are being expanded along with these programs.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

NPC has aggressively addressed college costs, with lower tuition ($88/credit hour) that not only hasn’t increased in the past two years, but decreased two years ago. Tuition rates lock in for students who remain continuously enrolled and the college even offers a quality guarantee. If the student finds they were not prepared after completing a degree and beginning work in their field or after transferring to a four-year program, they can retake a class for free.

The face of NPC’s student body is also changing. Nontraditional students, over 24 years old, were once the majority of the student body; however, in recent years, traditional 18 to 19-year-old recent high school graduates have grown in numbers. A growing Hispanic student population has meant a focus on engagement among students from different backgrounds, leading to integrated student groups and intramurals.

Offering nine Associate of Arts or Science degrees, 12 Associate of Applied Science degrees, 24 Technical Certificates,

et the full college experience – including academic excellence, affordable tuition, exciting NCAA Division I athletics, a vibrant campus, new HPER center, Greek life, campus housing and more. Plus, enjoy a central location that’s close to home – but not too close! At UCA, you’re sure to find your place. And you really can have it all.

Go here. Go anywhere.

GoUCA.com ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 21

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

and 27 Certifications, NPC also continues to grow its transfer programs. Its 2+2 degrees allow an NPC student to transfer to a four-year school as a junior with no loss of credit and several of its Associate of Applied Science Degrees transfer directly into bachelor’s level programs at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The school’s Associate of Science in Nursing program is one of the best in the state; a recent poll of NPC nursing graduates since 2011 showed a 90 percent employment rate in their chosen field.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NWACC offers more than 55 degrees and certificates allowing students to enter the workforce upon completion or transfer to a four-year university with a high level of success. NWACC is well-known for its Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Business programs. The pass rate of NWACC students on national licensure exams typically exceeds the national average.

Known for its small class size and low tuition,

NWACC offers new freshmen, transfer students, working adults and other students personal attention and more bang for their educational buck. Class size average ratio is 19:1 and tuition rates are very affordable, compared to four-year universities. For example, tuition for in-district students is $75 per credit hour.

The average age of NWACC’s 14,000-member student body is 26. The demographic that has grown the most is high school students who are concurrently enrolled. The tuition discount for concurrently enrolled students has increased

and the school experienced a 14 percent jump in the number of these students for Fall 2015.

OZARKA COLLEGE

Ozarka College is a comprehensive technical college, with locations in Fulton, Izard, Sharp and Stone counties in Arkansas. Founded in 1975, the college today offers 32 associate degrees, technical certificates and certificates of proficiency, as well as workforce training, continuing education and adult basic education.

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas’ primary mission for over 50 years has been helping people better their lives through higher education and shaping the future of the community by making a positive difference in the lives of others, one student at a time. PCCUA continues its promise to ensure that every student in Phillips and Arkansas Counties will grow up knowing that a college education is within reach through the Great River Promise Scholarship The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees for all eligible local high school graduates. To qualify, students must meet attendance requirements through four years at an Arkansas County or Phillips County high school, graduate with a high school diploma (2010 or later), have no drug or DUI offenses and exhaust all other scholarship and financial aid programs. Applicants must also enroll in the fall semester following high school graduation, be accepted as a PCCUA student and complete a PCCUA scholarship application.

Once at PCCUA, recipients must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester the first year and 15 credit hours per semester the second year, successfully complete at least 67 percent of all credit hours attempted each semester and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. This unique scholarship opportunity has increased the number of high school graduates and encouraged them to enroll in PCCUA’s post-secondary program. While educating tomorrow’s leaders, the school is also creating a more competitive workforce while improving its own economic future.

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Pulaski Technical College is a vital partner in the economic health of central Arkansas. Through a university-transferable curriculum, workforce training and economic development initiatives in business and industry, Pulaski Tech offers an affordable opportunity to achieve a college degree and get a competitive edge in today’s job market.

The college offers Associate of Arts and Science degrees and certificate options, including programs in allied health and human services, aviation, business, culinary arts, information technology, manufacturing, and industrial and automotive technology, as well as continuing education and community services.

About two-thirds of Pulaski Tech’s students are part of the university-transfer program and plan to transfer to a four-year college or univer22 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

making it a Hispanic Serving Institution.

One of the most surprising aspects of the college is that UA Cossatot offers six completely online associate degrees. Students expect a traditional classroom setting from a small two-year college and are often surprised by the technology and accommodating nature they find there. n

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

sity to pursue baccalaureate degrees. Pulaski Tech has been a main source of transfer students to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock for many years and articulation agreements with state universities ensure easy transfer of college credits. With fall 2016 tuition priced at $110 per credit hour for in-state residents, Pulaski Tech provides an affordable path to educational achievement.

Pulaski Technical College offers day, evening, online and Saturday classes; non-credit continuing education courses; and training on a contract basis to business and industry. The popularity of programs attests to their high quality and focus on securing good jobs for graduates with degrees that are affordable and can be completed in a short period of time.

Students studying outside at Northwest Arkansas Community College.

b h c l r. e d u

SHORTER COLLEGE

As a two-year institution, Shorter College offers students an opportunity to complete their general education requirements with individualized attention due to small class sizes and a number of support services such as peer tutors, student success coaches and a literacy and math lab as a supplemental resource. Additionally, Shorter College specializes these supports based on students’ individual needs be they non-traditional students (which make up the majority of the student body), at-risk, veterans, disabled or students who are seeking second chances based upon their prior circumstances.

The school offers five Associate of Arts degrees including general studies, Christian leadership, childhood development, criminal justice and entrepreneurial studies, as well as an array of extra-curricular activities, such student government, Phi Beta Lambda and intramural activities. Credits earned through Shorter College transfer to any state school in Arkansas or any other private college that participates in the Arkansas Courses Transfer System.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT COSSATOT

UA Cossatot is proud to offer something for everyone. Not every student wants to earn a bachelor’s degree. In fact, some of the highest demand jobs require a certificate. Arkansas is fourth in the nation for highest manufacturing job growth and through UA Cossatot’s Industrial Technology program graduates are prepared to meet the market demands.

For those seeking a Bachelor’s degree or higher, UA Cossatot offers a quality education where students can set a foundation for their education and be ready for the next step.

The school’s hands-on approach to advising is one element that sets it apart; students are advised on educational plans considering their goals, work schedules and other obligations.

The advisors live in the real world and know students do, too.

More students are taking advantage of the educational opportunities that are close to home and family. In the last five years, the average age of the student body has decreased from 24 to 19. UA Cossatot’s Hispanic enrollment has increased from 9 percent to 24 percent

Nursing

Histotechnology

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Occupational Therapy Assistant

Radiography

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Sleep Technology

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Practical Nursing

Apply online at

bhclr.edu

A two semester program for students leading to a diploma in practical nursing. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due June 1 and December 1 Classes begin in January and July

For additional information please call 501-202-6200 or 1-800-345-3046.

An allied health specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and

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Sleep Technology

treatment of sleep disorders. No college prerequisites required!

Applications Due April 15 Classes begin in July

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Baptist Health College Little Rock does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, physical challenges, gender, marital status, race, national origin, or religion. Gainful employment and consumer information can be found at bhclr.edu/outcomes BHCLR-Schools of Allied Health are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education. BHCLR-Schools of Nursing are licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 23

GUIDE TO TWO YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SCHOOL

CITY

PHONE

YEARS PUBLIC/PRIVATE

HRS/SEM

TUITION/SEM

HOUSING/SEM

TOTAL SEMESTER COST

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE

Blytheville

870-762-1020

2-year Public

15

$67/hr

N/A

$1,005 plus fees

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Beebe

501-882-3600

2-year Public

12

$98/hr

$2,521(double); $2946 (single)(including meals)

$1,392 tuition/fees

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY MID-SOUTH

West Memphis

870-733-6722/866-733-6722

2-year Public

1-18

$90/hr (in-county); $110/hr (out-of-county/in-state); $150/hr (out-of-state)

N/A

Approx. $2,600 but varies depending on academic/technical program (does not include transportation, personal expenses, housing).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY AT MOUNTAIN HOME

Mountain Home

870-508-6100

2-year Public

12

$94/hr

N/A

$1,128 plus books & fees

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY AT NEWPORT

Newport

800-976-1676

2-year Public

12

$86/hr

N/A

$1,760 (plus books & fees)

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY OZARK

Ozark

479-667-2117

2-year Public

15

$2,295

N/A

$2,295 (not including books or applicable course fees)

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock

501-202-6200/800-345-3046

2-year Private

Varies by program

Varies by program

No Campus Housing

Varies by program

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Pocahontas

870-248-4000

2-year Public

12

$111/hr with fees, $89/hr without fees (Fall 2015)

N/A

Varies

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

Malvern

501-337-5000/800-337-0266

2-year Public

12

$1,395

N/A

$1,395 plus books & fees

COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

De Queen

870-584-4471/800-844-4471

2-year Public

12

$68.50/hr (in-county)

N/A

$854-$1059

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Forrest City

870-633-4480/877-797-EACC

2-year Public

12

$84/credit hr (in-county); $94/hr (out-of-county); $111/ hr (out-of-state)

N/A

N/A

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

Hot Springs

501-760-4363

2-year Public

12

$88/hr,$1,584maxin-district;$98/hr,$1,764maxout-of-district

N/A

Varies

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE

Harrison

870-743-3000/800-679-6622

2-year Public

15

$1,020 (in-county)

N/A

N/A

NORTH WEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bentonville

479-636-9222/800-995-6922

2-year Public

15

$1,125 in-district ($75/credit hr); $1,837.50 out-of-district ($122.50/credit hr)

N/A

$1,550 in-district, $2,260 out-of-district (tuition/fees/books)

OZARKA COLLEGE

Melbourne

870-368-7371

2-year Public

12-15

$88/hr

N/A

Varies

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Helena

870-338-6474

2-year Public

15

$70

N/A

$1,360

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

North Little Rock

501-812-2200

2-year Public

Varies

$130/credit hr

N/A

The average cost of tuition and basic fees for a full-time student taking 15 hrs is $2,116 per sem.

RICH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Mena

479-394-7622

2-year Public

15

$1,155

N/A

$1,155 plus fees & books

SHORTER COLLEGE

North Little Rock

501-374-6305

2-year Private

12

$2,052

N/A

$3000 including books

SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

El Dorado

870-864-7142

2-year Public

15

$1,245/$1,440/$2,580

N/A

Varies

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS COLLEGE

Pine Bluff

870-850-8605/888-SEARKTC

2-year Public

12-18

$88/hr

N/A

Varies

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

Camden

870-574-4500

2-year Public

15

$108/hr (in-state); $156/hr (out-of-state)

$1100/sem double (on-campus); $1300/sem double (off-campus]; $1850/sem single

Varies

UNIVERSITYOFARKANSASCOMMUNITYCOLLEGEATBATESVILLE

Batesville

870-612-2000

2-year Public

12

$70/hr (in-district); $82.50/hr (out-of-district)

N/A

Varies

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT HOPE-TEXARKANA

Hope & Texarkana

870-777-5722

2-year Public

12

$64/credit hr (in-district); $71/hr (out-of-district)

N/A

$1,323 (including textbooks)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT MORRILTON

Morrilton

800-264-1094

2-year Public

12

$87/hr (in-district); $95/hr (in-state)

N/A

$2,000

TO COMPILE THIS, FORMS WERE SENT TO EVERY QUALIFIED COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN BY A SPECIFIED DEADLINE. THOSE SCHOOLS NOT MEETING THE DEADLINE WERE REPEATED FROM LAST YEAR. EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO GATHER AND VERIFY THE INFORMATION. INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF AUGUST 2016.

24 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE % ON AID

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

REQUIRED EXAMS

APP DEADLINE FEE

CREDIT EXAM ACCEPTED

COMMENT

Open

86%

Apr. 1st Priority

ACT/COMPASS/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open

AP/CLEP/Prior Learning

www.anc.edu

Priority dates June 1/Nov. 1/Mar. 31

54%

June 15th

ACT/ASSET/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

CLEP

ASU-Beebe has campus locations at Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, and the Little Rock Air Force Base. Bachelor and graduate degrees are available through Arkansas State University on the Beebe campus. For more information, view www.asub.edu.

Open. Spring 2016 priority, Oct. 30; Summer & Fall 2016 priority, May 10, 2016

Approx. 90%

Oct. 30 (Spring 2016), Apr. 29 (Fall 2016)

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER

Open

AP/CLEP/Prior Learning

ASU Mid-South is committed to economic development in the Arkansas Delta through the provision of high-quality, affordable, and convenient learning opportunities and services. www.midsouthcc.edu

Priority Consideration Deadline - June 1st

81%

Mar. 15

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Bachelor and graduate degrees are available in some areas through ASU-Jonesboro’s Degree Center at ASUMH. Nestled in the heart of Ozark Mountains. www.asumh.edu

Open

72%

Apr. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

A great place to start! Campus locations: 7648 Victory Drive in Newport; 5504 Krueger Drive in Jonesboro; and 33500 Hwy 63 East in Marked Tree. www.asun.edu

Open

69%

June 15 (Fall)/Nov. 15 (Spring)

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

www.atu.edu/ozark

May 1 / Oct 1

85%

June 1st/Dec. 1st

ACT/SAT

Varies By Program/No Fee

CLEP/AP

Baptist Health College Little Rock provides nine programs of study in direct and indirect patient care in the fields of nursing and allied health. Interested students are invited to visit our campus by calling 501-202-6200 or study@bhclr.edu. Visit our website today at www.bhclr.edu!

Open

80%

Mar. 1st

ACT/COMPASS

Open/No Fee

AP

Plan your future with Black River Tech. Explore your possibilities… Engage your mind… Earn your degree… www.blackrivertech.org

Open

86%

May 1st/ Dec 1st

ACT/ASSET/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

College of the Ouachitas is an ideal place to begin your college career, receive training, hone up on specific skills, and quite frankly, better your life! www.coto.edu

Fall-May 1, Spring-Nov. 1, Summer-Apr. 15

70%

Apr. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

CCCUA has 6 on-line associate’s degrees and more than 70 internet courses available. The college also offers many technical programs, an agriculture degree, occupational therapy assisting program, Aviation, Physical Health, Wellness, and Leisure degrees and extracurricular activities such as a rodeo team, club soccer, and a fishing team. www.cccua.edu

July 1st

73%

Apr. 15th

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

EACC offers students a variety of academic, technical, vocational, allied health, business and industry training, and non-credit programs. EACC has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, and faculty and staff are committed to providing students with access to high quality and affordable education. www.eacc.edu

Open

68%

Open

ACT/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP/IB

Learning is our Focus! Student Success is our Goal! Find Your Path in beautiful Hot Springs. www.np.edu

Varies

60%

June 15th

ACT/COMPASS

Open

AP/CLEP

Northark offers transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of proficiency, customized business and industry training, adult basic education (GED) classes and non-credit community education courses. In addition, Northark offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. For quality, value and convenience, think Northark first! www.northark.edu

May 1st

Approx. 55%

Feb. 25

ACT/COMPASS/SAT

Open/$20

AP/CLEP/DANTE

www.nwacc.edu

Priority deadline oJune 1

80%

Apr. 1st

ACT/ASSET/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Providing life-changing experiences through education. www.ozarka.edu

Call 870-338-6474.

75%

Call 870-338-6474.

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

www.pccua.edu

Fall-May 15, Spring-Oct. 15, Summer-Mar. 15

72%

Open

ACT/COMPASS

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

For more information and a schedule of classes, visit our website at www.pulaskitech.edu.

July 1st

74%

Apr. 1st

ACT/SAT/COMPASS

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

A comprehensive community college providing a variety of programs, services, and learning opportunities: transfer, technical degrees and courses; professional workforce, personal development and adult basic education; English as a second language; student support and outreach programs; and financial aid assistance. www.rmcc.edu

Open

95%

Open

ACT/SAT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open

CLEP

Serves traditional and non-traditional students, offering the Associates of Arts Degree in General Studies with concentrations in General Studies, Teacher Education, and Christian Leadership. www.shortercollege.edu

July 1st

60%

Mar. 1st Priority

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Where students come first. www.southark.edu

Apr. 15 priority

46%

Apr. 30th

ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open

AP/CLEP

Changing lives…one student at a time! www.seark.edu

Varies

59%

Mar. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

CLEP

Southern Arkansas University Tech is a two-year comprehensive college emphasizing technical programs and is commited to providing quality educational programs delivered through various technologies and methodologies to meet the needs of its service areas. It accomplishes this through technical career programs, transfer curricula, continuing education, workforce education, transitional education, and administrative, student, and community services. www.sautech.edu

Open

Varies

Contact Financial Aid

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Student Centered. Community Focused. www.uaccb.edu

Open

84%

Apr. 1st

ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

UAHT offers the best value in higher education with affordable tuition and a low-cost textbook rental program. www.uacch.edu

June 30 Priority

68%

Nov. 1st/ Apr. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

UACCM - A Journey with Meaning. www.uaccm.edu

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 25

GUIDE TO FOUR YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SCHOOL

CITY

PHONE

YEARS PUBLIC/PRIVATE

HRS/SEM

TUITION/SEM

HOUSING/SEM

TOTAL SEMESTER COST

ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Little Rock

501-420-1200

4-year Private

12-17

$4,380

$4,413 (double occupancy: 19 meals/week)

$9,033 (Tuition + room & board)

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Jonesboro

870-972-2100/1-800-382-3030(in-stateonly)

4-year Public

12 (full-time undergraduate)

$2,424 (in-state)

$4,270 (room & board)

$7,557

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Russellville

479-968-0343/ 1-800-582-6953

4-year Public

15

$4,140

starting at $2,895 (includes meals)

$7,035 (not including books)

CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

Conway

501-329-6872/1-800-205-6872

4-year Private

15

$6,750

$3,750

$11,250

CROWLEY’S RIDGE COLLEGE

Paragould

870-236-6901

4-year Private

12 or more

$5,250

$3,150 (includes meal plan)

$9,400 for boarding students

HARDING UNIVERSITY

Searcy

800-477-4407

4-year Private

15

$8,970

$3,380

$12,795

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Arkadelphia

870-230-5028/800-228-7333

4-year Public

12-15

$2,580 (12 hrs)

$3,179 (room & board)

with fees, approx. $6,473.50

HENDRIX COLLEGE

Conway

501-450-1362/800-277-9017

4-year Private

4 courses/sem

$21,220 (including fees)

$5,790 (including meals)

$27,010

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

Siloam Springs

877-528-4636/479-524-7157

4-year Private

12-18

$12,662

$4,420

$17,082

LYON COLLEGE

Batesville

870-307-7000/800-423-2542

4-year Private

12-17 (including tuition costs)

$13,025

$4,220 (for freshmen)

$17,365

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Arkadelphia

870-245-5110/800-DIAL-OBU

4-year Private

up to 18

$12,470 (including fees)

$3,690 (room & board)

$16,160

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

Little Rock

501-370-5221

4-year Private

12-16

$5,902

1st/2nd-yr $2,596/upperclass suites $2,954; board/ sem $1,528; room reservation $235

$10,459

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

Magnolia

870-235-4040

4-year Public

15

$3,345

$2,896

$6,241

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock

800-482-8892

4-year Public

12

$4,316 (15 hrs)

$2,910 (including room & board)

$7,979.50 (est 15 hrs tuition/fees, rm/brd, books/supplies)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO

Monticello

870-460-1026/800-844-1826

4-year Public

15

$150/credit hr

$1,320-$2,260

$8,503 including campus room & board

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF

Pine Bluff

870-575-8000

4-year Public

15

$2,355 (AY 2016-17)

$3,819 (20 meals)

$7,196 (based on 15 hrs/sem)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Fayetteville

479-575-5346/800-377-8632

4-year Public

15

$4,410 (including fees)

$5,166 (room & board

$9,576

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Conway

501-450-5000

4-year Public

15

$4,112

$3,124

$7,236

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH

Fort Smith

479-788-7120/888-512-5466

4-year Public

15

$160/credit hr (in-state); $437/credit hr(out-of-state)

$2,208-$3,438/sem + meal plan

Varies

UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS

Clarksville

479-979-1227/800-264-8636

4-year Private

12-17

$11,875

$3,550

$15,425 (not including books or fees)

WILLIAMS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Walnut Ridge

800-722-4434/870-759-4120

4-year Private

12-17

$8,100

$3,700/$560 general fees

$12,360

TO COMPILE THIS, FORMS WERE SENT TO EVERY QUALIFIED COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN BY A SPECIFIED DEADLINE. THOSE SCHOOLS NOT MEETING THE DEADLINE WERE REPEATED FROM LAST YEAR. EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO GATHER AND VERIFY THE INFORMATION. INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF AUGUST 2016.

Announcing the Ark ansas Times Special Focus

2 016

Nurses Guide TO BE A PART OF THIS SPECIAL ISSUE, CALL OR EMAIL PHYLLIS BRITTON FOR MORE INFORMATION. 501.492.3994 DIRECT | PHYLLIS@ARKTIMES.COM ISSUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 22 | SPACE CLOSE: AUGUST 26 26 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE % ON AID

REQUIRED EXAMS

APP DEADLINE FEE

June 30th

97%

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE None

ACT/SAT/COMPASS

Rolling Admission

CREDIT EXAM ACCEPTED CLEP

COMMENT Arkansas Baptist College . . . Growing Hope: It’s a GOOD thing! www.arkansasbaptist.edu

June 30th

79%

Feb. 1st

ACT/ASSET/SAT

1st day of classes/$15-Undergraduate; $30-Graduate/Masters Specialist; $40-International Students; $50-Doctoral

AP/CLEP

In-state tuition available to out-of-state students residing in counties in contiguous states. There is a higher per-credit-hour tuition for ASU courses in the Colleges of Business, Engineering, Nursing & Health Professions and Sciences & Mathematics. www.astate.edu

Open

78%

Nov. 15 Priority, Feb. 15 Final

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

www.atu.edu

July 31st

90%

Dec. 10th First Priority

ACT/SAT

1st Day of Classes

AP/CLEP

Central Baptist College is committed to transforming lives through education that integrates Christain faith and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. www.cbc.edu

Open

80%

Aug. 1st

ACT/SAT

Aug. 16th

CLEP/AP

CRC feels like home! If you would like to set up a visit, contact Chris Hughes at chuhges@crc.edu or call 870-236-6901. You can get more information at www.crc.edu.

Aug. 1st

95%

Aug. 1st

ACT/SAT

Open/$50

AP/CLEP/IB

One of America’s leading character-building colleges with a distinguished academic program. www.harding.edu

Apr. 15th Priority

90%

Dec. 1st Priority

ACT/SAT

None

AP/CLEP

Connecting academic aspirations to career opportunities. hsu.edu

Mar. 1 Priority

100%

Feb. 1st for most scholarships, however scholarships are awarded through all application deadlines.

ACT/SAT

Early Action I - Nov. 15, Early Action II - Feb. 1

AP/IB

All Hendrix students complete hands-on learning experiences through the Hendrix Odyssey Program, which offers grants for projects from internships and international study to undergraduate research and service. www.hendrix.edu

Mar. 1 Priority

90%

Mar. 1st Priority

ACT/SAT

Rolling/$25

AP/CLEP/IB

John Brown University, a private Christian university founded in Northwest Arkansas in 1919, serves over 2,700 students from 39 nations and 42 states in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU is a member of the Council for Christian colleges and Universities and a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. www.jbu.edu

Rolling,butpriorityconsideration

by Feb. 1st

99%

Rolling, but priority consideration

by Mar. 1st

ACT/SAT

Rolling/$25

AP/IB

More than 90% of Lyon graduates who apply to law school or medical school are accepted.Winner of 14 Arkansas Professor of theYear Awards. www.lyon.edu

June 1st

97%

Jan. 31st Priority

ACT/SAT

Open/No Application Fee

AP/CLEP

Discover the Ouachita Difference. www.obu.edu

Mar. 1st

98%

Rolling Deadline

ACT/SAT

Open/$25

AP/CLEP/IB

Philander Forward. www.philander.edu

June 1st

82%

Mar. 1st

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

SAU is the fastest growing and most affordable university in Arkansas. Visit campus to find out why so many are saying “I chose SAU!” www.saumag.edu

Mar. 1 Priority

70%

Dec. 1st Priority, Feb. 1st Final

ACT/SAT

Freshman admission and credential deadline is one week before classes begin.

AP/CLEP/PEP/Regents College Exams

Apply and register on-line today! www.ualr.edu

Rolling

83%

Mar. 1st Priority

ACT/ASSET/SAT/COMPASS (for placement)

Rolling/No Fee - Except for international applicants

AP/CLEP

UAM consists of the main university campus in Monticello as well as the UAM Colleges of Technology in Crossett and McGehee. www.uamont.edu

Rolling Basis

90%

Mar. 1st/ April 1st

ACT/SAT

Open

CLEP

UAPB is a comprehensive 1890 Land Grant, HBCU institution and the second oldest public university in Arkansas with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty that provides liberal and professional education. www.uapb.edu

Mar. 1st

41%

Feb. 1st (Freshmen), Apr. 1st (transfers)

ACT/SAT

Aug. 1

AP/CLEP/IB

www.uark.edu

Open

83%

Jan. 31st

ACT/SAT

None

AP/CLEP/IB

UCA is a comprehensive university offering students excellence in education. www.uca.edu

June 15th

96%

Nov. 15

ACT/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP/Challenge

UAFS is a comprehensive workforce-focused university teaching real world professional employment preparation via certificate programs, associate degrees, and baccalaureate education. www.uafs.edu

Feb. 15 Priority

98%

Apr. 1st Priority

ACT/SAT/IB

May 1st Priority

AP/CLEP

Ozarks Outdoors is one of the premier university-affiliated outdoor education and recreation programs in the state. www.ozarks.edu

May 1st

97%

None

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

www.williamsbaptistcollege.com

ARKTIMES.COM

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 27

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

College Life

STRESS ON CAMPUS A MAJOR RISK FACTOR AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

L

ast year’s National College Health Assessment reported 30 percent of college

of students reported being diagnosed or treated for anxiety while 13.1 percent had

students said they experienced enough stress to negatively affect academic

been diagnosed or treated for depression. Arkansas colleges have responded to the

performance and more than 85 percent experienced feeling overwhelmed,

growing problem of stress on campus through a variety of outreach, campus organiza-

numbers that have held steady since at least 2013. The NCHA also found 15.8 percent

tions, health services and recreation to help students manage the stress of college life.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Baptist Health College Little Rock provides a dedicated Academic and Spiritual Counselor on campus; this highly specialized and trained professional is accessible to students at all times. The school also offers a Family Night each semester to students to educate and encourage all students. Speaker panels comprised of former students and graduates, as well as resources for families, help nursing students ease the sometimes-stressful transition into healthcare specific careers.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The Learning Commons is A-State’s initiative to bring students and faculty together in a productive way to assist students with tutoring and mentoring. A-State’s retention rate from first to second year is at a record level, due in part to increased monitoring and student academic services.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Arkansas Tech University’s Health and Wellness Center, along with the Arkansas Tech Counseling Center, regularly partner to create programming that is open to all students and addresses issues such as school-life balance, stress management, depression and health issues. This proactive approach is designed to help students grow in a way that will allow them to succeed

in college and beyond.

The Office of Campus Life offers wide-ranging opportunities for all students to become involved on campus. Campus recreation, Greek life, leadership programs, orientation, outdoor recreation, registered student organizations, service initiatives and spirit squads are some of the programs that connect Tech students to each other and the world around them.

On Track is an undergraduate co-curricular experience designed to enhance student development beyond the classroom, encouraging students to network socially among peers and to include students in traditional and signature university events. Undergraduate students who choose to complete all seven tracks become eligible to apply for an expenses-paid trip following the completion of the last track. Recent destinations for On Track trips have included Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

A mandatory new student orientation eases the transition into college by acquainting students with the college environment

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

The university strives to help students deal with the challenges college presents academically and mentally. ASU-Beebe maintains a counselor on campus who helps individuals deal with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, sadness, drug and alcohol addiction and relational and family problems.

Student Success Center staff is dedicated to assisting in career development and navigating today’s job market. Expert counselors offer guidance for students as they formulate a career path, utilizing a full range of resources and services to assist

in developing the necessary strategies and skills to stand out during the job search and beyond.

The campus Learning Center is a free tutoring service to all students, offering individual and small group tutoring, workshops, online tutoring and an open computer lab with Internet access.

Residence Hall room at Arkansas Tech 28 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

and the various aspects of college life. The Student Opportunities Seminar (SOS) and Principles of Collegiate Success engage students in real-life opportunities and learning strategies for academic and professional behavior applicable to college, career and life success.

A master’s level student intern from Henderson State University is available to meet with both students and employees on campus for free counseling opportunities. The federally funded TRiO/Student Support Services provides workshops to students on topics such as stress management, time management, study skills, note-taking skills, et cetera.

The college has several student organizations that promote social interaction and activities that enhance students’ social health.

These include Fishing Club, Psychology Club and Student Government Association, as well as professional organizations such as Student Nurses Association, SkillsUSA, Student- Arkansas Education Association, National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa-National Honor Society. Faith-based organizations include Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship and Total Christian Experience.

activities twice per semester. As part of a threetiered shared governance structure, the NPC Student Government Association provides the student body an audience with college administration. Beginning in fall 2016, a robust Intramural Program will include basketball, volleyball, softball and flag football.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The college hosts a number of events meant

to help students connect on campus, both with peers as well as faculty and staff, sponsored by Student Ambassadors and Activities Board. Activities include Welcome Week, Fall Clubs Fair, Pizza with the President, Volunteer Fair, Fall Festival and more. Staff members and student leaders also cook free pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches for students during the stress of Finals Week. At the request of students, NWACC is adding a hammock farm where students can study or relax.

The college offers a tutoring center, a math center, a reading center, and a writing center to assist students. The Pauline Whitaker Library and Information Commons are being updated with modern furniture and areas for both quiet and group study. For those experiencing academic or any other sort of issue, counseling is available through the Dean of Students Office and many faculty and staff members also maintain an open door policy for impromptu counseling sessions.

Ashi Franke, web designer

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

JBU provides students with a variety of extracurricular activities, ministries and student services to help them connect with the campus and the community. Student government, internships, student-led ministries, the student newspaper and intramural sports teams are just a few of the ways to get involved. The Walton Lifetime Health Complex, currently under a $5 million renovation, provides our students, faculty and staff, and the Siloam Springs community access to athletic facilities and equipment for exercise and activities. Through the student counseling center and student support services, JBU is committed to providing resources to help every student achieve success in academics as well as developing healthy emotional, physical and spiritual habits.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

NPC has a newly-renovated, well-equipped Wellness Center that is available for student use free of charge. There is a weight room, cardio equipment, workout space and fullyequipped gymnasium. On-campus food service is provided by a local provider who is willing to prepare individual, special requests. NPC employs a full-time campus nurse.

NPC also employs a full-time mental health professional whose services are available to students free of charge. Issues of depression, stress management and school-life balance are all addressed largely through a College Seminar course. Outside that structure, workshops are provided to students through grant programs and through the campus mental health professional. NPC also has a Veterans Center for students transitioning from military service.

NPC offers student groups, clubs and organizations and sponsors campus-wide student

e r u t u F r u o y Cr eate

s a s n a k r A f o t r I n th e h e

Lots of scholarship opportunities.

Learn more in September. ualr.edu/scholarships

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 29

UALR OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FAYETTEVILLE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH

The University of Arkansas orientation provides key information UAFS requires all new students to attend New Student Orientation about the university’s support programs to incoming fresh(NSO), which includes a simultaneous parent’s program covermen to keep them healthy in mind and body both in person ing topics important to families sending their student to coland through an online “patient portal” that allows students to lege. The university also offers an optional extended freshman maintain a record of their health, schedule appointments at any orientation called Cub Camp, a three-day freshman experience time of day, exchange messages with health center staff, and of small groups led by upperclassmen who teach about the request prescription refills via secure messages. The Pat Walker many resources and involvement opportunities on campus.

Health Center’s Wellness and Health Promotion Department Cub Camp also covers a number of important topics includhelps students achieve a holistic balance between their schoolwork and life outside the classroom. The team provides individual wellness coaching sessions and group presentations.

Aside from health, the university has created an early-warning system to help spot students who are having difficulty in their first year and offer direct extra academic guidance and tutoring. Recognizing that the step from high school to college can feel like a huge leap for some students, the university seeks to provide help in academics, wellness and social tools to allow each student to achieve the dream of a college degree.

The University of Arkansas has over 400 registered student organizations with activities ranging from small groups up to concerts by national acts such as Foo Fighters, Snoop Dog and John Legend and distinguished national and international lecturers to address the campus.

The department of University Recreation offers two facilities for student exercise and recreation. The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building offers comprehensive fitness and recreational opportunities for all students on campus, from club sports to intramurals, outdoor activities to fitness offerings as well as inclusive activities such as wheelchair basketball. The second facility, a smaller, exercise-intensive center, features weights, ellipticals, treadmills and a workout studio.

National Park College student, Daniel, in the Wellness Center.

30 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS -LITTLE ROCK

Living on campus at UALR comes with many perks, including a greater chance at academic success through a livinglearning community and social activities including intramurals and Greek life. The Office of Campus Living works with students to find a good fit in roommates and will step up to manage disputes that may arise.

For additional ways to get involved, just a few of the numerous registered student organizations are The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Ethics Bowl Team, Student Government Association, Colleges Against Cancer, Cyber Security Club, Pre-Law Society, and Trojan Elite Dance Team, along with numerous honor societies and social groups.

UALR Counseling Services has clinically trained mental health professionals who promote mental health and wellness in an individual, group and community format.

Counselors help students overcome personal barriers and life’s stresses, as well as assist the student in exploring and accessing strengths and developing healthy and sustainable coping skills.

The UALR Disability Resource Center works with students who may need accommodations for any mental-health related disabilities.

In addition to events, fairs and workshops held throughout the year, every student receives Student Health 101, a monthly newsletter addressing issues of school-life balance, stress management, depression, and health issues.

UALR has a behavioral intervention team that meets to assess whether a student’s behavior warrants attention and needs appropriate intervention of some kind. Other assistance and support is available through the Trojan Food Pantry, Trojan Career Closet, and The Alliance, an organization for LGBTQ individuals.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

Students enjoy some down time relaxing in hammocks near Campus Drive at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

ing alcohol education, Title IX, and teen pregnancy.

The Student Affairs Division supports #Umatter, which provides programming around a different topic each semester.

A sample of the topics slated for the upcoming academic year includes alcohol awareness and drug prevention, hazing prevention, depression, bullying and relationship issues. UAFS has 104 registered student organizations, and adds about ten new organizations annually, which put on 300 different events and activities last year.

The university’s brand new Recreation and Wellness Center offers expanded cardio and weightlifting areas, two basketball courts, a 35-foot rock climbing wall and a 15-foot bouldering wall.

Students also have free access to a licensed nurse practitioner in the Powell Health Clinic and are allowed eight free visits at our Counseling Center, staffed with a licensed professional counselor.

Widening birth control options give women alternatives to the pill

D

uring the Christmas break last year, Jennifer*, a 20-year-old college junior sat down with her gynecologist to talk about birth control options. The Little Rock native’s hectic school and social schedule made it difficult to take birth control pills at the same time every day, which can increase her risk of getting pregnant, something Jennifer didn’t want to do while still in school.

Her doctor suggested a hormonal implant, a small, flexible rod that is inserted in the upper arm that releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. The implant lasts for three years and is more than 99 percent effective.

“You don’t have to worry about forgetting to take a pill – [the implant] is always there, so you know you’re protected,” Jennifer said.

Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned and in Arkansas, the teen birth rate is twice the national average. While having a child and getting a degree at the same time is possible, it’s difficult; a study published in 2013 found more than half of undergraduates with children drop out of school.

While not having sex is the best method of birth control, those who do decide to be sexually active have several options. One option to prevent pregnancy is through the use of long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC). The hormonal implant is one LARC method. The other is called an intrauterine device (IUD), which is placed inside the uterus. Both methods must be inserted and removed by a trained health care provider.

Find Your

PASSION

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LARC, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR, CAMPUS STUDENT HEALTH OFFICE OR VISIT AFMC.ORG/LARC. * Jennifer’s name was changed for this article.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO

UAM Counseling Services helps students cope with a variety of educational, adjustment and mental health issues including recent loss, anxiety, depression, loneliness, eating disorders, alcohol and drugs, anger management and shyness, among other topics.

Over 80 organizations, 12 of them Greek, allow students the opportunity to form social circles and enjoy activities. On-campus activities include movie nights, bowling, karaoke, cookouts, awareness events, step shows, bingo, ice skating, fireworks, bed races, late-night breakfasts and crawfish boil.

Students maintain physical health and wellness at the Randy S. Risher Wellness Center while tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, disc golf and the Weevil Walk around the campus pond provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. A full slate of intramural sports is also provided.

UAM students also have the opportunity to attend a variety of residence hall programs, increasing their social life and well-being by spending quality time with those around them. The students are given the opportunity to choose their own roommates in housing or are assigned one based on points of mutual compatibility. Residence hall staff is trained in handling difficult situations involving persons of concern, roommate conflict mediation and other guidance on an as-needed basis. The staff manages a booth at the campus wellness fair and leads presentations on personal, social and academic development, diversity awareness and other topics.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

The Learning Institute and Opportunities for New Students (LIONS) program is one of the largest bridge programs offered at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. With more than 200 students enrolled each summer, student can take six hours of courses, enjoy social and entertainment activities, attend tutoring sessions and engage in “College Knowledge” enrichment courses on everything from time management to career planning.

The STEM Summer Academy is available for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to help prepare them for college life. Students are involved in team building activities, networking, bonding, and study groups, and meet professional STEM role models and gain an understanding of the expectations of a STEM professional.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has more than 100 student organizations and intramural sports opportunities. Most activities are coordinated through the Union Programming Board, a student-led organization that plans concerts, movie nights and more for the enjoyment of the student body.

The Office of Student Counseling, Assessment and Development is available to provide effective counseling and psycho-social support.

Faculty and staff also have an open door policy with students, addressing matters of stress, academic issues and general coping. n

WITH

55 CERTIFICATES DEGREES &

TO PR EPA R E YOU F O R THE WO RK F O RCE ,

we can help you.

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 31

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

College News ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - BEEBE

ASU–Beebe was selected for the third time since 2011 to be included in the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute. The university was chosen from among 1,123 community colleges nationwide to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Awarded every two years, the award is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges, recognizing institutions for exceptional student outcomes.

ASU-Beebe offers unique programs in pharmacy technology and veterinary technology, as well as its Agricultural Equipment Technology (John Deere) program. This spring, the emergency medical technician/paramedic program received a donation of a training ambulance, which will provide students with the problem solving, ‘patient in motion’ training that is not easily simulated in a classroom environment. The Searcy campus offers the only paramedic program in the state with night classes.

The university will begin classes this fall for the Vanguard Senior Academy for Home School Students. Participants of the Vanguard Academy cohort group will receive academic and career counseling, free tutoring, personal and professional development workshops, library usage, exposure to STEM majors and careers and mentoring and leadership development. Classes for the 2016 and 2017 academic year will include

freshman English I and II, college algebra, principles of biology with a lab, as well as a college preparatory class.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Public-private partnerships are bringing new opportunities to Arkansas State University. The opening of New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine on the A-State campus is the first of several collaborations. NYITCOM at A-State welcomed its first class of 115 medical school students, nearly half of whom are from Arkansas, on Aug. 8. Historic Wilson Hall underwent a $12.6 million renovation to house the school, now offering laboratories and specialized teaching spaces such as the simulation emergency and operating rooms, clinical learning rooms and the gross anatomy lab. The space features energy-efficient lighting, fire sprinkler system, modernized, ADA-compliant restrooms and robust technology infrastructure throughout.

The global mission of A-State is on track thanks to a publicprivate partnership to open a campus in Queretaro, Mexico, next fall. The $75 million campus is the focal point of a 2,125acre comprehensive community development there to also include commercial, residential and recreational components for up to 70,000 residents. Arkansas State will become the first comprehensive U.S. university in Mexico with an American-style campus and concepts such as a “living learning” community in

a country where almost all students commute, thus opening professional exchanges for faculty, students and staff.

Responding to the desire to accelerate undergraduate completion, A-State’s “Degree in 3” program allows students to graduate in three calendar years in most degree programs.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Arkansas Tech University established a new record for overall enrollment for a 17th consecutive year enrolling 12,054 students for the fall 2015 semester. This made Tech the third-largest institution of higher learning in Arkansas. Enrollment at Arkansas Tech has increased by 184 percent since 1997.

Notable awards included Arbor Day Foundation’s honored Tree Campus USA award, which recognizes colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Since the 2009-2010 academic year, 850 trees have been planted on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville.

Dr. Robin E. Bowen, president, was one of 27 administrators nationally selected for the 2016 Giving Back Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. Among Bowen’s initiatives are the Department of Diversity and Inclusion within the Office of Student Services and efforts for Arkansas Tech to engage the growing Hispanic population inside the state.

Arkansas Tech University again won the Great American Conference (GAC) All-Sports Trophy for a fifth consecutive year. Tech, which claimed regular season GAC titles in volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s golf and softball last year, has won the All Sports title each year of the GAC’s existence.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

Ranked No. 2 among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News and World Report, John Brown University is a private Christian university that provides an excellent education in a way that fosters deep Christian commitment and dedicated service to others at a reasonable cost. JBU’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century, ending on the university’s centennial in 2019, will help secure the university’s future with funding for endowed and annual scholarships, new facilities and renovations, endowment for academic excellence, and program and operating support.

Over $80 million of the funds have been given or pledged. In February, JBU signed a memorandum of understanding with Handong Global University in South Korea that will open study abroad programs, research collaboration, and faculty and staff exchanges. JBU also received a $1 million gift to JBU’s Abila Archaeological Project. The gift will help fund the excavation, conservation and restoration of the archaeological site of Abila

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Arkansas Tech University established a new record for overall enrollment... This made Tech the thirdlargest institution of higher learning in Arkansas.

Freshman Orientation at Arkansas Tech 2015.

32 AUGUST 18, 2016

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

of the Decapolis in Northern Jordan as well as JBU’s Jordan Summer Studies Program, the Holy Lands Study Trip, and the biannual Abila Lecture in Biblical Archaeology.

LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College will introduce its new Celtic Studies minor this fall, adding a broad range of courses to its curriculum and further augmenting its Scottish Heritage Program. Courses will include the Scottish Enlightenment, Scottish clubs and societies, Irish film, the British Empire and introductions to Scottish, Irish and British history. The minor is the first of its kind in the south central United States.

This year also marks the second year of the college’s band program, a comprehensive, student-oriented program that encourages participation from all disciplines and academic majors. The program consists of three primary ensembles: marching band, symphonic winds band and jazz band. Band members have the opportunity to travel and perform in worldclass venues across the country as well as earn academic credit and scholarships.

In the spring, the campus will be filled with the sound of bagpipes when Lyon hosts the 38th annual Arkansas Scottish Festival. The festival includes amateur and professional solo piping competitions, solo drumming contests and Highland dancing. Vendors sell Scottish and other Celtic goods and services, including traditional Scottish cuisine. Performers play Celtic music in the entertainment tent throughout the festival.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

National Park College’s (NPC) Innovative Technologies Center (ITC) was awarded a Regional Workforce Implementation

Grant for $894,181 from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet selected grant recipients based on a rigorous application process that included program need, planning, community partnerships and budgeting.

The ultimate goal of the project is to align workforce development and academic programs with regional economic development strategies to meet the needs of local and regional employers. The ITC will provide training in additive and subtractive manufacturing (3D printing and computer-controlled machining), sensors and instrumentation, computer aided design and automation (programmable controllers and robotics). The Center’s outreach goals include industry training programs that develop advanced workforce skills needed in local companies. Creation of the ITC will also include a space for flexible, on-demand training for local industry and business partners such as short-term seminars and workshops.

NPC unveiled a new website, www.np.edu in May. The site consists of 881 unique pages of content and 77 individual department sites. Aside from the new look and feel, the new site includes a simplified menu, a fully responsive design that resizes to fit any device screen, is compatible with all modern web browsers and includes upgraded calendar features and news feeds.

OZARKA COLLEGE

Ozarka College has been approved for instrument training by the Federal Aviation Administration to offer an instrument rating course as part of its 14 CFR Part 141 flight school. Instrument rating allows pilots to fly aircraft under instrument rules when weather conditions compromise visibility to the point the pilot must rely on instrumentation. The new course will allow pilots to earn an instrument rating with less flight experience, which in turns allows students to more affordably take the next step in training after achieving their private pilot certification.

A new scholarship is now available through Ozarka College. The College-Now scholarship covers tuition and fees for a student’s first semester at the college following high school. To be eligible, students must have completed at least four Ozarka College courses during high school, maintained a 2.75 or higher GPA and received their high school diploma. Full details are available at the college’s website, www.ozarka.edu.

Pulaski Technical College has been awarded two Title III grants totaling $5.25 million from the U.S. Department of Education. Both grants are five-year awards that will support student programs at PTC.

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

Philander Smith College has tapped a former first-round NBA Draft pick and the Arkansas Razorbacks’ all-time leading scorer Todd Day to lead its men’s basketball program. A four-year letterman at the University of Arkansas from 1989-1992, Day was an All-American, led the Razorbacks to an SEC title and an NCAA Final Four appearance. He is the U of A’s all-time leading scorer.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Following an NBA career that saw him drafted in the first round, the Memphis native has been coaching at various levels since 2007. Philander Smith is a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference of the NAIA. Philander Smith’s Seneza Gatson was one of 30 HBCU college students selected by Apple to receive a one year scholarship and internship program at Apple’s headquarters. The award includes a $25,000 scholarship, a summer internship and yearround program to help prepare participants for post-graduation careers by pairing them with an Apple mentor.

This summer, Philander Smith College received a grant of $599,519 to establish the Philander Forward Theological Institute, part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service. The Philander Forward Theological Institute, which is open to all high school students, will offer a spectrum of activities and experiences designed to shape and contribute to the spiritual growth and development of high school students, encouraging them to explore how theological and religious traditions and cultural competence inform and shape their life decisions in a changing world. Philander Smith College is one of 92 schools participating in the initiative. The schools are located in 30 states and the District of Columbia and cut across a spectrum of religious traditions.

ing a welding engineering technology program that is one-ofa-kind in Arkansas and only one of a few in the country. An innovative privacy and cyber security option in SAU’s popular computer science program has also been added. In addition, the school now offers a social entrepreneurship emphasis through its MBA program.

SAU has experienced three consecutive years of record enrollment, thanks in part to awards that include 2015’s rankings “Most Affordable” and “Highest Return on Investment” among all Arkansas schools by the U.S. Dept. of Education. The school was ranked the fastest-growing university in the state by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education as well. And, bestvaluesschools.com ranked the school the #6 Most Affordable Small College in the U.S.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-COSSATOT

UA Cossatot offers an expanded roster of club and intercollegiate sports, providing for a wider array of interests and activities.

The Colts Rodeo team competes in the Ozark Region NIRA

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FAYETTEVILLE

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Walton College in the top 30 among the nation’s public undergraduate business schools for 12 years running. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – AACSB International – and has been since 1931.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of the first graduation ceremony at the University of Arkansas, a school that continues to provide innovation and deliver excellence. Two Arkansas students were named Goldwater Scholars; two more students were named Truman Scholars; two students and a recent graduate earned Fulbright Scholarships; nine U of A students earned Gilman Scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State; and eight students were named National Science Research Graduate Fellows.

Additionally, Lucas Delezene, assistant professor of anthropology in Fulbright College at the University of Arkansas, is part of a team that identified a new human ancestor, Homo naledi.

Alumnus Joe Weishaar was selected from an international field to design the nation’s World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. Sports teams were equally competitive; Arkansas women’s track and field team won their second straight NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championship in 2016 and the Razorback football team won the 2016 Liberty Bowl.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

Heading into its 90th year, UALR enjoys several distinctions across many disciplines, among them being named #2 Best Online College in Pulaski Technical College has been awarded Arkansas, its MBA program as one of 50 most two Title III grants totaling $5.25 million from affordable programs in U.S. and ranked #41 on the U.S. Department of Education. Both grants U.S. News & World Report’s list of best underare five-year awards that will support student graduate engineering programs. programs at PTC. UALR’s Bowen Law School is ranked among A $2.2 million award, which is part of the top 20 legal writing programs, a top six law Strengthening Institutions Program authoschool for public service careers and a Best rized under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Value School. The graduate program in social will focus on improving support services to work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock students, improving student retention and was ranked 10th in the nation by an educaincreasing student completion through a new SAU Game Development students use a high-tech game design lab to bring their tional research group, SR Education Group, enhanced Enterprise Resource Planning and creativity to life. and ranked the third best teacher education Student Information System. program in Arkansas, according to the online A second grant of $2.9 million will be used teaching portal, ToBecomeATeacher.org. for a five-year “STEM Success” program to promote subjects/ Collegiate Rodeo spring circuit. During the year team members Outside the classroom, the college boasts a number of elite careers in the STEM disciplines - science, technology, engineercompete for a spot in the NIRA College National Finals Rodeo. sports programs. Little Rock’s Trojan men’s basketball team won ing and math. The goal is to help male and female minority A new academic program, Physical Therapy Assisting, is slated the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament chamstudents reach their goals in high-demand, high-opportunity to begin in the 2017 fall semester. pionships and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Div. fields and to increase representation of black professionals in I Tournament. In baseball, Ryan Scott won the NCAA Div. I batSTEM and K-12 education.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS–FORT SMITH ting title in 2016 and earned six different all-American honors This spring, Pulaski Technical College entered into a formal One of the newer members of the university system, UAFS en route to being drafted by the Boston Red Sox. partnership with the University of Arkansas System. The agreeobserves its 15th anniversary this year, and it has put that time ment will help Pulaski Tech realize cost savings and value-added to good use with continued innovation and enrichment of curopportunities in areas of information technology and human riculum. The university recently added a new bachelor’s degree UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS–MONTICELLO resources. Leadership teams from Pulaski Tech and the U of A in geoscience, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering Home to the state’s only school of forestry, UAM School of system have begun the process of establishing priorities and technology, an associate degree in engineering and certificates Forestry and Natural Resources offers two baccalaureate proa timeline for addressing various educational and operational of proficiency in early childhood education. grams in land surveying and natural resource management, priorities.

Special study opportunities include regular Maymester with options in forestry, wildlife management and conservation, courses for students, which are intensive weeklong courses geospatial sciences, communications in natural resources and held at locations across the U.S. and the world that compleenvironmental science. Over the past few years, UAM has also SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY ment the learning in the classroom. UAFS also stacks up well added master’s degrees in jazz studies and creative writing as SAU’s sports programs were riding high last year, led by the against peer institutions, named the college with the secondwell as a new technical certificate program in diesel technology.

Lady Muleriders softball team, which won the Great American best value for a criminal justice degree in the United States by In extracurricular activities, the UAM debate team captured Conference and Central Region Championships en route to a Best Value Schools and third-best affordable school for the RN the 2016 International Public Debate Association National fourth-place finish in the NCAA Division II Women’s College to BSN program in the United States by Great Value Colleges.

Championship in April, defeating 10 other schools from across World Series in Denver. At 53-11, the team also set a single-seaNotably, UAFS was the only large school in the state to have a the country, including large state institutions and the U.S. son wins record, and a host of individual and coaching honors. year-over-year decrease in net price in the 2014-2015 school year.

Military Academy.

Several new fields of study have also been established, includSOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

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The school’s baseball team posted a record 40 wins, topped the Great American Conference and reached the finals of the NCAA Division II Regionals in Mankato, Minnesota. Right fielder Corey Wood was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year as well as the GAC Player of the Year.

UAM was ranked among the “50 Most Affordable Small Colleges” for a Master’s of Education degree (M.Ed.) in a recent ranking by topeducationdegrees.com.

Guaranty Corporation and Lumina Foundation.

Applications for fall 2016 admission have increased by more than 30 percent over the same time period in 2015. The Office of Admissions had received more than 5,200 applications as of February 29, 2016, three months earlier than the 5,200-plus applications it had received by June 2015. During the month

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was among the institutions to receive a micro-grant for $50,000 to establish an office within the Student Success Center (SSC) to assist graduating seniors with the completion of their degrees.

This summer the university cut the ribbon on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fish Health Inspection Laboratory.

Located in Lonoke, the lab is one of 11 facilities nationwide approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to conduct diagnostic testing to enable producers to obtain health certification for the export of aquaculture species.

Aquaculture is a $160 million industry and Arkansas produces 80 percent of the U.S. baitfish. The Fish Health Inspection Laboratory is an affirmation of the university’s commitment to supporting Arkansas fish growers and bringing their products to market.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was among the institutions to receive a micro-grant for $50,000 to establish an office within the Student Success Center (SSC) to assist graduating seniors with the completion of their degrees. This office will market the completion program, identify and enroll eligible seniors for assistance and establish the process for enrolling, engaging and tracking seniors to graduation. The grant is for two years and funded by the Great Lakes Higher Education

of February, there were 31 percent more applications received compared to February 2015. Applicants represent 39 states including nearly 1,898 applicants from Arkansas and 23 countries.

UAPB has entered into partnership with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Scholars Teacher Academy Resident System (STEM STARS). The first grant of its kind in Arkansas, the goal of the project is to address the challenge of preparing 120 high quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers for all students in high-need school districts throughout the ArkLaMiss region.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

In August, UCA celebrated the grand opening of Greek Village.

Greek Village is home to the Panhellenic Council sororities— Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Sigma Tau and Sigma Sigma Sigma. Each sorority has a two-story, 10,400-square-foot sorority house. Chapter rooms for the four National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities—Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.—are also included in Greek Village.

In November, the University of Central Arkansas launched an initiative called the “Greek 100” to commemorate a century of Greek life on the campus and to continue engagement with UCA alumni. Profiles of Greek alumni who were initiated through university chapters of the fraternities and sororities in the Interfraternity Council, Independent Greek Council, Panhellenic Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council are featured at uca.edu/greek100.

The College of Business maintained its accreditation from the AACSB International. AACSB Accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than 5 percent of the more than 16,000 schools worldwide granting business degrees.

UCA was the only higher education institution to receive a $3 million gift from the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program, enabling the university to endow a chaired faculty position in the College of Business to support and expand the supply chain logistics management program. n

OUR ADVICE? Check out all the usual universities your friends choose, but before you decide to spend 4 years and a lot of money, give yourself a few minutes at www.jbu.edu and see what you might be missing.

We think you’ll be interested.

WE’RE LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS IN THE NATION.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Your City ARKADELPHIA

Home to: Henderson State University Population: 10,716 Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkadelphia has many opportunities for outdoor recreation. There is also no shortage of cultural activities, performances and athletic competitions. Arkadelphia is just eight miles from DeGray Lake, a 13,800acre lake that offers swimming, fishing, water sports, golfing, camping facilities, wildlife and spectacular views. Arkadelphia is only 30 minutes from Hot Springs. The town has many dining options that welcome college students. Arkadelphia is also an Amtrak stop.

BATESVILLE

Home to: Lyon College Population: 10,248 Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on the beautiful White River, the community provides a safe and welcoming setting for Lyon College and its students. The oldest surviving city in the state, Batesville boasts three National Register Historic Districts and is home to an award-winning, regionally focused history museum. Other amenities include two art galleries in

be found. The Heber Springs campus is located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain near beautiful Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River allowing for fishing, swimming, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. And the Little Rock Air Force Base campus is located in Jacksonville, a stone’s throw from North Little Rock attractions.

the downtown area, several antique stores, an active symphony league and a community theater group. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, camping, caving, rock climbing, water skiing, scenic photography, fishing and hunting.

BEEBE

BENTONVILLE

Home to: Arkansas State University-Beebe Population: 7,898 A small hometown with easy access to Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway, Beebe has been the fastest growing city in White County for 12 years in a row. Community spirit is on ready display here, as evidenced by the many community events on the calendar. The college itself provides a great deal of community attractions including the Centennial Bank Concert-Lecture Series, theater productions, music performances and an art gallery. The school’s active Student Life Organization plans many on-campus activities and social clubs especially for students staying on campus in the residence halls.

The university’s satellite campuses also feature their own brand of charm and activities. In Searcy, the county seat, numerous opportunities for shopping, dining and recreational fun can

Home to: Northwest Arkansas Community College Population: 40,167 (Nearly 500,000 in northwest Arkansas corridor) Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, Bentonville and the nearby communities of Rogers, Fayetteville and Springdale have produced a unique environment. The influx of people from other parts of the country has created a diverse cultural population, thanks to the presence of several major corporate headquarters including Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt.

The natural beauty of the region is outstanding and miles of trails connecting the various communities helps the hiker or mountain biker get out and enjoy them up close. Off the trail, visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, take in a concert at Walmart AMP pavilion, cheer the Razorback football team during home games or catch an Arkansas Naturals baseball game.

In addition to the main campus in Bentonville, NWACC offers courses at the Washington County Center and The Jones Center for Families in Springdale, the Regional Technology Center in Fayetteville, The Center for Nonprofits in Rogers, Farmington High School and online. More than 1,000 high school students took concurrent classes for college credit last fall semester.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

CONWAY

Apple Blossom Brewing in Fayetteville.

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Home to: University of Central Arkansas Population: 58,908 Conway is home to a beautiful and historic downtown community as well as a vibrant arts community that provides a plethora of free and ticketed events throughout the year. With walking trails, art galleries, a multitude of dining and shopping venues and local theaters, Conway offers activities for every unique individual.

Among the many attractions are Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, the state’s only professional Shakespeare Company; Blackbird Academy of Arts, a not-for-profit arts education center offering programs and performances for children and adults and Reynolds Performance Hall, a 1,200-seat, state-of-the-art theatre on the UCA campus presenting performing arts programming to the entire central Arkansas community.

As for community events, don’t miss the one-and-only Toad Suck Daze, home of the “The World Championship Toad Races” part of the largest free-admission family festival in the state. The festival attracts 160,000 over three days for food, music, a fun run and various other events.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Free College Tuition & Mandatory Fees!

Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs.

FAYETTEVILLE

Home to: The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville Population: 74,000 You’re never at a loss of something to do in Fayetteville. For a taste of the outdoors, check out one of the city’s 40 parks, including the newest, a regional sports park at Mount Kessler. The city’s trail system includes about 30 miles of paved trail and 20 miles of singletrack mountain bike and hiking trails. Within an hour’s drive are Devil’s Den State Park, Lake Wedington Recreational Area, Beaver Lake, the Buffalo National River and the Ozark Highlands Trail. Closer to campus, check out George’s Majestic Lounge for live music or Fayetteville Farmers Market open on the town square three days per week. And of, course campus activities abound with Razorback athletics, arts and culture, music and recreation.

The Northwest Arkansas region is home to many Fortune 500 companies, such as Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, which provide strong collaboration in research for U of A professors and wide opportunities for students who want to pursue internships.

U of A’s service-learning program is integrated with coursework and sends students out into the global community to put their coursework into action while the campus Volunteer Action Center involves students in dozens of projects that help local residents.

FORT SMITH

Home to: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Population: 87,000 Despite a population of almost 90,000, Fort Smith retains its small-town charm and atmosphere with abundant natural scenery and plenty of attractions. Parks, trails, festivals, free events, shopping, dining and entertainment options are all within reach, as are abundant opportunities for student internships and employment after graduation. The city of Fort Smith, local organizations and UAFS work together in numerous ways that enhance quality of place and further economic development.

Through its Center for Business and Professional Development and a number of ad hoc programs, UAFS provides technical and professional training to targeted groups in the workforce to close the skills gap in high-demand disciplines

such as medical billing, commercial driving and industrial maintenance. The Babb Center for Student Professional Development acts as a conduit for students to network and find employment with local companies. The center helps students develop professional skills and provides networking opportunities with partner companies, including Walmart, ArcBest, Tyson and J.B. Hunt.

HOT SPRINGS

Home to: National Park College Population: 35,680 Hot Springs is a vibrant arts and tourism community with something to do every weekend.

The city’s event calendar is always full of fun things such as music festivals, poetry slams, concerts, art galleries and award-winning restaurants throughout the year. Hot Springs is large enough to have great shopping and restaurants, but small enough to feel like a cozy community.

NPC has a great relationship with the community and maintains a unique agreement with the city’s sports leagues that allows student intramural teams to play in the city leagues. Local industry partners are extremely supportive of the college’s events and programs, often donating time and resources to help with events, like the Young Manufacturers Camp, Kid’s College, candidate forums and dozens of scholarships.

Garland County has many employment opportunities in health care, education, tourism and hospitality. NPC Career Services hosts many employers on campus throughout the year as well as at the annual Job Fair in the spring. Employers network with students and alumni to connect them to employment opportunities. Many employers also speak to classes and serve on campus advisory boards.

certain criteria required, contact campus for details

Transfer Classes Day, Evening, Weekend & Online Classes

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Save $$ on tuition. www.pccua.edu

JONESBORO

Home to: Arkansas State University Population: 71,551 Jonesboro’s Parks and Recreation Department manages 20 parks that total just over 900 acres.

With dozens of athletic fields, water features, community centers, recreation programs and events, the Parks Department offers something for nearly everyone. Downtown Jonesboro is a beautiful district with an amazing culture and a ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 37

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

historic past. The music lover and patron of the visual and performing arts will want to check out The Forum community theater or The Foundation of Arts for lessons in dance, art, and theater. The city’s state-of-the-art performance facility, The Fowler Center, is hosts more than a dozen professional performances each year and is home to the Arkansas State University Theater Department.

LITTLE ROCK

Home to: University of Arkansas Little Rock, Baptist Health College, Philander Smith College Population: 731,612 (greater Little Rock/North Little Rock metro) Kiplinger’s magazine put Little Rock atop the list of Top 10 places to live in the U.S., and as the state’s capital city, Little Rock offers all the expected benefits of a metropolitan center including access

east of Monticello currently being restored under the direction of UAM faculty members. Lake Monticello provides water sports and trophy bass fishing as well.

dents and their families say they chose SAU because of the caring atmosphere and the close-knit community that makes both the school and the town safe, caring, and family-like. Centrally located to both outdoor activities and urban attractions in Texarkana, El Dorado, Shreveport, and Little Rock, much of what makes Magnolia special involves shared events with the university starting with the annual Blue and Gold Day at the Magnolia square that draws thousands to welcome the Mulerider students back to town.

Magnolia has also embraced a growing community involvement organization started at SAU in 2014 called Making Magnolia Blossom (MMB). MMB brings together campus and community members to volunteer together at cleanup and economic improvement events each year. Another major annual event is Celebration of Lights where the entire community comes

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Home to: Pulaski Technical College, Shorter College Population: 62,304 As a first-class, urban playground, North Little Rock draws people of all ages, interests and lifestyles with its small-town atmosphere and large-city offerings. With quality entertainment, great restaurants, attractions, shopping, beautiful scenery and hospitalityfocused hotels, North Little Rock offers something unexpected around every corner.

The historic Argenta District on the city’s original main street offers bars, restaurants and a growing brewpub scene, as well as Farmer’s Markets and arts and entertainment in a one-of-akind setting. Nearby, catch a show at Verizon Arena or spend an evening at Dickey Stephens Park to cheer on the hometown Arkansas Travelers. Other points of interest throughout the city’s neighborhoods include the unique shops in Park Hill, the gardens at the Old Mill, shopping at McCain Mall and the largest park in the area, Burns Park, offering everything from walking and jogging to softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, horseback riding and even a skateboard park.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

PINE BLUFF

Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock. to cultural, business, government and historically significant resources and attractions.

The famed River Market District, one of the top spots for live music venues, dining, and community events, headlines entertainment options. Free options abound such as outdoor movies, jazz concerts and the nearby Arkansas Arts Center. Near the River Market runs the Arkansas River Trail System where walkers, cyclists and joggers take advantage of the scenic, 15.6-mile loop from the Clinton Presidential Bridge via North Little Rock to the Big Dam Bridge and back. Pinnacle Mountain or a relaxing float down the Maumelle River await nearby.

The professional possibilities are nearly endless thanks to the presence of Acxiom, Caterpiller Inc., Windstream, Arkansas governmental offices, Southwest Power Pool, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Heifer International, just to name a few.

MAGNOLIA

Home to: Southern Arkansas University Population: 12,000 “Hometown” and “community” are commonly used to describe Southern Arkansas University and Magnolia. Many incoming stu38 AUGUST 18, 2016

together for a Christmas meal, caroling, singing, games for children, pictures with Santa, snow globes for everyone and a train for children to ride.

MONTICELLO

Home to: University of Arkansas-Monticello Population: 9,467 Students looking for a slower pace and relaxed family atmosphere over the crowd of a large city will appreciate Monticello’s southern charm. The best example of “town and gown” cooperation is the SEARK Concert Association and its annual schedule of performances hosted by the university. SEARK officials work in close cooperation with the UAM Division of Music to bring the performing arts to the community in the form of concerts and theatrical productions. UAM also hosts other community events, including the annual Drew County Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Log-A-Load for Kids annual fundraiser for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. UAM has also played host to the Arkansas Mission of Mercy, which provides free dental care to thousands of Arkansans.

Local points of interest include Drew County Historical Museum and Hollywood Plantation, an 1846 antebellum plantation home

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Home to: University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Population: 49,094 Pine Bluff is known for being the industrial, entertainment and recreational leader for southeast Arkansas. Located in the mid-south region, it serves as a major trade center within the state. The city provides a warm atmosphere, performing arts, sports and outdoor activities. One of the most anticipated events of the year in Pine Bluff is UAPB Homecoming Week. Alumni, fans and friends of the institution plan a year in advance to attend activities. The estimated economic impact of the celebration totals more than $1 million dollars in revenue.

Campus and community entertainment options include Arts and Sciences Center for Southeast Arkansas, Harbor City Gumbo Festival, Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends, Boo on the Bayou Halloween Celebration, King Cotton Classic, water sports, bass fishing, baseball, golf, tennis and Golden Lion athletics.

Area landmarks and attractions include James Hayes Art Glass, downtown murals depicting the history of Pine Bluff, Japanese Garden located in the Pine Bluff Civic Center, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum, Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, Arkansas Railroad Museum and Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center.

RUSSELLVILLE

Home to: Arkansas Tech University Population: 27,920 “Welcoming” is the first word that comes to many people’s minds when describing Russellville, a friendly place that is large enough to offer the amenities of modern life and small enough to maintain a sense of community. Outdoor recreation is king here, including Lake Dardanelle State Park, Mount Nebo State Park, Bona Dea Trails and numerous other venues within a short drive of campus, affording students the chance to connect with nature through biking, climbing, fishing and hiking.

The university enjoys tremendous support from area communities. One of the most visible signs of this is “Paint the Town Green and Gold,” which is a shared venture between ATU and the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, which has its own committee dedicated to promoting the school. The week-long event welcomes new and returning Arkansas Tech students to Russellville while encouraging members of the community to show their support for the institution. n

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Digital Education A

bout 5.4 million students, or one in four, took at least one

courses at private, for-profit institutions that term, with 35 per-

distance education course during the fall of 2012, accord-

cent of all students enrolled solely online. Arkansas’ colleges and

ing to the National Center for Education Statistics. Almost

universities have invested heavily in online options to meet cur-

a million students enrolled exclusively in distance education

rent and future demand, as illustrated on the following pages.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE

The Online College offers students the opportunity to earn a variety of degrees, some completely online while others are a combination of online, Internet-assisted, and/or traditional classes. The Online College offers several degrees that can be earned 100 percent online. These include Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems, Associate of Science in Education, Associate of Science in Business, Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

A-State Online is the university’s online campus and its 25 programs represent the most in-demand degrees and certificates in its catalogue. Courses offered online are the same as the courses on campus, resulting in the same degree earned through face-to-face classes on the physical campus.

Arkansas State University currently supports more than 3,000 students nationwide through A-State Online, facilitating a combination of instruction, self-study and peer-to-peer interaction in an online learning network. A-State Online students interact with classmates though chat, video conferencing, phone calls, email, social media, bulletin boards and more.

All online programs are developed and evaluated with the goal of providing students a curriculum that focuses on their future career based on the latest industry trends and an engaging and diverse network of peers. Courses are taught by highly respected and expert faculty members and supported by academic advisers and help-desk support.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

The College’s accredited Associate of Arts degree is available in its entirety online. The college first began offering online instruction in 1997 and continually adds courses to its online curriculum. Flexibility is the number one advantage for online options, including both time flexibility and location flexibility.

Students can eliminate travel time and study in their pajamas at home if they so choose. The family-work-life balance is easier to achieve with online classes.

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Distance learning courses are offered through every academic department, attracting traditional college students between the ages of 18 and 25, non-traditional students such as working adults with families and high school students taking college level courses to get a jump start on their college studies.

EACC’s online courses utilize Internet-based technologies such as e-mail, web pages and other online collaboration tools. Students can access course materials online, take exams, receive online tutoring, and communicate with the instructor via the Internet.

Business, math, allied health and humanities distance learn-

ing courses have been offered at EACC for over 10 years and the school has recently been approved to offer an Associate of Arts degree fully online. The number of online course offerings increases each semester. Hybrid courses are also offered, which allows students to attend traditional classes, with a portion of the course delivered online. Lecture capture technology allows our instructors to place live lectures within the content of an online or hybrid class. Students may also use this technology to learn and share ideas in groups.

Similarly, online instructors have the benefit of experimenting with new technologies in our Distance Learning Resource Lab. This lab was created specifically for full-time and adjunct faculty use. The Distance Learning Resource Lab provides an avenue to allow instructors to test new, innovative technologies for use in their online classrooms.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Henderson State University has been offering courses with online components since the late 1990s and has grown to offer 10 degree and licensure programs in a fully online format.

Many other courses throughout the university are offered fully or partially online as well. Technology-leveraged learning in all its modes —fully online, hybrid, and enhanced—aims to increase both access and flexibility, while maintaining a high degree of quality instruction.

Henderson State University has been offering courses with online components since the late 1990s and has grown to offer 10 degree and licensure programs in a fully online format.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

JBU’s online programs are a flexible means for working adults to earn a degree. Online courses offer students the convenience of access to quality academic course material and instruction, while learning in their preferred location and environment. JBU offers online bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, liberal arts, management, accounting and psychology, as well as master’s degree programs in leadership and ethics (MBA), international business (MBA), collaborative design (MFA), leadership and ethics (MS) and higher education (MA). JBU also offers various online courses in graduate counseling, as well as undergraduate courses.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

The college offers a variety of e-learning options, including web-enhanced face-to-face instruction, blended coursework combining online and traditional instruction and fully online classes. These options have been available for more than a decade and new courses are being developed continuously. All forms of e-learning are provided through Blackboard.

Fully online classes provide students with flexibility to attend classes on their own schedule; blended classes free students’ schedules by reducing the amount of time they must come to campus for class, and web-enhanced classes provide more interaction and support for students and allow the instructor to respond to student needs as they arise.

NPC has developed an innovative Blackboard Student Training program that is required for all students to complete prior to starting courses at the college. Faculty is required to have a Blackboard presence; at minimum with syllabus, grades, attendance and a link to library resources. The school has developed a student-friendly course template creating a uniform environment for all students across campus.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Students can take advantage of multiple access points for Henderson courses which are administered through a learning management system, a collaborate tool for synchronous classrooms, a lecture capture option, publisher-provided interactive e-learning and text book modules, on-demand video and other digital resources from the library.

Henderson State has established an instructional designer position within the Instructional Technology Office which supports Henderson faculty as they leverage technology to create a broader range of learning opportunities for students, across multiple instructional modalities. The Instructional Technology staff also works hand-in-hand with the faculty-led Teaching and Learning Center to provide training and ongoing faculty development.

NWACC’S extensive online program offers more than 110 different classes and four degree programs fully online and five additional hybrid degree programs that are 95 percent online.

The school began offering online classes in 2000. All online credit classes at NWACC are fully accredited and transferable to other higher education institutions.

All NWACC students may take classes on campus, online or both, an attractive option for busy non-traditional adult students.

Most online classes are administered through Blackboard. The college also offers many student and academic support services online including tech support, online tutoring, proctored testing, library services and the campus bookstore.

NWACC continues to refine its distance learning offerings with more engaging multimedia content and upgrades to the learning management system. Online classes comprise nearly 25 percent of course offerings in the Spring and Fall terms, and nearly 90 percent of graduates have taken at least one online class.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Online courses at Pulaski Technical College are facilitated by instructors and follow the semester schedule’s beginning and ending dates. Online courses, including hybrid courses, web-enhanced programs and webinars, are designed to give students access to quality education at a convenient time and location.

Online courses at PTC are delivered through a variety of course management systems.

These course management systems provide instructors and students with access to course

content, assignments, discussion boards, mail, chat rooms, whiteboards, quizzes and exams.

Pulaski Tech supports distance learning through Blackboard.

Students access the full range of digital services through MyPTC portal. All PTC students receive a Pulaski Technical College e-mail address, which is required for all communications with the school and instructors. Updates regarding classes, registration, financial aid, campus events and more are also communicated through the campus email.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

SAU has 13 fully online programs; its first fully online program was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in September, 2005.

Academic departments provide oversight and management of program content and delivery providing a more satisfying student experience.

The Online Student Primer provides students an in-depth introduction to becoming a successful online learner. In addition, SAU provides a self-paced Blackboard orientation, giving students the opportunity to test drive an

online course before taking a real online course.

SAU provides a webpage resource for students to access instructions, technical requirements, support resources and Blackboard tutorials.

Information Technology Services provides an in-house help desk during normal working hours. AELearn is the 24/7 Blackboard help desk solution that assists students and faculty with technical issues. E-advising services are available and can be requested via an online form.

The Tutoring Center uses the web-based online tutoring program, Net-tutor. The SAU Writing Center offers face-to-face hours and online support for students. Magale Library’s Online and Distance Student Resources and Services webpage provides access to electronic journals, newspapers, books and other materials. Magale also provides online instructional video tutorials on how to get started researching, locating and using resources.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FAYETTEVILLE

At the University of Arkansas Global Campus, a team of instructional designers, academic technologists, media-production specialists and specialists in a range of learning technologies have supported development and delivery of the university’s catalog of online programs. As a result, the U of A has developed 30 bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degree programs either completely or primarily delivered online, as well as certificate and licensure programs across a variety of academic colleges and schools on the Fayetteville campus.

The number of students studying exclusively online has grown to 2,746 during the 2015-16 school year, up from 1,216 in 2013, and more than 12,800 students were taking at least one online class during the 2015-16 school year. Students who study online take courses from the same academic departments that offer degree programs on the Fayetteville campus and have access to the same academic resources and support.

The university continually enhances its technology and teaching strategies to enrich learning environments. Among the innovations is investment in the Tesseract Center for Immersive Environments and Game Design, animated graphics to present complex concepts like chemical reactions and supply-chain management and video services to bring lectures to students in a virtual environment.

The U of A realigned the Global Campus as a support unit in 2012 to enhance and expand online, distance and workforce education. This realignment and the commitment of the academic colleges and schools to produce online offerings enables the U of A to better meet the needs of its students, today and in the future.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS- FORT SMITH

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Online course offerings numbered 186 last fall and 201 last spring; since offering its first online courses 16 years ago, the program has grown to offer five fully-online undergraduate and one master’s program. The school’s RN to BSN program was the first program to be

offered 100 percent online.

Distance learning courses are delivered via Blackboard. Students can access library resources, chat with other students, faculty and academic advisors and take quizzes and exams from a distance. Constantly evolving, the school is in the process of implementing all of the Blackboard technology modules which include Blackboard Collaborate, allowing web conferencing and instant messaging and Blackboard mobile, designed specifically to help students react quickly to changes in the course.

Thanks to the online programs supported

by UAFS, the large percentage of the UAFS students with full-time jobs and family responsibilities can fulfill their dreams of acquiring a baccalaureate degree while maintaining full-time employment status by taking their courses during their less-busy hours.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSASLITTLE ROCK

A pioneer in the area of online learning, UALR today offers more than 450 online courses each semester and at a reduced rate. Online courses may also allow students to work through to a degree at a faster pace than the traditional university courses. The majority of students at UALR have a mix of traditional classes and online courses.

UALR Online regularly expands offerings from 10 fully-online degree and certificate programs to 19 effective in Fall 2016.

One advantage to UALR’s system is that it allows fully-online students the option of visiting the physical campus if the student wants to meet with a professor, gain career mentoring or use library resources on campus. UALR’s Ottenheimer Library works closely with UALR online students to provide access to important databases within various disciplines for research and, via the library reciprocity program, affords online students library privileges in other parts of the state.

The Office of Scholarly Technology and Resources (STaR) provides tremendous support for navigating a course online, testing and submitting assignments. STaR also provides hands-on training for faculty dealing with course design and tips for teaching online.

UALR holds an Academy for Online Teaching Excellence, an opportunity for faculty to not only learn details of technology and design, but to share ideas and venture to innovative areas within their discipline online.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO

UAM’s distance learning programs are National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredited and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Courses are taught by experts who have practical experience in the subject matter.

All programs are 100 percent online with no residency requirement.

The catalog of courses includes three bachelor, 15 master’s and six endorsement pro-

grams administered by UAM’s Instructional Technology department which supports both students and faculty. Online courses have been a part of the curriculum since 1998, and today utilize the latest version of Blackboard.

The course management system enables mass notification to students and staff, group collaborative projects with voice and visual interaction, mobile learning from anywhere and data analytics to better facilitate student success. Data analytics helps faculty monitor student progress and students have greater access to learning tools.

New online curriculum is being developed constantly, both blended and entirely online,

UAM’s distance learning programs are National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredited and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.

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and include collaborative efforts such as eVersity, with the University of Arkansas. UAM’s experience and technical expertise enhances both teaching and learning by nontraditional working adults who benefit from the graduate programs, as well as traditional-age students who enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous classes.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

Advantages of UAPB’s e-learning system include flexibility, engagement and innovation. Online courses are administered through the learning management system Blackboard Learn and give students more ways to engage their instructors and peers. Several departments from among the five schools at the university offer online courses.

Mobile Learn is designed to assist in developing a total learning experience with greater potential to improve quality of teaching and student success overall. An intuitive learning management system, it allows flexibility along with asynchronous learning. Mobile Learn allows students to remain actively involved in extracurricular activities and stay connected to learning by accessing, reviewing and submitting assignments on the go.

Through this innovative technology UAPB engages more students in exciting new ways, reaching them on their terms and devices and connecting more effectively. Keeping students informed, involved and collaborating together builds a better education experience by allowing the university to reach people on their preferred devices anywhere and by opening up technology and removing barriers to improve performance in real time. n ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 18, 2016 41

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Historically black colleges provide top education with cultural flavor A

rkansas’Historically Black Colleges and Universities

— hold an important place in the state’s higher edu-

— Philander Smith College and Arkansas Baptist

cation community. Steeped in history and culture

College in Little Rock, Shorter College in North

and distinguished for the quality of instruction, HBCU

Little Rock and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

institutions offer a unique educational opportunity.

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

Founded in 1877 as Walden Seminary, Philander Smith College is the first historically black, four-year college in Arkansas, the first historically black college to be accredited by a regional accrediting institution and the first attempt west of the Mississippi River to make education available to freedmen.

Re-named in honor of a generous patron, Philander Smith College was chartered as a four-year college on March 3, 1883.

Philander Smith soon established a reputation for innovation. Unlike similar schools popping up at the time, PSC resisted a national trend of educating African Americans only in “practical”subjects such as carpentry or agriculture, choosing instead to include courses in journalism and advertising composition with vocational classes. In the late 1880s and the 1890s, the college offered courses in Greek, Latin, algebra, and natural philosophy. Moral and religious education, including prayer meetings and Bible studies, was required. Tuition was free for pre-ministerial

students and a dollar a month for everyone else.

Through changing times, Philander Smith College has continued to grow and remain relevant. Successful capital campaigns have brought new buildings and the astute leadership of its line of presidents has kept the school connected in the wider Little Rock community.

The school offers degrees in nearly 20 majors across five academic divisions and the office of continuing study.

Notable graduates of Philander Smith include Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. surgeon general; Rev. James H. Cone, professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York; Lottie Shackelford, Little Rock’s first woman mayor; and professional athletes Elijah Pitts and Hubert “Geese” Ausbie.

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS -PINE BLUFF

Students socializing between classes at Philander Smith College.

42 AUGUST 18, 2016

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Established as Branch Normal in 1875 as a branch of what would later be known as the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, UAPB came to Pine Bluff in Jefferson County as a stand-alone teachers’ college.

The first year the school welcomed seven students and within seven years had produced the first black college degree holder, conferred in 1882, and 10 more between 1882 and 1895. Its first assistant teacher, hired in 1889, was Rufus C. Childress, the first graduate of Philander Smith College in Little Rock.

In 1922 the school developed into a multidisciplinary institution, a move reflected in the 1925 name change to Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N). In 1929, it became a standard four-year college. In 1972, AM&N was changed to University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff to coincide with the school merging into the university system.

Today, UAPB also operates off-campus sites at Lake Village (Chicot County), Marianna (Lee

• One of the Lowest Tuition Rates in the State

SHORTER COLLEGE

• Various Academic, Technical, Vocational and Allied Health Programs

Scipio A. Jones and Daisy Gatson Bates are Shorter College graduates.

County), North Little Rock (Pulaski County), and Lonoke (Lonoke County). It offers bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, fisheries and human sciences, arts and sciences, business and management, education and rehabilitation services. The graduate program awards master of education and the master of science degrees, including aquaculture and fisheries and addiction studies.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Originally named the Minister’s Institute, Arkansas Baptist College was founded in 1884. The school’s primary objectives were to raise the educational level within African American ministry and aid the state in making higher education available to young black men and women. Today, Religious Studies continues to be one of the college’s major areas of matriculation.

Arkansas Baptist College is a four-year historically black liberal arts institution that offers two- and four-year degree programs.

It is the only black Baptist higher education institution west of the Mississippi River. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and affiliated with the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas.

As one of Arkansas’ most affordable institutions of higher education, the college strives to attract students who desire a personal approach to their education with smaller classes, dedicated instructors, a sense of community and spiritual values and principles integrated throughout their collegiate experience.

Its stated mission is “Arkansas Baptist College prepares students for a life of service grounded in academic scholarship, the liberal arts tradition, social responsibility, Christian development and preparation for employment in a global community.”

• Core Classes Transfer to Other Arkansas Public Universities • Admissions Assistance, Financial Aid, and Career Counseling Available!

SHORTER COLLEGE

With alums such as Scipio A. Jones, a former slave and civil rights lawyer, and Daisy Gatson Bates, civil rights champion and supporter of the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, Shorter College has etched its name indelibly in the struggle for equal rights and social justice.

Founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) under the name Bethel Institute, Shorter College has a long and well-traveled history. Originally established to educate freedmen and to train teachers from its campus in downtown Little Rock, the college relocated to Arkadelphia five years later where it was chartered Shorter University in 1894. The school then relocated back to central Arkansas’ Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock in 1898, where it changed its name to Shorter College in 1903 and remains to this day.

Shorter College remained a four-year school until the 1950s when it changed to a two-year institution. Enrollment in the 1920s reached 800-plus students and 200 applicants turned away due to lack of space. For decades, Shorter students were immediately recognizable by the school’s strict dress code of navy blue serge suits with matching Oxford hats for women and navy blue jackets, trousers and caps for men.

The school faced hard times in the 1980s and 1990s, struggling financially and ultimately losing its accreditation, but an agreement with fellow HBCU University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff helped provide academic support while leadership worked to raise funds and restore accreditation. That goal was accomplished in 2013 and today, at more than 400 students, the historic school continues as one of higher education’s great comeback success stories. n

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

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www.eacc.edu for more information.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2016

Safety ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE

ASU-Beebe has been ranked number one among Safest Colleges and Universities by StateUniversity.com and maintains a University Police Department on all three of its campuses. The police officers are fully certified and authorized to protect the persons and property of students and of the university community. ASU-Beebe implemented a new alert system to notify students and employees of emergency situations. The alerts are delivered by phone, text, email, social media, website notification, loud speaker announcements and classroom computer screen takeover. Security awareness and crime prevention programs are conducted by University Police throughout the year.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

A-State’s University Police Department was ranked in the top 10 nationally in a recent online survey, and cited by the Associated Press as one of a handful of universities requiring all students to participate in active threat training. Since 2010, more than 10,000 students participated in over 100 active shooter train-

Officials have worked to enhance the university’s relationship with the National Weather Service office in Memphis resulting in Arkansas State becoming the first university or college in Arkansas to earn National Weather Service Ambassador status.

Arkansas State is partnering with local community leaders to promote new types of training, such as Dr. Spencer Guinn of Jonesboro Orthopedics and Sports Medicine who hosts bleeding control courses, the first of their kind among Arkansas colleges and universities.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Lyon College. Officers secure campus property after business hours, respond to complaints from faculty, staff, and students, enforce campus policies and maintain order on campus.

Officers also serve as a liaison to local police and emergency service authorities.

JBU was ranked No. 1 safest college in Arkansas by Niche.com.

JBU has security officers on campus 24 hours a day and offers late-night shuttle services for students. JBU’s campus safety staff officers have years of law enforcement and security experience, and are committed to the safety of our students and our campus. The team has excellent working relationships with local police, fire and EMS services in the Siloam Springs area.

LYON COLLEGE

Henderson has implemented several safety measures in service to students, faculty, staff and guests. These include the recent addition of the Alertus Emergency Mass Notification System that includes 26 alert beacons in academic buildings and the ability to scroll emergency messages on computer screens.

The school has also installed 12 outdoor emergency call phones across the campus and an outdoor warning notification system and siren that uses prerecorded messages to alert

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

NPC contracts with the Garland County Sheriff’s deputy and a private security firm to provide armed security guards and uses an opt-in “all-call” text/email/phone call system to notify the campus community about threats or violent weather. Also, NPC is equipped with a campus-wide loudspeaker system.

NPC has mandatory orientation for all new students, during which students are briefed on campus safety, Title IX law and the college’s no-tolerance sexual harassment policy. Each semester, workshops in SafeZone LGBTQ awareness are offered to faculty and staff. In fall 2016, these workshops will be offered for student participation. Enhancing the security force is the physical location of National Park College, located on Mid-America Boulevard between a station of the Piney Volunteer Fire Department and the Garland County Department of Emergency Management.

NPC contracts with the Garland County Sheriff’s deputy and a private security firm to provide armed security guards and uses an opt-in “all-call” text/email/phone call system to notify the campus community about threats or violent weather. Also, NPC is equipped with a campus-wide loudspeaker system.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

OZARKA COLLEGE

ing classes as a part of the A-State First-Year Experience course.

A-State provides training to students on other important safety issues including Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) involving both classroom and practical exercises on preventing assault. UPD also meets with student groups and tests the university’s emergency alert system once a month by sending out safety tips.

44 AUGUST 18, 2016

the campus of an active emergency alert. The Rave Alert emergency mass notification system also sends text messages and emails in the event of active shooter, violent weather or other emergencies. Reddie Rides utilizes golf carts to safely transport students during the evening hours. Henderson police officers are on duty 24 hours a day.

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One of the newest safety features on Ozarka College’s four campuses got a chance to show just how important it was in an emergency situation this spring. When a student with a preexisting health condition started to feel dizzy, faculty members swung into action, performing CPR and eventually employing the school’s AED defibrillator, avoiding tragedy.

In 2015, Ozarka College was awarded a $46,909 Blue & You Foundation grant to purchase 30 first aid kits, 16 automated external defibrillators and train up to 11 personnel as CPR/AED instructors who would in turn train all of Ozarka College’s administration, faculty and staff. All employees are certified to administer CPR and use the AED on all four Ozarka campus locations in Mountain View, Mammoth Springs, Melbourne and Ash Flat.

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Matters of campus safety and security fall to the PTC Police and Public Safety Departments. To fulfill its mission, PTC Police has developed and maintains performance standards that ensure the department’s functions are performed in an effective, efficient, consistent and fair manner. In addition, PTC PD developed its own active shooter protocols as well as detailed procedures

for reporting emergencies and what to do and where to go to remain safe until the all-clear. The college utilizes the Rave Alert system to maintain communications during active emergencies.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FAYETTEVILLE

The first line of defense is the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD), the first accredited police department in Arkansas. The department has added campus security patrols separate from the law-enforcement division to provide an extra layer of safety. UAPD pursues a strategy of prevention and education to help students recognize things they can do to increase their own safety and deter crime.

The university provides emergency notification through RazAlert, sending key messages by text, email and voice to all campus community members whenever an imminent threat is posed. The university also offers the Guardian app for smart phones, which offers several safety features. The Associated Student Government operates a safe-ride program for students and campus escorts are available for any student who is out at night. Along with this are phone kiosks across campus and well-lit pedestrian walkways. Residence halls require card identification to enter.

The Substance Education and Alcohol Resources Office works collaboratively across many departments, giving presentations to freshmen about alcohol and other drug use, risk reduction strategies, bystander intervention strategies, the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to react to this type of emergency situation. During the school year, Razorback Transit provides free transportation across Fayetteville into the evening hours. The university also offers a Safe Ride program for late night periods.

U of A also offers information regarding campus resources to handle stress and the transition into college life, as well as recovery services such as SMART Recovery meetings weekly and wellness coaching for individuals who are having difficulty managing college life.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH

Sexual assault and rape prevention efforts are a shared educational venture of University Police and Student Affairs. The Title IX office coordinates efforts and delivers training during New Student Orientation and has ongoing efforts throughout the year. The university’s policies are communicated through its web page and training that is fully supported by the administration.

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Police Department serves the campus community with full-time police services,

The UCA Police Department also partners with LeadsOnline LLC’s citizen property inventory system ReportIt and participates in their nationwide program “Operation ID” which demonstrates how to discourage burglary and theft of valuables.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Resident halls and on-campus apartments are monitored 24/7 with a live supervised fire alert system while a new outdoor/ indoor camera system monitors all residence facilities and campus proper. Additionally, residence halls feature desk assistants and card access. Visitors to residence halls are required to provide ID and observe posted visiting hours. Residence halls also have an Adopt-a-Cop program where an officer makes regular visits and mentors the hall, providing support to desk assistants, resident assistants and resident directors who all complete mandatory training at regular intervals.

The university also takes steps to educate students on matters of safe behaviors, including a mandatory freshman/new student orientation class encompassing Title IX training, sexual assault prevention, mandated reporting and safe behaviors, among others. SAU observes Sexual Assault Prevention Week with activities that all freshman are required to attend.

The full-time University Police Department operates 24/7 to handle issues, escort students and respond to calls through the dispatch center accessible by phones or panic buttons placed around campus. SAU alerts the wider community to emergencies through RAVE, Alertus Express and warning sirens with public address capabilities.

staffed with state-certified police officers 24/7. The department offers safety escorts, lighting tours and emergency phone locations. The Rave Guardian App provides communication from smart phones for building locks and unlocks while active shooter, severe weather and natural disaster threats are communicated via the Lion’s Alert. This emergency mass alert system allows notification to cell phone via text, home phone, messaging and email.

New students are educated through New Student Orientation as well as Cub Camp regarding safe behaviors. Ongoing educational outreach efforts through housing and Greek Life address these concerns as well. Community law enforcement and emergency resources enhance on-campus safety measures.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

As violence on campuses across the country has increased, UALR Police and the campus’ Safety Task Force are committed to increasing security measures to keep the campus secure.

An emergency alert system has been initiated, which sends notifications to students and employees by text, phone, and email during an emergency or crisis. Campus transit transports students from their apartments and residence halls to and from classrooms and other buildings and emergency “blue light” telephones are placed throughout campus to call Public Safety.

The UALR Department of Public Safety provides a full range of police services 24/7 including police escort services to and from classrooms at night and personal defense and crime prevention training. Campus Police also participate in active shooter training.

UALR’s Green Dot program is designed to prevent powerbased personal violence, such as sexual assault, stalking, bullying and harassment. Students and employees participate in training across campus to become Green Dot ambassadors. All acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct as defined by this policy are prohibited. UALR employees and students participate in online Title IX training each year to gain a better understanding of and to report acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual misconduct.

Emergency Blue Light Phones located throughout campus, free Safe Walk escorts by campus police, and numerous video surveillance cameras located in common areas throughout the premises help keep students secure at all times of the day or night. The University Police Department has primary responsibility for campus safety on campus and areas immediately adjacent to campus, providing a full range of aroundthe-clock services.

UAM has partnered with Rave Wireless to provide the UAMAlert emergency notification system which can rapidly provide mass notifications during natural disasters or other emergencies. UAMAlert also features Eyewitness, which provides anonymous text-based crime tips, thus enhancing the campus watch by offering faculty, staff and students absolute anonymity.

In addition to providing incoming freshmen and new students training on safety and security issues, Office of Residence Life extends the training into the residence halls with various presentations and materials on maintaining personal safety and residence hall security and promoting a common theme of security awareness and crime prevention. Office of Judicial Affairs provides educational programs for prevention and awareness of rape, domestic and dating violence and stalking; domestic abuse awareness training is conducted every October and sexual assault awareness training is conducted in April. All trainings and educational programs are available for faculty, staff and students.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF

University Police and Public Safety provide 24-hour police services which patrol the campus and dorms. They also provide complimentary shuttle services to and from classes. Flashing pedestrian lights have been installed to warn motorists of pedestrian traffic. Public Safety has a mass notification system that broadcasts campus-wide text messages, emails and voice calls in the event of an emergency. Access control includes a security feature that reads student identification cards and grants them access to their residence hall.

Campus safety and security information is provided to all new students during orientation that includes where and how to report crime, how to register to receive RAVE notifications and potentially harmful situations to avoid. Training and awareness is also provided to all residence halls. All faculty, staff and residence hall personnel receive training on sexual assault prevention and reporting.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

In September, the UCA Police Department hosts the annual National Campus Safety Awareness Month with weekly events designed to promote safety across the university campus.

National Campus Safety Awareness Month provides programming on issues including sexual assault, the dangers of alcohol and drugs and pedestrian safety.

The UCA Police Department also partners with LeadsOnline LLC’s citizen property inventory system ReportIt and participates in their nationwide program“Operation ID”which demonstrates how to discourage burglary and theft of valuables. It provides the UCA community with an online service for property registration and inventory, as well as a way for students to easily identify stolen property, and increases law enforcement’s chances of recovery and conviction.

In April, UCA opened a new police substation known as the UCA Police Outreach Center, located near Greek Village. The UCA Police Department will use this new location to train officers and host self-defense classes for students as well as reach out to campus on topics like drug and alcohol awareness and theft prevention. n

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ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS COLLEGE GUIDE 2 016

E D U C AT I O N

. LIFEST YLE

CHECK OUT THE WEB VERSION OF ARKANSAS TIMES 2016 COLLEGE GUIDE AT Proud Natio nal Park Co llege gradu ate, May 20 16. Courtesy National Pa rk College.

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