College Guide 2017

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COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

MESSAGE FROM THE DR. W. JOSEPH (JOEY) KING

DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE

LYON COLLEGE

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Lyon’s next president. From its founding on the frontier in 1872, Lyon has remained true to its mission. As it approaches its sesquicentennial, it has the potential to define and become a 21st century liberal arts college of the first order. I am excited to be a part of that process.”

DR. EVELYN E. JORGENSON NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

“As the new chancellor for A-State, I dream of a time when every high school senior in the state of Arkansas knows that he or she has a place for them in northeast Arkansas.

I want our faculty and staff to know they are respected and their ideas matter, and that we all share the same goal of helping our students reach their highest aspirations. Most of all, I hope for a university community that truly believes that ‘Every Red Wolf Counts.’ ”

“NorthWest Arkansas Community College seeks to empower lives, inspire learning, and strengthen community through accessible, affordable, quality education at locations throughout Benton andWashington 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.”

JASON L. MORRISON, ED.D.

DR. SANDRA MASSEY

DR. JOHN A. HOGAN

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY – NEWPORT

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

“The spring semester has been a busy one for Southern Arkansas University Tech. I started in January 2017 as the Chancellor of SAU Tech and have worked to motivate and move the college forward. Using the catch phrase, Be Great! Be Tech! I am often asked what it means. The phrase encompasses all that I believe that we should strive for as individuals and as a college. Whatever you do, work hard to be the best at whatever it is at you are doing. To put those words into action, we have started new initiatives at SAU Tech that will impact the campus now and in the future. Basketball will return to the campus along with a co-ed cheer squad and pep band in fall 2018. New university transfers are in place and more on the way to help our students achieve their dream of a four-year degree. The development of a more cohesive relationship with our business & industry partners is underway to facilitate workforce training programs and job placement for our graduates. The new direction at SAU Tech is just beginning and I am excited to work towards the future with my SAU Tech team.”

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“At Arkansas State University-Newport, we believe the offering of educational pathways that lead to family-supporting wages in high-demand jobs is our responsibility. Active industry partnerships ensure the relevancy of our curriculum and allow our students to seamlessly transition into the workforce. And with numerous degree pathways, flexible scheduling, and three campuses, students have the ability to create an individualized program to meet their personal needs. In addition to programs for college-age students, ASU-Newport’s I.G.N.I.T.E Academy provides high school students with college certification and industry-recognized credentials that uniquely prepare them for the workforce.

Our mission states that ASU-Newport will “provide an accessible, affordable, quality education that transforms the lives of our students, enriches our communities, and strengthens the regional economy.” Every day I see the mission of this institution alive, active, and transformational in the lives of our students as well as in the regional economies of the Delta.”

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“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 kept tuition flat and simplified our fees into a single per credit hour fee so students can better understand the costs. 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.”

DR. MARGARET A. ELLIBEE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

DR. CHARLES POLLARD JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

“UA - 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. UA-PTC’s 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 cutting edge technical training, it’s the personal touch that makes the difference.”

“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.”

STEVE ROOK, ED.D.

DR. STEVE COLE, CHANCELLOR

“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!”

“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!”

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

PRESIDENTS DR. ROBIN E. BOWEN ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

DR. ANDREW ROGERSON UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

DR. COY GRACE

EAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

“As the newest chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, I’ve been impressed by the rich programs we offer and by our highly qualified faculty and staff. I am convinced that UA Little Rock is ideal for a student seeking an affordable and relevant higher education.

We are committed to helping our students graduate without incurring significant debt.

Our capital city location offers access to many research, internship, community service, and employment opportunities. Our goal is to see students through to a timely graduation and ensure they have acquired the appropriate skill sets to make them career-ready. Come by for a visit and learn all about this great urban, metropolitan university.” ​

“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 vocational 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.”

DR. RODERICK L. SMOTHERS, SR.

DR. PAUL B. BERAN, CHANCELLOR

PRESIDENT GLEN JONES

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

“For 140 years, Philander Smith College has been inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders who seek to enact change in our communities, state, nation and world. Our legacy of providing a quality liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on social justice, has withstood the test of time and asserted Philander as an educational pillar in Arkansas. 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. As we celebrate this great milestone in our history, we know our greatest assets are our students and our faculty and staff.

It is with a student-centered approach to learning and a steadfast dedication to helping our scholars thrive that we continue to move FORWARD into the future.”

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.”

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

“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 127 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.”

DR. HOUSTON DAVIS

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

“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.”

DR. TREY BERRY

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

“At the University of Central Arkansas, we are committed to the success of our students and helping them reach their degree goals. We are proud of our vibrant and diverse student body that is excelling inside and outside of the classroom. UCA students are part of a dynamic and growing university that aims to set students up for success in their careers and lives after graduation. UCA was recently named the most beautiful campus in Arkansas by a national media outlet and when you combine that with some of the best faculty in the nation, you get a complete collegiate experience that is second to none. It is our goal that students will soon join the outstanding alumni of UCA who are making a huge difference as citizens of the world. Go Bears!”

2017 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY GUIDE

“Every student counts at Arkansas Tech University. As a result, approximately 12,000 students have made the choice to pursue their academic goals as a member of our diverse community of learners. Recently developed degree offerings in fields such as game and interactive media design, cybersecurity, logistics management, environmental science and business data analytics connect to in-demand careers. Engineering, nursing and pre-med biology are just some of the additional disciplines that help make us a statewide leader for STEM education. Begin your path to ATU at explore.atu.edu.”

JUDY I. PILE, ED.D., CHANCELLOR

“Over the past five 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.”

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Major Trends

HIGHER EDUCATION RESPONDING TO CONSUMERS’ DEMAND FOR VALUE, MARKETABILITY n BY DWAIN HEBDA

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rkansas’s colleges and universities are facing ever-increasing demand

in specific career goals. Those decisions might change throughout their academic for improved educational access, degree marketability and rapidlycareer, but generally speaking, students come with a greater desire to have a purchanging classroom modalities. With tuition continuing to creep pose for coming that leads to some kind upward, more students are viewing education as a direct means to an end. of job and career.”

Beran said this not only speaks to the number and variety of curricula offered at a given school, “Student expectations of a college education are but has also challenged the educational modalities much different from the 1960s and ‘70s, when college within the classroom to better prepare students for education started to become significantly more attainthe realities of the working world. able and students went to higher education to discover “The learning dynamic today is that faculty are no and develop different areas of interest that may lead longer the only purveyor or absolute expert in their them to a career,” said Paul B. Beran, chancellor at the field,” he said. “Any student can use a handheld device University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. and get an answer to any question that arises in an “Students today are much more focused, parents are academic environment from a variety of sources. The more involved and students are much more interested

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professor’s role has changed from being a sole source of learning to a facilitator of learning, directing students to educational resources and introducing and guiding students to multiple sets of sources to reinforce the knowledge base of their individual discipline.”

“The major trend in higher education in Arkansas is the emphasis on student graduation, therefore UA-PTC works hard to ensure that students succeed,” said Tim Jones, associate vice chancellor for public relations and marketing at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.

“We seek to increase retention by offering convenient class scheduling, strengthening relationships between students and advisors and offering tutoring and other wrap-around services that diminish barriers to success.”

Jones said colleges and universities have to remember they are in the service business, a fact that’s often lost in the shuffle.

“Students today expect good service and convenience,”he said.

“UA-PTC strives to provide both by giving personal attention and with small class sizes. The personal touch is what makes the biggest difference.”

“We are seeing a focus from both students and parents on a clear pathway to careers and students want those pathways defined when they get to college,” agreed Dr. Brandie Benton, associate provost for enrollment services and admissions at Henderson State University. “To those ends, we are giving our students information about the wide variety of options they have for careers after they graduate. We are incorporating that into the discussions we have with students about academic programs from the very beginning.”

At the same time, students are demanding better amenities and more activities to round out the academic side of the collegiate experience. This is particularly true as cost of attendance continues to rise.

“As a university, we are investing in the facilities, support and organizations that will give our students a rich campus life,”Benton said.“We’ve also created a simple, easy-to-manage tuition calculator that allows prospective students

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

University of Central Arkansas

and their parents to see what makes Henderson State a great value.”

The value proposition facing many institutions, large and small, often turns on technology, not only for ease in content delivery, but also to train students using the very tools they will be exposed to in their career. All while not taking one’s eye off the basics.

“There is hardly a profession at this time that is not employing some level of technology and yet the incoming college student seems only to have knowledge of how to use the technology they are interested in, such as a gaming system, phone or tablet,” said Kimberly Coker, director of communications, public relations and grants for Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden. “Much of the time, basic skillsets are missing such as the ability to type or to use software programs.

“To be able to provide the student with the relevant skills by which to obtain a job after graduation or transfer in an ever-changing technological landscape is critical. Staying relevant ourselves, that being college faculty and staff, with technological advances and upgrading programs in a timely manner is already crucial but will become much more crucial in the next 10 years.”

The desire on the part of students for an education that is relevant both from the content and the technological aspect is increasingly a consideration in the creation of new degrees.

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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Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, for example, drew from a variety of industry trends and forecasts in the creation of its Master of Business Administration degree that will be available entirely online starting in the fall.

The ATU Master of Business Administration degree was developed in conjunction with surveys of ATU College of Business alumni and employers. Information from those surveys was used to identify specific needs in the marketplace that could be addressed by the new program. The resulting degree consists of 10 three-hour courses pursuant to a degree that is focused on executive decision-making and is information analysis-oriented in nature.

“Our research found that prospective MBA students are interested in a degree that will help them analyze business market situations using real-time or gathered business information and that employers appreciate the efficiencies created by online learning,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president.

“With that information in hand, the College of Business, in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Graduate College, developed an MBA program that will create new career opportunities for our students and a deeper, more prepared pool of leadership candidates for the business community

Many students are looking for a way to enter the workforce, gain a careerready degree or certification, and continue their education along the way. in Arkansas and beyond.”

In many cases, paying attention to the dual needs of the student and the community has resulted in one or more centers of excellence. At the University of Central Arkansas, for instance, classes in the Colleges of Business, Education and Health and Behavioral Sciences are routinely filled to capacity.

“UCA’s College of Business is currently home to more than 1,500 undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate students, all taught by about 70 faculty members, which gives students opportunities for hands-on experience in lots of different business fields,” said Chelsea Huckaby of UCA University Relations and Creative Services.

“UCA also produces more undergraduate and graduate professionals in health and behavioral sciences than any other four-year institution in Arkansas. And, the College of Education at UCA is the premier program for educator preparation in Arkansas, as well as one of the largest programs in the state.”

Such outcomes have paid off with increased enrollment and positioned UCA as a first choice among the state’s best and bright-

est. Applications for its Norbert O. Schedler Honors College this fall is predicted to be the largest and most competitive in the program’s 35-year history, with 90 new students with an average high school GPA of 4.12 and an average ACT score of 30.

“The Honors College has become one of the most full-featured in the nation and provides students with enhanced education opportunities in a living/learning environment designed to develop citizen scholars,” Huckaby said.

“Placing emphasis on students capable of authoring their own lives and leading social

change is a benefit to the community.”

While some elements of higher learning focus on the prestige and accelerated academics of an Honors College, an equal if not greater amount build their programs on input from a particular industry they wish to serve.

Two-year colleges have maintained a tradition of staying deeply invested not only in their students, but in the working world into which they propose to send them after graduation.

“Many students are looking for a way to enter the workforce, gain a career-ready degree or certification, and continue their education

along the way,” said Jenn McDannold, enrollment coordinator at Baptist Health College in Little Rock. “We offer many options, including one-year certificate programs, two-year Associate of Applied Science degrees in nursing and occupational therapy assistant and even post-graduate options for students with bachelor degrees. Each program we offer utilizes hands-on techniques, multiple clinical site options and interactive and open access to professionals in their field of choice.”

This level of engagement, along with a higher degree of flexibility in creating new

94% of graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation (that’s 13% better than the other colleges in the Southeast)

Lyon College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts college located in the foothills of the scenic Ozarks. Founded in 1872, we are one of the oldest colleges in Arkansas. Valued for our small class size, strong student-faculty interactions, and community atmosphere, Lyon has forged a singular identity by combining a deep commitment to outstanding liberal arts education with small town warmth.

Anything is possible at Lyon—with the College’s award-winning faculty, Scottish heritage, outstanding outdoor adventure program, ample opportunities to study abroad, and unique honor and social codes, students have the freedom to take charge of their own future.

Discover your future at lyon.edu.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

resembles the best retail operations, both in technology and recently reviewed student and employer needs and have sharpcurriculum, helps keep colleges such as Baptist Health College in customer service. ened our focus on four university learning goals. These goals on the forefront of emerging specialties.

“We are certainly entering the time of the ‘on demand’ eduinclude effective communication, critical thinking, social and “As new health care needs emerge, Baptist Health College cation, where students can take courses when and how they civic responsibility and globalization.

Little Rock is ready to continue to produce educational programs want,” said Emily Newling, director of institutional advance“Among A-State’s many high-impact learning opportunithat relate and assist those health care needs,” McDannold said. ment at University of Arkansas-Cossatot Community College ties that support our new university goals are undergraduate “Sleep technology, for instance, is a unique program offered at in Ashdown. research projects, team projects, student organizations, study Baptist Health College, a one-year certificate program with no “The days of solely operating 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are over. abroad, internships and service learning.” college experience required.”

Colleges will have to offer classes and hours that fit the consumer’s It doesn’t take a large university to foster such academic diverAnother small-college advantage is the level of connectedtimetable. Technology is so ingrained in ness in the community, which often our society that educational institutions results in working relationships with must use this to our advantage. Things local business that provide internsuch as Blackboard Collaborate, online ships, a major plus for today’s coloffice hours and online tutoring will be lege student. vital in the coming years.”

“There is a growing emphasis on Newling said in addition to pedagogiproviding internships to students as cal considerations, colleges and univera way of receiving hands-on trainsities will have to adapt the content and ing and as a way of making industry focus of their curriculum as well. Cost connections that may assist them in and time required in the traditional colfinding employment upon gradulegiate model are no longer acceptable ation,” said Dr. Wade Derden, vice to today’s audiences. president for academic affairs for “For previous generations, college National Park College. “A number of was often a time of personal exploraour programs have added internships tion. Today we are noticing students to their curriculum and the college need a more directed path and guidance. is pursuing grant opportunities that Students value this direction and tend to would allow these internships to be be more engaged in their plan,” she said. paid. In fact, NPC was awarded a “We have also noticed a shift emerging Career Ready Internship Grant from with many students being interested in Great Lakes Community Foundation learning a quick and employable skill, allowing the college to provide 72 thus the boom in technical programs. paid internships through May of 2018.”

Not all students want to be lawyers and Experts say student input repredoctors anymore.” sents a major trend in higher eduFinally, colleges are finding it increasingly cation, one that is already shaping important to teach soft skills to go along programs. with mastery of content. Presentation, writ“Students today expect more ing and speaking skills and work ethic are engaged learning opportunities Baptist Health College nursing students gain hands-on training using cutting edge medical equipment. every bit as important as textbook inforfrom colleges and universities, mation or lab work, yet what many students have in technical sity. Lyon College, a small liberal arts school in Batesville, prides including research, study abroad and community service,” said proficiency, they often lack correspondingly in professionalism. itself on excellence in traditional subjects while also affording Judy Williams, associate vice chancellor of communications “As more and more students come to college with concurstudents coursework they can’t find anywhere else, such as its and marketing for University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “Our rent and dual-enrollment credit, preparation beyond academnationally known Scottish Heritage Program. academic programs offer many chances for hands-on research ics becomes more critically important,” said Tricia Baar, dean of “A Lyon education fosters the critical, creative thought and whether in the lab or with a community study.” learning, director of Honors College at College of the Ouachitas ethical, spiritual growth that prepares students for fulfilling “We offer chances to study abroad, often funded or partially in Malvern. “In 2016, College of the Ouachitas redefined its personal and professional lives committed to lifelong learning funded by scholarships, and ample options in the capital city institutional student learning outcomes to include profesand across the globe for community service and engagement. sionalism along with communication, critical thinking and Personalized learning is a trend that is key to student success.” information literacy. Such areas as accountability, respect All of this doesn’t even begin to speak to the affordability and work ethic are topics of increased focus and assessment.” factor. As the cost of higher education continues to escalate, The need for instilling such skills was precisely the motivainstitutions have to work harder to justify the increases. tion behind the establishment of COTO’s Honors College pro“Students and parents of traditional students today have gram in 2013 which helps round out academically-advanced high expectations of affordability and value in higher educastudents’soft skills, ethical understanding and appreciation tion,” Williams said. “We are investing in resources that help for the wider world around them. Baar said as the time wineach student stay on a clearly communicated path to coldow required to earn a degree continues to narrow, such lege completion through prior learning assessment, customcompanion skills and aptitudes are an increasingly important and service,” said Eric Bork, associate vice president of marketized degree plans, faster feedback on academic performance, component of developing well-rounded members of society. ing and communications. “Lyon offers 15 majors leading to a coaching and mentoring.

“Traditionally, community colleges are known for the many Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and at a class “In addition, online teaching requires special training and ways in which they support academically underprepared sturatio of 14:1, ensures personalized attention for all students.” skills for faculty to deliver education in this format. Our univerdents. The addition of honors programming is one way that we “At the same time, Lyon has cultivated a Scottish Heritage sity provides special training in technology, curriculum develsupport and encourage students who come to us exceptionally Program, a program designed to teach, preserve and celebrate opment and course design to ensure that online students get well-prepared,” Baar said.

Scottish arts and traditions in the United States. It has become quality instruction.”

“Research indicates that the primary need identified by one of the most significant in the nation for students interested Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for academic employers nationally, in all sectors, is better soft skills, those in developing and refining their skills in bagpiping, drumming affairs at Arkansas State University, detailed some of the ways qualities that are evident in reliable, professional employees. or Highland dancing.” the university has evolved to keep up with student expectaA student who graduates with an associate’s degree at age 19 College and universities are also finding that in order to be tions and the demands of the market. may be well-educated, but often lacks the life skills that come successful in this highly-competitive, highly value-conscious “As a student-centered university, we strive to provide with age.” n environment, they need to adopt a strategic model that more students the greatest opportunity to succeed,” she said. “We

Students today expect more engaged learning opportunities from colleges and universities, including research, study abroad and community service.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

In Demand Careers

HEALTH CARE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, TRADES TOP LIST OF MOST IN-DEMAND CAREERS

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graying population, the march of technology and a booming state economy are all contributing factors to this year’s most sought-after jobs. As in past years, degrees in the health care sector, current and emerging technologies and a myriad of trade roles are in high demand, offering graduates imme-

diate placement and solid starting salaries. n In particular, STEM graduates are finding their services in high demand, outpacing the general economy by more than 300 percent. Demand is expected to hold steady as it is projected more than 1.3 million STEM jobs to be added nationwide over the next five years. At its current pace, experts forecast nearly one-third of STEM jobs could go unfilled by 2020.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Arkansas State’s nursing program ranks high in the geographic region and covers a wide range of choices from associate to doctorate degrees. The online RN to BSN and a wide range of master’s programs are popular for career advancement while bedside nurses are in high demand. Rehabilitation therapies including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speechlanguage pathology and athletic training, in addition to dietetics, are excellent career choices to support health and wellness initiatives.

ASU’s pre-professional programs were always a strength in STEM areas, but the partnership with New York Institute of Technology that brought the first osteopathic medical school to the heart of Arkansas State’s campus has had a particularly significant impact.

With a BS to DO (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) school path, the school has begun to see an increase in the number of pre-med and higher ACT students.

The school continues to see strong demand for business graduates. Some of the strongest areas of demand are accounting, marketing and computer and information technology. The College of Business at Arkansas State University recently implemented several initiatives designed to provide enhanced opportunities for our students.

The Women’s Business Leadership Center (WBLC) reached over 1,000 students through the Leadership Program, FBLA, STEM, FYE and other conferences during the 2016-2017 academic year. The WBLC also hosted 25 speakers, provided nine scholarships and held a Women’s Business Leadership Conference that drew 625 attendees.

Other recent initiatives include the Robert “Bob” Wood Sales Leadership Center, the Dawson Capital Markets Lab and the Center for Treasury and Financial Analytics.

a highly qualified workforce for both today’s and tomorrow’s high-tech agricultural industry.

The school also supports a robust industrial maintenance division offering instruction in mechanical, electrical, fluid power, welding and software to enable them to troubleshoot, repair, install and maintain industrial manufacturing equipment in virtually any industrial environment.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ing critical, timely input into program curriculum. As a result, students learn relevant skills and are ultimately job-ready upon program completion.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, for example, offers students scholarships to attend ASUN’s high voltage lineman technology program. This coursework prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, repair, service and maintain electrical power lines and supporting equipment.

Other innovative programs include Northeast Arkansas Educating Agriculture Technology (EAT), designed to enhance the college’s agricultural associate degree program, developing

According to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, more students in the STEM fields earned their degree from Arkansas Tech University than any other institution of higher learning last year, a testament to the school’s curriculum and marketability of its degrees.

A mere sampling of degree programs offered through ATU’s College of Natural and Health Sciences includes biology, chemistry, engineering physics, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife science, geology, nuclear physics and nursing. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers degrees in disciplines such as computer science, electrical engineering, emergency management, information technology and

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWPORT

When ASU-Newport says its degrees meet the needs of today’s business, it’s not just a marketing slogan.

The school has forged various partnerships to help ensure its curriculum leads graduates directly into the field of their choice where they can make an immediate impact.

Many of the school’s partners sit on ASU-Newport advisory boards, particularly in technical fields, offer-

ASU-Newport students train in high-voltage technology, through a partnership with Arkansas Electric Cooperative.

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mechanical engineering.

Arkansas Tech offers ABET accredited programs in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Last spring, a group of ATU engineering students received the honor of traveling to Detroit to participate in the Shell eco-Marathon Americas challenge. The team constructed a gasoline prototype vehicle named “The Wonder Car.” Also last year, Arkansas Tech began offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in game and interactive media design. A new computer lab has been constructed in Norman Hall, home of the Arkansas Tech Department of Art, to accommodate the needs of students. It features the latest in high-end graphic cards, software and a three-dimensional printer.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

One of the most in-demand degrees coming out of Baptist Health College continues to be surgical technology, which enjoys a 100 percent placement rate after graduation. Students enjoy a fast-track curriculum, which includes a one-year certificate program with no college courses needed to get into the career

examination process and Baptist ranked first out of the entire field. The school has also been recognized for highest program average among students sitting for the NMTCB exam, which allows students to work in any environment where radioactive materials are used for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

The Practical and Registered nursing programs at College of the Ouachitas continue to be two of the college’s most in-demand programs of study. The 2016 Economic Security Report produced by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services and the Arkansas Research Center showed 2014 COTO LPN graduates who were employed full-time in 2015 earned an average of $36,417 while the COTO RN graduates earned an average of $50,322.

Other highly sought-after degrees include computer information systems, criminal justice and registered nursing. These degrees provide graduates with many varied employment opportunities. With all communications and data storages being digital, the need for trained graduates to manage com-

policy processors.

Also an option for students pursuing COTO’s business-focused coursework is the Associate of Science in Business degree, which offers a path to seamless transfer from COTO to a variety of four-year business degree programs in Arkansas.

For students seeking enhanced engagement in humanitiesfocused general education courses, COTO offers an Honors College. Students accepted into the Honors College program enroll in designated classes which include a series of themed seminars and a student-chosen special topics elective. A dedicated scholarship is awarded, and transfer articulation agreements are in place with certain Arkansas universities to allow honors credits earned at COTO to be applied toward graduation from the four-year honors programs.

COTO offers certificates and degrees in Mechatronics, which includes training in mechanical and electronic manufacturing and processes. Industry partners offer opportunities for internships to graduating students and new graduates, often resulting in permanent job placements. College of the Ouachitas professional truck driving course provides another in-demand credential.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

College of the Ouachitas is known throughout the state for its nursing programs, both LPN and RN. of their choice. Students are introduced to surgery sites within their first month and the program maintains a very interactive, hands-on approach throughout.

Nuclear medicine is another in-demand degree and Baptist’s program is among the best in the nation. These technologists work directly with patients and using radioactive materials visualize functioning organs, analyze biological specimens and administer treatment for certain diseases.

A total of 808 students from 86 nuclear medicine technology programs around the country participated in the 2015 12 AUGUST 24, 2017

puter information and communication systems is greater than ever before. The nearby Ouachita River Corrections Unit as well as law enforcement agencies provide a constant demand for criminal justice graduates. State nursing shortages drive the need for licensed nurses.

College of the Ouachitas offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, management, and office management.

Employment growth is favorable in all three areas through 2024, with notable growth in openings for billing and posting clerks, food service managers, and insurance claims and

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Business is the name of the game at Henderson State these days, with the introduction of several new courses of study in its School of Business and Teachers College. The school added a focus on entrepreneurship as a concentration area catering to students who want to establish their own businesses. The curriculum includes a Business Plan Battle of the Ravine where they pitch business ideas as a part of a competition to prepare them for the Governor’s Cup. Henderson State has also added programs in hospitality in order to serve the tourism and hospitality needs of businesses in the area. Included within that are several majors such as Bachelor of Business Administration, Hospitality Management Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Food Services, Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Tourism and Event Planning. Its Recreation degrees include Sport Management, Natural Resources Management and Leisure Services Management.

Henderson State has academic programs in several STEM fields of study.

Some growing disciplines include engineering, innovative media, nursing and aviation. Henderson States offers the state’s only four-year aviation program, which has seen the addition of drone certification in the past year to help students in other fields use the most modern technology.

The demand for teachers in Arkansas remains strong and in this regard Henderson State’s program shines. The school is nationally ranked for teacher preparation and students often have jobs waiting for them upon graduation.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

John Brown University offers 41 majors, with top programs in business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.

Students put their knowledge into practice through real-world

experience, as well as competing against students nationally. This year JBU’s Enactus team took first out of over 200 teams at the Enactus United States National Exposition and will compete against 35 countries at the Enactus World Cup in London this September.

Since 2012, JBU’s business teams have advanced to Reynolds Tri-State Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition after placing in the top three at regionals. A JBU student also received the recognition of Season Long Novice National Champion at the International Public Debate Association’s National Tournament and Convention in March.

occupations and industries in Little Rock using local economic and workforce data: general finance, computer and information systems include healthcare, logistics and distribution and weatherization/green energy.

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 specific focus on training in the areas of computer coding, STEM, health care, advanced manufacturing and finance. Training efforts will encompass

a mix of portable certifications, two-year and four-year technical and applied degree programs to meet the state’s workforce needs.

Other current and emerging program initiatives include Arkansas Coding Academy (ACA), a “boot camp” that creates a pipeline of talent for IT and IT-related industries, including cyber security. The program’s IT Registered Apprenticeship is an 18-month apprenticeship with Metova Solutions, a provider of military-grade cyber security technologies.

Other initiatives include STEM Camp, a year-round, hands-on weekend experience

for pre-collegiate students with focus on STEM subjects and a ecotoxicology certification program which provides students with basic skills and training necessary to secure baselevel jobs as lab technicians within environmental or ecotoxicology fields. It is the only program of this kind in the state of Arkansas.

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

LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College students continue to achieve levels of success unmatched at many colleges and universities. Almost 100 percent of prelaw students are accepted into law school and more than 90 percent of law school students who earn undergraduate degrees at Lyon are successful in completing their respective state bar exams on their first attempt.

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.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The explosive growth in the northwest corner of the state has led to led to high demand for graduates in business, health professions and construction technology. NorthWest Arkansas Community College is meeting these needs with innovative and high-quality programs.

Last year, the college began offering an associate degree in construction technology that has enjoyed strong support from the region’s business community and construction companies. Annual average salaries in the United States in this field are $56,000 for an assistant superintendent and $54,000 for an assistant project manager.

The demand for students in STEM fields of study is excellent. One example at NWACC is the health information management program, which prepares students for entry level jobs in this key area. Health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility and security in both paper and electronic systems. NWACC’s program will offer courses in a hybrid format in the 2017-2018 academic year, meaning courses will have online and traditional classroom components. In fall 2018, the program will move to an online format that will enable more students across the state to enroll.

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

The 2015 Little Rock Labor Market and Economic Report projects the following high growth

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

national levels. As PSC strengthens its culture of research, several graduates have been admitted into Ph.D. programs with full scholarships to institutions such as Princeton, UAMS, University of California at Riverside and the University of Kansas.

Philander Smith College grads have also been placed into M.A. programs at top research institutions including Ohio State University, Virginia Commonwealth Biomedical Sciences and University of Missouri. Research mentors work closely with external organizations and programs to further develop experiential research opportunities for students. Program partnerships include the College’s Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ARK-LSAMP), the UNCF/Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research Fellowship program and the 4+ 1 Health Services Agreement between PSC and UAMS.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – FORT SMITH

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith continues to produce graduates across a spectrum of the most in-demand fields.

UAFS offers health care programs in dental hygiene, imaging sciences, nursing (BSN), practical nursing, radiography, and surgical technology as well as a Master degree in health care administration. In the health care field, the median salary can range from $60,000 for a diagnostic medical sonographer to $70,000 for a dental hygienist with an associate’s degree to $96,000 for a nurse practitioner with a master’s degree.

Among the concentrations in Information Technology are programming, security, enterprise computing, and management of information systems. In this field, median salary can range from $80,000 for a computer system analysts to $86,000

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

Careers staying in high demand are nursing, driven by an aging population, and welders, who are in great demand for local industry specifically the oil and gas fields.

To keep up with demand, the school’s nursing program is in the process of expanding its offerings to include an Associate of Nursing degree and a transition track for practical nurses to registered nurses.

Welders who complete SAU Tech’s ninemonth Welding Academy curriculum routinely command $45 an hour wages with $100 a day per diem.

Within STEM fields, the school distinguishes itself in the technology and engineering areas, specifically in the field of robotics technician, mechanical maintenance and computer information systems. The technical school partners with Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia to allow graduates of the Welding Academy to transfer and earn a Welding Engineering Technology degree.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

One consistently high-demand field since the recession in which UALR is an educational standout is engineering and construction, which employs more than 10 percent of the workforce.

There is a critical shortage of engineering and construction professionals to fill a variety of rewarding design, managerial and supervisory roles in this multi-faceted, dynamic industry and that void is continuing to grow.

UALR’s College of Engineering and Information Technology offers degrees in construction management, civil and construction engineering, architectural and construction engineering and environmental engineering. These fields offer excellent starting salaries and substantial opportunities for rapid advancement and pay increases with experience.

Criminal justice is another standout among UALR’s 100 degree programs, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D degrees. These lead to successful careers in government, education and state agencies. Another popular and alwaysgrowing field is nursing, and here again, UALR offers an array of degrees and specialties, conducted in a state-of-the-art facility.

UALR’s College of Arts, Letters and Sciences covers a broad section of the traditional humanities core, from history to English to the sciences, mathematics and the arts. The university offers the state’s only dance performance major, graduates of which are performing in Italy, New York, Los Angeles and elsewhere.

In 2018, the college’s new Windgate Center for Art + Design will offer students the opportunity to learn traditional craft practices and contemporary trends in the fields of ceramics, furniture, metals, jewelry or woodworking in brand new surroundings.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

From its entrepreneur program to its robust MBA curriculum, the University of Central Arkansas has developed a reputation for business education that is on par with any to be had in Arkansas, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - WALTON COLLEGE and superior to out-of-state institutions several OF BUSINESS times its size.

Northwest Arkansas is home to some of the Business jobs are projected to grow eight percent largest companies in the world, including seven by 2024, led by positions in finance, accounting, Fortune 500 companies, and the demand for business administration and management. UCA graduates who are well-versed in information offers bachelor degrees in each of these key areas science, logistics, supply chains, traditional manas well as Master of Business Administration with agement and marketing is constant. All seven areas of concentration that include finance, health departments at the Walton College of Business care administration, information management – accounting, economics, finance, information and international business. systems, management, marketing and supply Accountants and auditors are in particular chain management – are recognized as outdemand due to the strong regulatory environstanding both in their scholarly research and ment. The CPA exam pass rates of UCA graduates the quality of students they graduate. are among the highest in the state, thanks to an Nearly 90 percent of Walton College gradueducational track that advances all the way to a ates have jobs lined up before graduation with Master of Accountancy degree. UCA insurance an average salary for an undergraduate busiand risk management majors are in equally high ness major close to $53,000. MBA graduates Health care professions are in high demand and require specialized training, such demand, enjoying nearly 100 percent job placeearn an average of over $67,000, and almost as that provided through University of Arkansas Fort Smith. ment after graduation.

90 percent of them land a job within three UCA offers specialized law classes for select business majors months of graduation. for an information security analyst. and MBA students. There are six courses in taxation taught by The regional shortage of workers in the information techThe university is also a leader in the humanities; degrees attorneys and CPAs. UCA’s debate and forensics organization nology sector has kept interest in computer engineering and include psychology, political science and social work, leading ranked third nationally in IPDA debate for the 2016-2017 seacomputer science brisk, with after-graduation placement rates to jobs such as psychologist, which features a median salary son and business majors can participate in Arkansas Student of about 91 percent. U of A graduates, particularly those who of more than $75,000 per year. The school’s Bachelor of Social Congress to learn about the legislative process. College of complete the university’s Master of Information Systems proWork is another new and fast-growing degree.

Business students also have access to one of the most active gram, enjoy their pick of some of the largest and most prestiFinally, UAFS is a leader in the state in the trades, which is internship programs in Arkansas. gious companies in the world. These include General Motors, showing high demand and good pay across virtually all specialUCA also offers a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, a career Hewlett Packard, Tyson Foods Inc., Atlas Technology Group, ties. Degrees include robotics, electronics engineering technolfield which is projected to enjoy more than 30 percent growth Walmart, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., HP, Symantec, Capital ogy, automotive technology, welding and computer graphic in the years to come. n One, Acxiom and Digital Intelligence Systems Inc. technology, among others.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

What’s New On Campus ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Two new housing developments are opening this fall on the Arkansas State University campus, The Circle and Pack Place.

The Circle is a four-building, 196-bed residential complex designed for graduate students and students at the NYIT School of Osteopathic Medicine at A-State. The University Board of Trustees last year approved naming the complex The Circle, and the buildings as Gaines Hall, Richmond Hall, Smith Hall and Strickland Hall, honoring the first four African American faculty members at A-State in recognition of their historic roles in campus desegregation.

A second new housing complex, for undergraduates, is called Pack Place. Located along University Loop, south of Arkansas Hall, Pack Place will house up to 350 students. It also is opening for its first residents in the fall semester of 2017. Both projects are part of the university’s first public-private partnership with Zimmer Development Company to construct on-campus housing.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Arkansas Tech University will celebrate the opening of a new multi-sports complex on its Russellville campus in spring 2018.

Home to the Arkansas Tech baseball, softball, tennis and golf programs’ indoor practice space, the $3.5 million center was built by Cline Construction Group of North Little Rock.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

This year, Henderson State University completed the second phase of renovations on the former Caddo Cafeteria. This facility at the main entrance to campus will serve dual purposes when completed. It will be used as a one-stop student services center and a museum. The project will take approximately another two years to complete at a total cost of about $4 million.

Within the Caddo Center, which was one of the first state college buildings in Arkansas equipped with air conditioning, the university will also house an exhibit hall and interpretation room to display Native American artifacts from the Joint Educational Consortium (JEC) Hodges Collection.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

John Brown University’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 $100 million of the funds have been given or pledged.

Over 75 percent of JBU’s main campus buildings have been renovated or newly built since 2000. Last fall JBU’s Health Education Building, a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, welcomed JBU’s first class of nursing students. The $5 million

The newly-opened Brightwater facility through NWACC offers state-of-the art classrooms and instruction in a broad range of culinary areas. renovation of JBU’s Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC)’s was completed in the fall and offers expanded fitness areas, a new community entrance, new locker rooms, expansion of the HVAC system and new pool mechanical systems and decking.

The renovation of Mayfield Residence Hall, the university’s historic women’s dormitory, is underway and expected to be completed by summer 2018. In April, JBU opened the first public futsal courts in Northwest Arkansas. The Outdoor Adventure Center, located in Sager Cabin, opened in the spring and offers rental outdoor equipment including bikes, kayaks and canoes to JBU students.

LYON COLLEGE

The Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building on the Lyon College campus is currently closed to the public due to renovation.

Built almost 60 years ago, the chapel suffers from decades of deferred maintenance. This summer, its auditorium will receive a facelift, including refurbished seating, new windows and shades, repainting and floor tiles. The exterior of the building will receive much-needed work on windows, columns, outer brick and drainage. When completed, Brown Chapel will provide a first-class facility for musical performances.

Renovation of the Morrow Academic Center (MAC) is also underway. The MAC, which offers free academic support services to all Lyon students, will receive a modern, open floor plan, special-use furniture, wall treatments, additional technology and a coffee bar. Combined, these elements will provide a space where students can seek academic assistance, study, and relax with friends over a hot cup of coffee.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NWACC opened Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in 2017. Brightwater is located in a former Tyson Foods building that has been transformed into the new 8th Street Market in the city’s Market District. More than 27,000 square feet of space in the market is dedicated to Brightwater. Through its unique holistic programming, Brightwater offers academic and career training in cuisine and the culinary arts, food systems and service, traditional and artisanal food crafts and entrepreneurial development.

One of its four classroom kitchens was specifically designed around the study of the reduction of food waste. The project was made possible through grants provided by the Walton Family Foundation.

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SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

Two new residence halls are expected to come online for the 2017 fall semester. They include West Hall, a 23,750-square-foot residence hall housing around 90 students of SAU’s Leadership College and Residential College. Eichenberger Hall, a former skating rink, will be home to 54 students within its 17,328 square feet.

The school’s new Engineering Building, a $1.4 million renovation, turned the former armory building into the new state-of-theart engineering facility neighboring the SAU Science Center, open for business last fall. Six labs were created along with three large class-

rooms and the motor pool has been converted to a machine shop for hands-on instruction and training.

SAU’s new Alumni Center will be open for fall 2017 football season, with the first Mulegating and Mulerider football game set for September 9, 2017. The multipurpose structure is designed to build lasting connections among the Mulerider family and the surrounding community. The pavilion will extend from the former Welcome Center and will be able to accommodate a gathering of 250 people with indoor and outdoor areas.

The College of Education’s Athletic Training

facility also opened last fall. The new state-ofthe-art athletic training facility is located inside the W.T. Watson Center. Its 2,500-square-foot footprint serves as a major upgrade for the athletic training program, which previously was housed out of a much smaller room in the Watson Center. In addition, the new Track and Field Complex and $1.3 million Dawson Field at the Mulerider Softball Complex were both christened in 2016.

Also opened last year were two residence halls. Columbia Hall, open only to freshmen and Magnolia Hall open to upperclassmen, were completed late last summer.

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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE

The University of Arkansas has poured substantial resources into campus improvements over the past five years. Renovations and additions completed this year include the 5,400-square-foot Discovery Hall renovation, adding needed classrooms and labs at a cost of $16.8 million. The swimming and diving facilities at the HPER Building have also been upgraded, at a cost of $920,000.

A 20,900-square-foot renovation of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house has been completed, at a cost of $6.5 million as well as a $9.3 million, 34,500-square-foot sculpture studio with shops and offices.

Other important projects are slated to be completed in the 2017-2018 school year, including a 4,000-square-foot, $3.1 million addition of lab space in the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) building. Kimpel Hall will be expanded at a cost of $13.6 million, providing more space for classrooms, labs, offices and a student media studio. Finally, 5,500-square-foot renovation of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house is planned, costing $6.4 million.

Other projects due to be completed within the next two years include expansion of the Pat Walker Student Health Center, building new sorority and fraternity houses and residence halls and the campus’ most prominent construction project, the Reynolds Stadium North End Zone addition, a $160 million project set to be completed in summer of 2018.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – FORT SMITH

Last year, UAFS christened its Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC). The facility offers expanded cardio and weight lifting areas, two basketball courts, a 35-foot rock climbing wall and a 15-foot bouldering wall, plus two large studio spaces where a variety of fitness classes are offered.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - LITTLE ROCK

There are two new buildings that will enhance growth of the UA Little Rock campus this academic year.

The Windgate Center of Art + Design will house the Department of Art + Design in the College of Arts, Letters and Sciences. The project broke ground last fall and is expected to be completed at mid-term this year. The project, made possible by a $20.3 million grant award from the Windgate Charitable Foundation, will be designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating. eStem Charter High School will give high school students the option of completing college-level courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics without ever leaving the UA Little Rock campus. The $11.4 million school opened in time for the new academic year and was made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

training opportunities to individuals seeking new careers in information technology. The new academy is part of UCA’s Division of Outreach and Community Engagement.

UCA partnered with Startup Junkie Consulting and the Central Arkansas VentureTeam to launch the Conductor, a public-private initiative aimed at driving entrepreneurship and innovation.

UCA’s Conductor focuses on delivering mentoring, counseling, training, capital readiness and technical assistance to startups, small businesses and emerging investors in central Arkansas.

Also last fall, UCA unveiled the Michael and Maria Norvell Nutrition Center, located in UCA’s

state-of-the-art weight training facility adjacent to the indoor practice center. The center features healthy meals, snacks and drinks to UCA’s 400 student athletes from all 18 varsity teams.

Thanks to a $5-million gift from the Nabholz Charitable Foundation, the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation opened in the Doyne Health Sciences Building in December 2016.

Located on the second floor of the Doyne Health Sciences Building, it encompasses 1,341 square feet and provides students with up-todate simulation equipment.

UCA celebrated the grand opening of Donaghey Hall, the mixed-use 67,500-square-

foot, four-story building at the intersection of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. Four commercial businesses maintain the lower floor along with a “maker space” designated for students or community members to gather and share resources or work on projects. The upper floors provide 165 beds for upperclassmen.

In January 2017, the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences opened. The project is an extension to the Lewis Science Center and includes a 50,000-square-foot-addition that provides state-of-the-art laboratories and scientific facilities for students and a 100-seat digital planetarium. n

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Last summer, UCA announced the establishment of its new Arkansas Coding Academy (ACA), which provide turnkey education and

Scholarships & aid available Seamless transfer opportunities Half the cost of the average university

Students enjoy a mix of studying and social time visiting inside SAU residence hall.

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School-Life Balance T

he National College Health Assessment reported 30 percent of college students said they experienced enough stress to negatively affect academic performance and more than 85 percent experienced feeling overwhelmed, numbers that

have held steady since at least 2013. The NCHA also found 15.8 percent of students

Minds,theleadingorganization empowering students reported being diagnosed or treated for anxiety while 13.1 percent had been diagto speak openly about mental health in order nosed or treated for depression. n Arkansas colleges have responded to the growing to educate others and problem of stress on campus through a variety of outreach, campus organizations, encourage help-seeking.

Fit Body, Fit Mind is the health services and recreation to help student manage the stress of college life. lesson taught through Red WOLF ( Wellness Opportunities and Life Fitness) Center. The alternative therARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY apy approach incorporates 20 minutes of discussion about Approximately 200 registered organizations are open to students stress management techniques followed by 30 to 40 minutes at Arkansas State University, appealing to a broad range of interof high intensity exercise. ests. One of the newer groups forming is POWER (Promoting Wolf Pact, a peer-educator group, is another new initiative Opportunity with Effective Recovery) a recovery community through which students will be nationally certified as peer program that will eventually include weekly support group educators through NASPA and will provide educational promeetings for those in recovery from any sort of addiction and grams and peer support. related social events.

ASU provides numerous outreach class-based programs, Another new initiative for the year is the formation of Active

Henderson State University provides a number of clubs and organizations for students to get involved on campus.

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primarily through First Year Experience classes, addressing issues including stress management, depression management, sexual assault prevention, alcohol use, motivation and decision making, choosing a major and others. The Campus Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling, monitored self-help and online-based treatment (TAO). One credit-hour courses on worry management, stress management and time management are all available through University College.

ASU holds a Suicide Awareness week each year and two Depression and Anxiety Awareness weeks each year with inperson screenings available. Residence Life staff receives Red Wolves Pathway Training designed to help recognize signs of depression and potential suicidal thinking, how to talk to a student about possible suicidal ideation and how to get the student to the resources they need.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWPORT

ASUN offers an intramural sports program to provide students opportunities for recreation and friendly competition. ASUN offers basketball, softball, volleyball, flag football, dodgeball and ping pong.

By joining one of ASUN’s campus organizations, students take part in unique engagement opportunities to enhance leadership skills, build relationships with peers and engage networking experiences with local business and community leaders. Student organizations are the pulse of the learning community, spanning from professional to social, with a wide spectrum of activities to cultivate a student-centered environment while on campus.

Organizations include the Minority Support group, which was established in an effort to better serve ASUN minority students’ needs. This organization also strives to provide support to minority students to help make transitioning into the ASUN campus environment an easy and convenient one.

Phi Beta Lambda is a business organization with a mission to bring business and education together in a positive working

OUR CITY OUR TEAM

OUR UNIVERSITY

Join the Trojan family.

Schedule your Discover day visit.

Fridays: Oct. 13 or Nov. 3

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relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. PBL is designed to introduce and educate students about the business world through speakers, workshops, company visits, conferences and competitive events.

The mission of Phi Theta Kappa, an exclusive international academic honor society, is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

Physical Education Majors (PEM) Club is a campus organization made up of students who are or who are considering majoring in physical education. The focus is on providing opportunities for students to be involved in activities related to physical education and health including through several state and national organizations.

ASUN’s Student Government Association (SGA) is dedicated to the service and betterment of the college and its surrounding community by fostering and exhibiting university spirit, respect and responsibility. SGA makes a commitment to encourage the student body to get involved in worthy projects and to serve the general welfare of the institution.

SGA helps build leadership skills, develop friendships and networks and helps build a student’s resume or transfer application.

The Student SurgicalTechnologist Organization fosters and exhibits university spirit, respect, responsibility and honoring the accepted practices of the career of Surgical Technologist.

Techionery help provide nutrition for students on the move.

The Arkansas Tech University Health and Wellness Center will receive a new and expanded home in the Doc Bryan Student Services Center at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year.

The Health and Wellness Center provides educational services by serving as a health and medical resource for the university community. ATU Counseling Services provides a wide range of free and confidential counseling, consultation and outreach services to the Tech community. Each student may receive ten sessions per academic year.

As part of orientation, each incoming freshman at Arkansas Tech University attends a seminar about how to access helpful resources on campus, meeting Bridge to Excellence faculty

and staff mentors, training on the computer systems and learn more about opportunities for student employment on campus.

For four consecutive years, Arkansas Tech University has hosted one of the top 10 fund-raising Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walks in the United States. The 2017 ATU Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk raised $19,104 to support programs and outreach by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

That show of support for suicide awareness carries through to other aspects of campus. Faculty, staff and students have the option to make an anonymous report to the ATU CARE Team if they know of a member of the university community who is considering suicide. Those seeking assistance will find licensed counselors ready to listen in the ATU Counseling Center.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

There are more than 130 registered student organizations at Arkansas Tech University representing a wide variety of academic, professional and social interests. Student Activities Board keeps the entertainment going throughout the school year with movie nights, appearances by comedians, bowling nights with the university president and additional social activities.

WelcomeWeek is an annual series of events that helps orient new students and re-engage returning students, while at the end of each academic year, the Summer Send Off carnival provides amusement rides and favorite treats from the midway.

Tech Fit provides a workout space and indoor walking track for Arkansas Tech University students, faculty and staff. Chartwells, food service provider at ATU, partners with members of the campus community to meet their specific dietary needs. Eleven cooking stations in the Chambers Cafeteria dining hall and the convenience of quick service options at Baswell 20 AUGUST 24, 2017

A student tackles the climbing wall in the University of Arkansas Fort Smith’s new wellness center.

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

The Charles D. Dunn Student Recreation Center, opened in 2009, is a hub of student activity and campus life. The facility features an elevated jogging and walking track, 12-foot climbing/ bouldering wall, state-of-the-art weight training, cardio and fitness equipment, three basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor soccer court, aerobics studio, two fullservice locker rooms and three student lounge areas. The Fitness and Wellness Program also offers numerous group fitness classes as well as personal training.

Henderson offers more than 90 groups and organizations for student participation, including social fraternities and sororities, community service and social awareness organizations, departmental organizations, governing councils, honorary organizations, special interest groups, recreational sports organizations and spiritual/ religious organizations.

Among the numerous activities on campus are various performances, sporting events and other activities to bring students together. Students can enjoy free movies throughout each semester. The Student Activities Board provides many of the current top films in a theater-type climate.

Residence Life provides students living on campus with“Roommate Survival Skills” to assist them with common challenges. The University Counseling Center is available to help students with a variety of concerns, from loneliness and isolation to relationship issues and roommate difficulties. Professional counselors provide one-on-one consultation for students who require in-depth or definitive therapy. Group therapy is also available to provide peer support in times of need.

The university health and counseling center staff speak to parents and students during Heart Start

Students at University of Arkansas Little Rock catch a nice breeze in between study sessions on campus. orientation sessions to bring attention to the high stress levels students can experience. They also distribute information about their services on campus and local resources. The staff speaks to freshman seminar classes and talks to RAs, PAs, GAs, faculty and staff about how to detect signs of student distress.

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, recently renovated, provides our students, faculty, 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 well-equipped Wellness Center that is available for student use free of charge. There is a weight room, cardio equipment, workout space and fully-equipped gymnasium. On-campus food service is provided by a local provider who can accommodate special requests.

NPC employs a part-time campus nurse.

NPC has student groups, clubs and organizations. As part of a three-tiered shared governance structure, the NPC Student Government Association provides the student body an audience with college administration. Campus-wide student activities are hosted twice per semester. The college has a robust intramural program that includes basketball, volleyball, softball and flag football. In fall 2017, the college will begin its club sports ini-

tiative with men’s and women’s basketball.

NPC employs a full time mental health professional whose services are available to students free of charge. Outside that structure, workshops are provided to students through grant programs and through the campus mental health professional.

Every new student is enrolled in NPC Orientation and NPC has a Veteran Center for students transitioning, not from high school, but from military service.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NorthWest Arkansas Community College hosts a number of activities throughout the year to help students connect. Within the past year, NWACC also has added a hammock farm where students can study or relax.

The college offers a game room in the student center and

involved on campus. The college supports a number of student organizations, housing, personal counseling and social events for students. SAU’s advisors, counselors and housing staff all work together to help meet the needs that arise when students are experiencing personal difficulties. Residence hall personnel and student life staff are trained to recognize the signs of student depression.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - WALTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 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, from club sports such as rugby, hockey and quidditch to intramural sports such as basketball, flag football and volleyball. Outdoor activities include rock-climbing, canoeing, kayaking and bicycling. The second facility is a smaller exercise-intensive center in the Arkansas Union with weights, elliptical bikes, treadmills and a workout studio.

The Pat Walker Health Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and offers health care services to all students on campus, including wellness classes, psychological counseling, international travel consultations, nutrition consultations, orthopedics, women’s health, men’s health and immunizations, among other services.

The Pat Walker Health Center’s counseling and psychological services department offers clinical consultations, group therapy and psychiatric services for a range of health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others.

The University of Arkansas offers a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week mental crisis hotline. In addition, the U of A Cares team provides referrals to resources and support for anyone experiencing

The Pat Walker Health Center’s counseling and psychological services department offers clinical consultations, group therapy and psychiatric services for a range of health concerns.

such specialized support areas as a tutoring center, a math center, a writing center and a reading center. The Pauline Whitaker Library and Information Commons have been updated with modern furniture and areas for both quiet and group studies.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

SAU Tech has workout facilities and a gym. The college also provides numerous student activities to help students get

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 21

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

feelings of depression, hopelessness or being overwhelmed.

The University of Arkansas has more than 380 registered student organizations and if a student can’t find an organization to their liking, they can start No. 381. University Programs, a volunteer student organization, plans more than 200 events annually for the campus community.

The Center for Learning and Student Success offers academic coaching, supplemental instruction, tutoring and writing support, and the Mathematics Resource and Teaching Center offers similar types of help for students enrolled in math courses or other math-intensive courses.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH

The University of Arkansas Fort Smith hosts a series of programs called Outdoor Adventures that allow students to experience a birding and wildlife hike, rafting and generally enjoy the natural beauty of Arkansas.

awareness/drug prevention, hazing prevention, depression, healthy habits, bullying stereotypes and safe Spring Break awareness.

UAFS requires all new students to attend a New Student Orientation (NSO) that includes a parent orientation program.

The University offers, through the Division of Student Affairs, an optional extended orientation camp called Cub Camp, an intense three-day freshman experience program, run by UAFS upperclassmen.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

Being part of a residential community comes with many perks, from a greater chance at academic success through a living-learning community to social activities brimming with possibilities.

Available to all UALR students are intramurals, Greek life, student organizations such as League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Ethics Bowl Team, Student Government

The university offers orientation sessions throughout the summer to welcome its newest members to the Trojan family.

Orientation helps get students familiar with the campus and living arrangements, plus all campus programs. Students are encouraged to get involved in learning communities, study groups, church activities, social organizations and other clubs and organizations to help with their transition.

The university’s fitness center and pool is supported by Campus Recreation, and is designed to enhance students’ quality of life. Campus Recreation offers approximately 30 group exercise classes, personal programming, personal training, incentive programs, personal assessments and CPR/First Aid classes during the academic year. The Trojan Trail, which circles the campus ambles down the Fouche Creek and is ideal for walking or running.

UALR Counseling Services has clinically trained professionals who promote mental health and wellness within an individual, group or 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.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

School spirit is on ready display every time the University of Central Arkansas Bears take the field.

The university also supports a robust intramurals program and a number of competitive sports clubs for student to enjoy.

UAFS recently built a 48,000-square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center that offers expanded cardio and weightlifting areas, sports courts, a climbing wall and two large studio spaces.

UAFS has over 100 registered student organizations and adds, on average, about 10 new organizations annually. During the 2015-2016 academic year, student organizations hosted over 300 different events and activities both on and off-campus. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) alone hosts over 100 student activities each year from movies to Season of Entertainment, an annual series of national touring shows and musical productions that are free to students.

The Student Affairs Division’s #Umatter program addresses various topics each month, a sample of which include alcohol 22 AUGUST 24, 2017

Association, Colleges Against Cancer, Cyber Security Club and Pre-Law Society along with numerous honor societies and social groups.

Students get in free to all Trojan basketball games as well as volleyball, baseball and soccer games. In addition, all UA Little Rock students can take advantage of free rides on central Arkansas’ public transit system, Rock Region Metro, including trolley rides in the downtown area.

In addition to a variety of events, fairs and workshops held throughout the year, every student receives Student Health 101, a monthly newsletter packed with articles that address issues of school-life balance, stress management, depression and health issues. The university has a behavioral intervention team that meets to assess whether a student’s behavior warrants attention and needs appropriate intervention of some kind.

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

UCA offers many facilities and resources to help students attend to their physical, social and mental health and well-being.

The UCA Counseling Center provides mental health counseling and other counseling services for all current UCA students as well as UCA faculty and staff. Accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, the center’s staff consists of five counselors and psychologists. Online mental health screenings are available for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Counseling Center also offers personal counseling, couples counseling and group counseling.

The HPER (Health, Physical Education and Recreation) Center provides students access to a 10,000-square-foot weight room, six-lane indoor lap pool, group exercise classrooms, hydration stations, basketball courts, racquetball courts, track and cardio room.

Students also have access to the Student Health Center, which is located in the center of campus. The Women’s Health Clinic, located on the second floor, offers routine health exams including PAP smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, screening for sexually transmitted diseases and infections and various other women’s health needs.

UCA has more than 200 registered student organizations to help students get involved. The Student Activities Board organizes free student activities on campus including movies, comedians, dance parties, educational speakers and concerts.

The Student Orientation Staff (SOS) is a group of volunteer upperclassmen who volunteer more than 200 hours of work every summer to make transitioning to life on campus easier for incoming freshmen. SOS volunteers host Welcome Week, which lasts from freshman move-in day until the first day of classes. n

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION GIVES YOU CHOICES You’re making a lot of choices now – what classes to take, new friends, maybe even deciding on your career path.

One of those choices, when to be a parent, could determine the path for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor or school nurse to find out the best birth control option for you.

Not having sex is the best method of birth control, but if you do choose to be sexually active, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most reliable and effective birth control available. It’s easy, quick, safe and you don’t have to think about it.

No birth control pills to remember, accessories to carry or waiting for protection.

LARC methods: • Save money because you only pay for it every three to 10 years. Medicaid will pay for contraceptive methods prescribed by a doctor.

• Are convenient because, once placed, you don’t have to think about it for three to 10 years, depending on type.Atrainedhealthcareprovidermust place and remove all LARC methods.

• Are effective. LARC is more than 99 percent effective. Birth control pills, patch or ring have a failure rate of up to 20 percent among women under age 21.

• Let you decide when you’re ready to start a family, choose the spacing and size of your family, and prevent health problems for you and your baby.

An unplanned pregnancy could delay or end your dreams of an education and good job. All LARC methods are completely reversible.

• Are safe for women of all ages, including those who have never been pregnant or had a miscarriage, abortion or sexually transmitted infection (STI).

LARC methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs), both hormonal and non-hormonal, and implants.

The implant is a tiny, thin rod placed under your skin that protects you for three years. IUDs are effective for three to 10 years.

More than half of all pregnancies in women under age 20 are unplanned.

The costs of an unplanned pregnancy are enormous in terms of both the mother’s and baby’s health. Teen mothers are more likely to have health problems such as anemia, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes.

They are also more likely to experience abuse during pregnancy, live in poverty and contract a STI. Only 2 percent of teen moms finish college by age 30.

Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to have low birth weight, be born pre-term or stillborn. They are more likely to have serious illnesses and lifelong health problems, live in poverty, have more behavioral

problems, do poorly in school and are more likely to drop out.

You may have heard some myths about LARC or IUDs that are not true. It’s important to get the facts. When properly placed by a trained health care provider, they do not damage your health. In fact, the reverse is more likely to be true. It is healthier to delay pregnancy until after age 21, when the health risks are lower and there are fewer complications.

LARC methods cannot prevent STIs. Only condoms are effective in helping to prevent STIs, HIV and Zika virus. Always include wearing a condom along with any birth control method you choose.

Reach your full potential. Complete your education, start your career and YOU decide when to start a family. LARC can give you the option to be emotionally and financially ready for motherhood, providing your future family the healthiest start in life.

Among all the information and new things to get used to during your first few months at college, you’ll probably hear or receive some information about LARC. Don’t throw it away, even if you’re currently not sexually active or even considering it. Your future could depend on it.

For more information, visit afmc.org/LARC, or talk to your school’s student health services, your doctor or a local health department office. n

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

YOUR LIFE!OF YOUR LIFE!OF Y 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.

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 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

$69/hr

N/A

$1,035 plus fees

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Beebe

501-882-3600

2-year Public

12

$98/hr

$2,590(double); $3,015 (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

$92/hr (in-county); $112/hr (out-of-county/in-state); $152/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

$96/hr

N/A

$1,152 plus books & fees

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY AT NEWPORT

Newport

800-976-1676

2-year Public

12

$96/hr

N/A

$2,310 (plus books & fees)

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY OZARK

Ozark

479-667-2117

2-year Public

15

$1,830

Commuter Campus

$1,830 (plus books, fees and materials as applicable)

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

$120/hr with fees, $92/hr without fees (Fall 2016)

N/A

Varies

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

Malvern

501-337-5000/800-337-0266

2-year Public

15

$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

$71/hr (in-county)/$100/hr (non-resident)

N/A

$1500 or less

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

501-760-4159

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

479-986-4000/800-995-6922

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

$90/hr

N/A

Varies

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Helena

870-338-6474

2-year Public

15

$1,050

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 hours is $2,116 per semester.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS RICH MOUNTAIN

Mena

479-394-7622

2-year Public

15

$1,200

N/A

$1,200 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

$94/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)

$1300/sem double (on-campus); $1400/sem double (off-campus]; $1850/sem single

Varies

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT BATESVILLE

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

$66/credit hr (in-district); $74/hr (out-of-district)

N/A

$1,350(including textbooks)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT MORRILTON

Morrilton

800-264-1094

2-year Public

12

$90/hr (in-district); $99/hr (in-state)

N/A

2000 including books

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 2017.

24 AUGUST 24, 2017

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/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

Approx. 94%

Nov. 1 (Spring); May 1 (Fall)

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

May 1st for Fall, September 15th for Spring

87%

June 1st

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Better. It’s why we exist. At ASU-Newport, we want our students to be successful, and in turn, make their lives better. Our three campus locations in Newport, Jonesboro, and Marked Tree are convenient for most students in Northeast Arkansas and provide multiple technical programs that give you the skills to be better. At ASU-Newport, be you…better. www.asun.edu

Open

76%

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

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

See our website: 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

66%

Mar. 1st

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP

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

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

80%

Apr. 1st

Not required

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

University of Arkansas Cossatot is a great place to start your career. With both technical and academic programs, there is something for everyone! Degrees included agriculture, occupational therapist assistant, nursing, industrial technology, welding, pipe welding, business, teaching, and more. 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/ACCUPLACER

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

July 1st

Approx. 48%

1-Mar

ACT/SAT

Open

AP/CLEP/DANTE

www.nwacc.edu

Priority deadline June 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

ACCUPLACER

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

July 1st

83%

Nov. 15 & 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.uarichmountain.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/ ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

Where students come first. www.southark.edu

Apr. 15 priority

81%

Apr. 30th

ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open

AP/CLEP

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

Varies

70%

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. SAU Tech provides a quality, affordable college experience with its student housing and full student life program. 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

87%

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

July1(Fall);Nov1(Spring)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 24, 2017 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

12-18

$4,380

$4,412 (double occupancy: 16 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-timeundergraduate)

$2,520 (in-state)

$4,270 (room & board)

$8,834

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Russellville

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

4-year Public

15

$4,440

starting at $2,996 (includes meals)

$7,436 (not including books)

CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE

Conway

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

4-year Private

15

$7,125

$3,750

$11,625

CROWLEY’S RIDGE COLLEGE

Paragould

870-236-6901

4-year Private

12 or more

$5,250

$3,150 (includes meal plan)

$9,600 for boarding students

HARDING UNIVERSITY

Searcy

800-477-4407

4-year Private

15

$9,345

$3,447

$13,237

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Arkadelphia

870-230-5028/800-228-7333

4-year Public

12-15

$2,652 (12 hrs)

$3,218 (room & board)

with fees, approx. $6,590.50

HENDRIX COLLEGE

Conway

501-450-1362/800-277-9017

4-year Private

4 courses/sem

$22,035 (including fees)

$5,963 (including meals)

$27,998

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

Siloam Springs

877-528-4636/479-524-7454

4-year Private

12-18

$13,072

$4,520

$17,592

LYON COLLEGE

Batesville

870-307-7000/800-423-2542

4-year Private

12-17(includingtuitioncosts)

$13,550

$4,390 (for freshmen)

$18,060

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Arkadelphia

870-245-5110/800-DIAL-OBU

4-year Private

up to 18

$12,935 (including fees)

$3,815 (room & board)

$16,750

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

$3,420

$2,951

$7,124

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock

800-482-8892

4-year Public

12

$4,467.75 (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

$2,454 (AY 2017-18)

$3,836 (20 meals)

$7,540 (based on 15 hrs/sem)

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Fayetteville

479-575-5346/800-377-8632

4-year Public

15

$4,531 (including fees)

$5,352 (room & board)

$9,883

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Conway

501-450-5000

4-year Public

15

$4,262

$3,124

$7,521

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH

Fort Smith

479-788-7120/888-512-5466

4-year Public

15

$166.30/credit hr (in-state); $461/credit hr(out-of-state)

$2,423/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

$3,800/$560 general fees

$12,460

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 2017.

• One of the Lowest Tuition Rates in the State • Various Academic, Technical, Vocational and Allied Health Programs • Core Classes Transfer to Other Arkansas Public Universities • Admissions Assistance, Financial Aid, and Career Counseling Available!

Visit Sam M. Walton College of Business

26 AUGUST 24, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

www.eacc.edu for more information.

1-877-797-EACC

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE % ON AID

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

REQUIRED EXAMS

APP DEADLINE FEE

CREDIT EXAM ACCEPTED

COMMENT

June 30th

97%

None

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open Enrollment

CLEP

Home of the Buffaloes! BE SEEN. BE HEARD!

June 30th

77%

Feb. 1st

ACT/ASSET/SAT

1st day of classes/$15Undergraduate;$30-Graduate/ MastersSpecialist;$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 A-State 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

Find your path to ATU at explore.atu.edu

July 30st

83%

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. 1

CLEP/AP

CRC feels like home! If you would like to set up a visit, contact Chris Hughes at chughes@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

March 1 Priority

90%

June 1 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

Featured in Loren Pope’s book, Colleges That Change Lives, Hendrix is recognized nationally for academic quality, innovation, and value. Students complete hands-on learning experiences through our Odyssey Program, which offers grants for projects like internships, international study, undergraduate research, and service. www.hendrix.edu

Feb. 15 Priority

90%

Feb 15 Priority

ACT/SAT

Rolling/$25

AP/CLEP/IB

John Brown University, a private Christian university founded in Northwest Arkansas in 1919, serves over 2,600 students from 37 nations and 40 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 the Year Awards. www.lyon.edu

June 1st

97%

Jan. 31st Priority

ACT/SAT

Open/No Application Fee

AP/CLEP

Ouachita: Invested in you. www.obu.edu

Mar. 1st

98%

Rolling Deadline

ACT/SAT

Open/$25

AP/CLEP/IB

Philander Forward. www.philander.edu

June 1st

86%

Mar. 1st

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

More and more students are saying “I chose SAU” because of SAU’s affordability, culture of caring, and list of high-quality and unique degree programs. 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/ACCUPLACER (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

65%

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

ACT/SAT

Aug. 1

AP/CLEP/IB

See our website: www.uark.edu

Open

84%

Feb. 15th

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. 1 Priority

98%

May 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%

Priority 1: Nov 1; Priority 2: Jan. 1; Priority 3: Mar. 1

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

AP/CLEP

www.williamsbaptistcollege.com

SAU Tech is waiting on your call!

-Campus Housing -Online Degrees -Career Technical Degrees -Transfer Degrees -Small Class Size -An Affordable College Experience -Men & Women’s Basketball -Tech Scholars Program -SAU Tech Choir -Cheer & More!

Come visit us & take a tour!

PO Box 3499 Camden, Arkansas 71711 www.sautech.edu

870.574.4558 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 27

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

Two-Year Schools A

TWO-YEAR SCHOOLS PROVIDE LOWER COST, FASTER TRACK OPTIONS

rkansas’s two-year colleges are an affordable alternative to four-year schools from both a monetary and time investment perspective.

Two-year schools are also incredibly flexible in their scheduling

fer opportunities which allow students to transfer credits toward a Bachelor’s degree.

“In addition, we believe we have the interest. n Which makes the recent decline in enrollment, not just in strongest Associate of Science in Nursing Arkansas, but for two-year schools nationwide, all the more puzzling. program in the state. A recent poll of our nursing graduates since 2011 revealed that 90 percent of them are currently employed as nurses. Of “There are a number of variables affecting this enrollment those who are not, most were pursuing further degrees. Only trend, such as a better economy with lower unemployment,” two were not working, both voluntarily.” said Dr. Wade Derden, vice president for academic affairs at Nursing, as well as careers in the trades and other skilled National Park College in Hot Springs. “This trend results in fields, have long been in demand in Arkansas and elsewhere fewer non-traditional students and aggressive recruitment around the country and it is in these fields that two-year schools and scholarship opportunities from four-year universities who have traditionally shined. have been suffering from lost market share in the past decade “Two-year colleges are nationally recognized as the go-to as community colleges have proliferated.” place for people to learn technical skills that are highly valued “Additionally, changes in federal financial aid regulations, like by tech companies and manufacturers,” said Kimberly Coker, the removal of summer Pell Grants, have negatively affected director of communications, public relations and grants for enrollments. Enrollments have only grown in states like Tennessee, Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden. “National attenwhich have adopted the ‘free’ public college model.” tion created by people like Mike Rowe has set the two-year Despite these challenges, Derden said, Arkansas’community college apart as a place that people can be prepared in a short colleges continue to do an excellent job of generally educating amount of time to do honest work that provides a living wage students, leading to higher overall success rates for graduates and in many cases a high-paying wage.” who come from an ever-widening range of backgrounds and demographic groups.

“In the past, non-traditional students over 24 years old were the majority of our student body,” Derden said. “However, in recent years, traditional 18 to 19-year-old recent high school graduates have grown in numbers.”

Derden said his college provides some unique incentives to lure and retain students including holding the line on tuition, which is $88 per credit hour and has not seen an increase in the past two years. Secondly, National Park College offers a guarantee on its curriculum; if any graduate feels they were not adequately prepared for the demands of the workforce, they can retake classes for free. And there’s more.

“Our transfer degrees are our best-kept secret,”Derden said.“Last year we added 27 new degrees that transfer as 2+2s to our four-year partners. A 2+2 transfer degree means that students taking the approved sequence of courses can transfer directly into their four-year college as a junior with no loss of credit. We also have developed specific Associate of Applied Science transBaptist health nursing students get hands on learning.

and some even allow students to tailor a degree to a specific career

28 AUGUST 24, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Many of these jobs are not your grandfather’s trades as industries from fabrication to logging have increasingly transitioned to advanced manufacturing processes. These companies rely heavily on robotics and other computer-driven equipment to be successful and require an equally sophisticated means of training course of study.

“SAU Tech is known for its advanced manufacturing degrees which includes automation and robotics, mechanical maintenance, production technician and welding,” Coker said. “SAU Tech’s residency in the Highland Industrial Park has created a strong link to the defense industries located there, including Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Aerojet Rocketdyne, General Dynamics, Spectra, Esterline and more. In fact, our partnership with Lockheed Martin is resulting in the development of a new training program centered around x-ray technology called Non-Destructive Testing or NDT.” Despite the complex nature of this training, Coker said the fast classroom-to-workforce timetable SAU Teach operates is a point of differentiation and a popular attribute for students.

“Our short-term programs such as the Welding Academy and practical nursing allow students to obtain skills to go to work in solid career areas within nine to 10 months,” she said.

“This creates a space for the student who is unable or unwilling to commit to a long-term program or traditional education to obtain certifications and start an in-demand career path.”

These elements combine to provide the opportunity for a college experience to populations that have traditionally found such achievement difficult. More than 80 percent of the SAU Tech student body represents first-generation and/or low income students with an average age of around 23 and dropping.

Two-year schools also cater to students by providing a very hands-on learning experience; in some courses this is not just helpful, it’s the only way to learn.

“Baptist Health College in Little Rock offers nine unique healthcare programs specializing in direct and indirect patient care,” said Jenn McDannold, enrollment coordinator. “Our programs offer a high number of clinical hours within each program, making it very hands-on and interactive. Graduated students find they are career-ready, with plenty of interac-

The trucking program at ASU-Newport includes both driver and technician training. tion with employers along the way and the opportunity to see many options within their chosen field.”

Like a lot of two-year schools, Baptist Health College leverages resources from other institutions, specifically Baptist Hospital, to provide learning environments the school couldn’t provide on its own.

“We work closely with the Baptist Health medical centers in Arkansas to ensure each of our nursing programs is needed and valued in health care,” McDannel said. “With additional access to central Arkansas medical centers and other health care facilities, students can get into their career sooner and with great placement rates for jobs in their chosen field.”

“We pride ourself as a very hands-on college. We want students to be prepared for their careers by providing a high level of clinical hours, as well a diverse number of clinical sites.”

While nursing and trade careers are the first thing many people think of when they think of a two-year education, there’s also a surprisingly diverse curriculum to be found.

“Special classes in applied farming, seasonal cooking, and the art of fermentation are among the many one-of-a-kind classes that can be found at Brightwater. Simply put, our goal is to provide world-class training for individuals, students and professionals at any point on their journey into the world of food.”

Brightwater is an example of innovative thinking grounded in the realities of market demand, particularly in northwest Arkansas, a region of the state that has experienced explosive growth. Building programs around local and area hiring needs not only makes sense, but is the foundation by which two year schools have always operated.

“NWACC has developed its staff and faculty and forged strategic partnerships to provide world-class training designed to close performance gaps and increase overall productivity and efficiency,” Miller said. “Our retail and supplier education focuses on the unique community in northwest Arkansas, which is home to Walmart Stores Inc. We offer different specific focuses within this program, includ-

We customize our programs to the needs of local industries and teach our students the skills they need to start a career that will provide family supporting wages.

NorthWest Community College in Bentonville, for instance, just opened a new culinary arts center that not only promises to transform the campus, but the region.

“In 2017, NWACC opened Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, in which the culinary arts program uses an inquiry-based approach to prepare students to be culinary professionals,”said Debbie Miller, communications specialist. “In addition to artisanal food, pastry and baking, culinary arts and beverage management, Brightwater offers courses with a focus on culinary nutrition, food waste reduction and food security.

ing the Certified Retail Analyst program and continuing education for the retailer and supplier community.”

With low student-teacher ratios and tuition rates well below most four-year schools, twoyear institutions make earning a college degree more attainable than ever. NWACC’s ratio of 19:1 and $75 per credit hour for in-district students, is one example. Arkansas State Newport’s is even leaner with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which Jeremy Shirley, director of marketing and communications, called a distinct competitive advantage for many students.

“At ASUN, our vision is to be the driving

nwacc.edu 479.986.4000 | ONE COLLEGE DRIVE, BENTONVILLE, AR 72712

CHECK OUT OUR VIRTUAL TOUR AT nwacc.edu/tour ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 29

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

force that revitalizes the Delta and restores the American Dream in the communities we serve,” he said. “In order to achieve that vision, we customize our programs to the needs of local industries and teach our students the skills they need to start a career that will provide family-supporting wages.”

Taking its cue from local industries, ASU Newport tailors programs to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Curriculum and training equipment are state of the art, especially in the areas of high voltage lineman, diesel technology, nursing, agriculture technology, surgical technology, welding and advanced manufacturing programs.

“There is a tremendous focus on career and technical education by two year colleges. It is supported by employers who are unable to hire train workers fast enough,” Shirley said. “ASU-Newport’s programs are actively involved with industry partners to provide us with advice, speak to our programs, judge student competitions and more.”

In fact, over the past three years alone, College of the Ouachitas students enjoy a safe and secure campus. the school’s corporate partners have conis the dynamic manner in which they get in step with the state’s tributed more than $350,000 in scholarships and equipment economic development agenda by honing in on the specific valued at over $175,000 to ensure advanced training and creneeds of their communities, area and statewide. Dr. Steve Rook, ate stellar employees. This public-private partnership is crucial president of College of the Ouachitas said the arc of his institufor advancing the mission of the university and has resulted tion’s programs are inextricably connected to the needs of the in programs that are unmatched in the state, such as ASUN’s marketplace and as such, is constantly evolving. commercial driver training program.

“Gov. Hutchinson has made it a priority of his administration “The commercial driver training program features a driver to get people more technical training and so we work hard to training course located on the retired runways of an air base,” meet those needs of our business and industry partners,” he Shirley said.“It provides our diesel technology students the ability said. “Our factories and plants need more short-term training to work on active, over-the-road trucks that need maintenance and process technology, in fact, this is a trend statewide and and repair. This gives them the ability to experience problems nationally.” that can occur with over-the-road trucking and learn the best Rook also said two-year schools are also more responsive to techniques to diagnose and repair these modern trucks.” changes in the demographic of the state, particularly among “New to ASU-Newport this year is our Agriculture Technology minority students and the state’s emerging immigrant popuprogram, the only one of its kind in Arkansas. It provides lations for whom a four-year degree takes too long, costs too hands-on experience in the field with a mobile precision ag much and often doesn’t dovetail cleanly into the job market. lab, GPS, GIS, various farm management software and guided “Our best-kept secret is how much we care about our stutractor systems.” dents’ success and how technologically advanced we are with Perhaps the most compelling argument for two-year schools

30 AUGUST 24, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

robotics, 3D printing and simulators in nursing and truck driving,” Rook said. “Faculty and staff go the extra mile to make sure students succeed.”

Among COTO’s student population, average age 27 and most hailing from Hot Spring, Saline, Grant, Dallas and Clark counties, a full one-quarter are nonwhite and 53 percent are first-generation college students.

“We strive to help non-traditional students who want or need to make a career change to build a better life for their families,” Rook said. “We take great pride in serving our students’unique needs and challenges.

We are an open admissions institution and it is our mission to help those that may be underprepared or have been separated from higher education for a period of time.”

Two-year schools are also known for their affordability and nowhere is this more in focus that at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas in DeQueen.

The school maintains a textbook rental program where a $30 fee replaces spending hundreds to purchase books.

“Affordability is what drives most students to UA Cossatot,”said Emily Newlin, director of institutional advancement. “Whether it is the need for training that will lead to a career faster than a four-year degree or tuition and fees that total $1,500 or less a semester, our students know that UAC is the place to begin their training.”

The school, which is known for its nursing programs (LPN and RN), welding curriculum and the only NCCER certified pipe welding program in the state, offers other cost-savings as well, such as paid internships with Tyson Foods through its industrial technology program.

“What surprises our students the most is how affordable college can be and how family-like our campuses are,” Newlin said. “On the first day of classes, if a student asks where a class is located, a staff person is likely to walk them around and get them acquainted. That doesn’t happen on larger college campuses. They are also surprised that we don’t offer student loans.

We hope to see every one of our students leave UA Cossatot debt-free.” n

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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 24, 2017 31

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

Campus News ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

This fall, Arkansas State opens its American-style residential campus in Mexico with the first students enrolled at A-State Campus Queretaro. The $100 million campus welcomes its first students on Sept. 4, with a dedication ceremony set for Sept. 24.

Arkansas State was designated as the national repository for DNA related to America’s most endangered species, the red wolf. A-State partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Endangered Wolf Center in St. Louis to create projects to help save the species, which is also ASU’s mascot.

Arkansas State opened four new residential living areas, named for the four African American professors and administrators who broke the color line at ASU in the early 1970s. They include Dr. Wilbert Gaines who taught at A-State from 19722005; the late Dr. Mossie Richmond who served from 1973199; Dr. Herman Strickland, who served from 1972-2008 and Dr. C. Calvin Smith, the first African-American faculty member at Arkansas State, who taught from 1970-2002. A-State is the only predominantly white university in Arkansas with multiple

buildings named to honor African Americans.

Red Wolves athletics continue to enjoy success. Not only has the football team taken five conference championships in the past six years, the only Football Bowl Subdivision program to do so, Red Wolves club sports were national champions in club softball and national runners-up in club rugby.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWPORT

Arkansas State University-Newport has been ranked as the top two-year college in Arkansas by BestColleges.com. Since its establishment as a stand-alone campus in 2001, ASU-Newport has shown significant growth and expansion, adding its Marked Tree and Jonesboro campus locations in 2008. In 2009, the college topped 2,000 in enrollment. In 2015, it celebrated “2,500 Strong” and continues to set enrollment records.

Arkansas State University-Newport students earned 17 medals at the recent Arkansas SkillsUSA competition in Hot Springs. Competing against other community colleges, the following students earned medals in cosmetology, energy control technology, welding, automotive service technology, collision

repair and refinishing technology, advanced manufacturing, computer and networking technology and hospitality services.

Gold medalists represented ASUN this summer at the National SkillsUSA competition.

Following a comprehensive review process, ASUN has received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Regional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple individual aspects that include academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources as well as overall college sustainability.

ASU-Newport sent approximately 20 students to the local shelter in Pocahontas to assist with donations and patient care in the wake of recent flooding. In addition to patient care and donation management, the students took time to help organize the shelter to better serve the public. ASU-Newport’s Hospitality Services students assisted with meal prep, delivered food to volunteers and volunteered at the flood location in Pocahontas.

Ten additional students in the Energy Control Technology program and their instructor traveled to Randolph County to clean HVAC systems affected by flood water.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Two new degrees coming to Arkansas Tech University in fall 2017 will assist society in fighting what is both a current and ever-increasing threat: online crime. Arkansas Tech’s new Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees in cybersecurity were developed by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Department of Computer and Information Science. According to the Herjavec Group, online crime resulted in $3 trillion in costs in 2015, a number expected to grow to $6 trillion by 2021.

ATU is offering a new opportunity for those who have completed an Associate of Applied Science degree to take the next step in their education, an online Bachelor of Applied Science degree beginning with the fall 2017 semester. Associate of Applied Science graduates entering the Bachelor of Applied Science degree program may transfer 54 hours of credit. Students will complete an additional 66 hours in pursuit of the bachelor’s degree, including 26 hours of required general education courses and 40 hours of upper division hours.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Cosmetology is another popular program at ASU-Newport.

32 AUGUST 24, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES COLLEGE GUIDE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Henderson State University was named No. 27 among southern colleges and universities in the 2016 Best Bang for the Buck rankings by Washington Monthly. The school was also named one of the top universities in the country for helping undergraduate students make the move to graduate school. U.S. News and World Report ranked Henderson State fifth in the United States for the percentage of students who pursue an advanced degree within a year of attaining their undergraduate degrees.

The school has also added degrees to its hospitality program within the School of Business and Teachers College.

GO WHERE THE

YOUR FIRST CHOICE.

t the University of Central Arkansas, we’re not the biggest – or the most expensive. What we are is committed to providing excellent academic programs, diverse opportunities and enrichment experiences that shape your future. Our campus is beautiful. And convenient. In fact, the hardest thing about choosing UCA is waiting to move in. Visit GoUCA.com to get started.

2nd highest undergraduate enrollment* 2nd highest GPA and ACT scores Named one of the “Best Regional Universities in the South”

by U.S. News & World Report

Go here. Go anywhere. *On-campus enrollment in Arkansas

17:1 student-to-faculty ratio More than 150 programs 90% job placement in select programs

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

They include Bachelor of Business Administration, Hospitality Management which will provide basic business management and effective communication skills applied in a range of hospitality management contexts. Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Food Services and Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Tourism and Event Planning are geared toward providing students with a strong foundation of business and life skills in high demand in the tourism industry. Three new bachelor degrees under the heading Recreation -- Sport Management, Natural Resources Management and Leisure Services Management -- seek to help translate the love of recreation, sports and our natural resources into a career.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

A new chapter in the school’s history dawns this fall with the introduction of the college’s expanded roster of club sports. The Nighthawks men’s and women’s basketball teams will begin a competitive travel schedule in November with games against Crowley’s Ridge College, Champion College, Williams Baptist College and Central Baptist College among others. Home games will be held at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs.

The team will compete in the NIRSA (formerly the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) Collegiate Club regional tournament next spring.

Dean of Enrollment, Jason Hudnell will serve as the team’s

Interactive Media and Marketing Emphasis; Computer Science, BA with a 5th year option for a MS; English, BA-Writing Option; Marketing with three options, Media, Sales and Retailing (BBA); and Sports Management, BS, including three options in Athletic Administration, Coaching and Sports Information.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-COSSATOT

Several exciting changes and additions are on the horizon for UA-Cossatot. In addition to the current campuses in Ashdown, Nashville and DeQueen, the school will soon expand to a fourth campus in Lockesburg. That location is expected to be open for classes by the 2018 fall semester.

At its existing campuses, UA-Cossatot has taken steps to make higher education more streamlined and affordable than ever. The school has waived application and transcript request fees and has moved all classes to open educational resources, meaning students no longer have to rent textbooks.

Students can accelerate their degree process by starting UA-Cossatot courses in high school, if they choose. Also, two summer academic terms will be offered starting in 2018, providing students yet another way to reduce the time it takes to earn a degree.

The college’s administrators have also worked hard to hold the line on tuition. In fact, students receiving the Pell Grant or Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship rarely pay anything out of pocket.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - WALTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Recreation helps students blow off steam, as shown here on the SAU Tech campus.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

In May, JBU signed a memorandum of understanding with Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) to facilitate a seamless transfer of courses from NWACC to JBU. JBU also changed the name of its Degree Completion Program to JBU Online in order to reflect the university’s commitment to providing quality Christian higher education options to students in Arkansas and beyond as they complete their college degree.

LYON COLLEGE

Dr. Joseph“Joey”King has succeeded Donald Weatherman as the college’s 18th president. As executive director of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education, King helped nearly 140 liberal arts colleges integrate inquiry, pedagogy and technology to become more strategic and innovative.

Lyon College will introduce its new Honors Fellows Program this fall. The Honors program is a rigorous course of study designed to provide highly-skilled, motivated students the opportunity to study, hone their research skills and exchange ideas in a challenging and supportive academic environment.

Fellows enjoy a distinctive learner-directed environment, funding for travel abroad, faculty mentoring and tailored classes that fit both the college’s mission and their aspirations.

Students at Lyon can now pursue a French major in addition to the already existing minor. The major, which will add a broader range of French language, culture, grammar, literature and language courses to the Lyon curriculum, will augment the college’s growing selection of studies in the romance languages.

34 AUGUST 24, 2017

first coach; Bob Kissire will serve as the men’s assistant coach and Tennille Johnson will serve as the women’s assistant coach.

Research from the Recreational Sports Journal published by NIRSA has shown that students who are involved in campus activities, particularly athletics, are more likely to be successful and complete their studies. Sports are also tied to increased academic performance and retention rates.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

Volunteer efforts at Southern Arkansas University have again earned the school a spot on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. SAU has been selected to the President’s Honor Roll or Honor Roll with Distinction from 2008 to the present. In 2012 and 2013, SAU was on the coveted “Distinguished” list – the only university in Arkansas each time. For the 2015 awards, which were released last September, SAU was joined on the Distinction list by only one other Arkansas university – Harding University. SAU was honored in three of the four Honor Roll categories–Education, Economic and Institutional Commitment to Service.

SAU athletics are coming off a decorated year. The Mulerider Baseball team was the regular-season champion in the Great American Conference (GAC) for the fourth time in the six-year history of the league. For the first time in GAC history, the Male and Female Athletes of the Year were from the same school as SAU’s Maddie Dow and Trevor Rucker took home top honors.

SAU has introduced new courses of study across multiple academic disciplines. They include Art and Design, BFA-

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The University of Arkansas is categorized among the top two percent of research institutions in the country. Over the years, its student researchers have received 128 National Science Foundation graduate research fellowships. U of A has enjoyed two straight decades of record annual enrollment numbers, the latest puts student headcount at 27,194. U of A boasts 66 Fulbright scholars, 52 Goldwater scholars, 44 Gates Millennium scholars, 21 Truman scholars and 10 Rhodes scholars.

The latest economic impact survey indicates the University of Arkansas has an economic impact in excess of $1.2 billion on the state. The Arkansas Research and Technology Park, managed by the U of A, contributes $55 million of that and has helped three dozen promising tech firms get started. These firms have created nearly 350 jobs that each pay an average annual salary of $80,000.

The University of Arkansas athletic program is at the forefront of defining success in the Southeastern Conference and around the nation. For the eighth time in 10 years, Arkansas finished among the Top 25 of the Learfield Directors’ Cup, finishing No. 20 and ranking second among schools with 19 sports or fewer.

Of Arkansas’ 19 sport programs, 16 advanced to NCAA postseason play, making the Razorbacks one of only 10 programs in the nation to advance teams to the NCAA postseason in baseball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field.

Arkansas won five SEC Championships last year, including their third-straight SEC Triple Crown by women’s track and field.

Arkansas was the SEC runner-up in outdoor track and field while the Razorback baseball, men’s basketball and soccer teams all advanced to their respective SEC Tournament Championship games. Eighteen Razorbacks or alumni competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, winning two gold medals and two silver medals. University of Arkansas athletes have won 10 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals since 1948.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH

UAFS conferred its first master’s degrees in health care administration, the result of establishing the graduate level program two years ago. Julia Matthew of Fort Smith, administrative assistant at Radiologists, P.A. in Fort Smith; Amanda Waterbury of Van Buren, a tax compliance specialist at Baldor Electric Co.; and Matthew Stevens of Searcy, executive director for Brookdale

Chenal Heights in Little Rock, all received master’s degrees after completing the coursework in the five-semester program, which is offered completely online.

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith was recently ranked the most affordable four-year university campus in Arkansas. Out of the more than 20 brick-and-mortar universities offering baccalaureate degrees in the state, UAFS ranked lowest in tuition and fees at $3,467.50 per semester for the 2017-2018 school year.

This is approximately $640 lower than the average tuition and fees at other public Arkansas universities. Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, said the combination of cost and placements rates for graduates made UAFS, “a true value.”

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

UALR has been recognized for one of the country’s best online information technology programs, according to an independent digital publication. College Choice recently released its list of the “35 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Degrees for 2017.” UA-Little Rock, the only Arkansas school included in the ranking, was No. 27 in the nation.

For the sixth time in seven years, the Bowen School of Law was ranked in the top 25 law school writing programs by U.S. News and World Report. It also ranked for the last six years as a Best Value Law School by the National Jurist.

UALR’s Center for Integrative Technology is a another nationally recognized program and accelerates innovations into practical applications for society by offering researchers, facilities, tools and instrumentation to the community.

Trojans athletics continue to enjoy success both on the court and in the classroom. In March, the Little Rock Trojans men’s basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament championships before upsetting Purdue in the first round of the Division I NCAA Tournament. In baseball, Cameron Knight and Cory Malcom were each

selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2017 MLB Draft. Academically, Little Rock’s athletic teams finished the 2016 fall semester with a combined semester grade point average of 3.2 and a combined cumulative GPA of 3.26, the best showing ever.

Through a partnership involving the Department of Criminal Justice and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services and the Pulaski County Juvenile Crime Prevention Coalition, UALR students will mentor young offenders as they transition out of residential facilities and back into their communities. Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate professor of criminal justice, and Kilby Raptopoulos, professional instructor of criminal justice and a former criminal probation officer, are leading the mentoring program. The pilot program will consist of five to 10 students the first year.

also ranked UCA a No. 2 in the nation for Best Schools Offering Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy. UCA was ranked No. 2 nationally for affordability by greatvalluecolleges.net.

The UCA STEM Institute received grant funding for 2016-2017 totaling $359,547. One of the grants, a $57,780 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, was funded by the federal No Child Left Behind Act and flowed through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science will offer Executive Master of Arts in Sport

Management in a completely online format.

The degree aims to enhance the knowledge base of sport management through an online learning environment. The first class will be accepted for the fall semester 2017.

In April 2017, UCA welcomed its first Latina sorority, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA). The organization inducted four new members to the UCA colony. The university also welcomed its first Latino fraternity in December 2016, Phi Iota Alpha. That group initiated six members and hosted a new member presentation in February 2017. n

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

UCA welcomed a new president in November as Dr. Houston D. Davis was named the 11th president by the UCA Board of Trustees. Davis joined UCA from Kennesaw State University where he served as interim president. Davis has also served as the executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at the University System of Georgia and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. President Davis’ investiture will be October 26, 2017 on the UCA campus.

The UCA Sugar Bears women’s basketball team accomplished a second straight Southland Conference tournament championship and repeat berth in the NCAA Tournament. The team also boasted a Southland regular season championship, 26 wins, two Southland All-Conference selections, two Southland All-Defensive Team players and the Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

In 2016, UCA’s physical therapy program was ranked third in the nation among top graduate schools by graduateprograms.com, which

The picturesque UALR campus, close to the heart of Little Rock ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 35

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

Your City ARKADELPHIA

Home to: Henderson State University Population: 10,700 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 13,800-acre 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.

ASHDOWN

Home to: Cossatot Community College Population: 4,700 Originally known as Turkey Flats, Ashdown lies among rich, fertile land, ideal for growing cotton, soybeans, rice, corn, wheat, and other crops. Its greatest industry is timber. Ashdown is located between two rivers—the Little River and the Red River -- which provide ample outdoor beauty to enjoy. The development of Millwood Lake in 1966 was a major boost to

Ashdown’s industrial growth. Nekoosa Paper Mill was built in Ashdown in 1968, primarily because of Ashdown’s accessibility to waterways. The mill was sold to Georgia-Pacific Industries in 1991 and sold again to Domtar Industries in 2001. Domtar Industries remains a major employer.

The 110-year old courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the centerpiece of the charming downtown area. Other attractions include two museums - the Two Rivers Museum and the Hunter/Coulter Museum. Millwood Lake and Millwood State Park are known for their trophy fishing contests, camping sites and sports facilities, such as a country club, golf course and swimming pool.

BATESVILLE

Home to: Lyon College Population: 10,250 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 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.

BENTONVILLE

Home to: NorthWest Arkansas Community College Population: 40,170 (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

CAMDEN

Downtown Batesville 36 AUGUST 24, 2017

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Home to: Southern Arkansas University Technical Population: 12,000 History runs deep in Camden, dubbed the “Queen City”, which according to legend was the site of an encampment

by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Other landmarks of a more recent nature include the McCollum-Chidester House Museum, built in 1847 by local merchant Peter McCollum. It served as the headquarters of the Chidester Stage Line in 1858, served as a Civil War headquarters and was featured in the television mini-series North and South.

Oakland Cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is the largest Confederate cemetery in the area. In September, the BPW Barn Sale is held at the Old Tate Barn, constructed in the 1880s. Just to the west of Camden are Poison Spring State Park and White Oak Lake State Park offering outdoor recreation opportunities.

Also of interest is the 1913 Missouri Pacific Railroad depot, which was restored in 1995. Every spring, the Camden Daffodil Festival features tours of gardens, historic homes and a log cabin village.

CONWAY

Home to: University of Central Arkansas Population: 59,000 Conway is home to a beautiful and historic downtown community as well as a vibrant arts community that pro-

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

vides 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.

The small-town feel of Bentonville belies the corporate energy of Wal-Mart’s International Headquarters located near the heart of the city.

FORT SMITH

FAYETTEVILLE

Home to: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Population: 87,000 Despite a population of almost 90,000, Fort Smith retains it 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,

Home to: The University of Arkansas- Walton School Of Business 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 single-track 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 from 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.

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 of: 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.

Home to: East Arkansas Community College Population: 15,000 Named in honor of Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, Forrest City is the only such-named city in the world spelled with two Rs. Agriculture drives the local economy and unlike other communities in the Arkansas Delta, Forrest City’s population continues to grow. Recreational attractions in the area include Village Creek State Park and the L’Anguille and St. Francis rivers, which are popular local fishing streams. Several structures in Forrest City are included on the National Register of Historic Places; one, the Rush-Gates Home, is the site of the St. Francis County Museum. Forrest City is also located less than an hour’s drive from Memphis and it’s many entertainment, dining and shopping attractions.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

FORREST CITY

World Peace Ball at the Fayetteville Town Center ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT COLLEGE GUIDE www.arktimes.com AUGUST 24, 2017 37

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

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.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

MAGNOLIA

River Market District in downtown Little Rock 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 forumsand 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.

LITTLE ROCK

Home to: University of Arkansas Little Rock, Philander Smith College, Baptist Health College Population: 731,600 (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 to cultural, business, government and historically significant resources and attractions.

The famed River Market District, one of the top spots for live

Home to: Arkansas State University Population: 71,550 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 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.

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MALVERN

Home to: College of the Ouachitas Population: 10,000 Established in the 1870s as a railway station, Malvern has come to be known as the “Brick Capital of the World.” Abundant clay deposits in the area, especially in nearby Perla, made the location ideal for production of brick.

Among the earliest plants was the Atchison Brick Company, which began operation early in the 1890s, just in the nick of time as it turned out. When fires in 1896 and 1897 destroyed virtually all of downtown Malvern, the city rebuilt the business district with all-brick structures. Not surprisingly, summertime’s Brickfest is a highlight of the community calendar.

Malvern is developing a whitewater park on the river, which attracts paddlers from throughout Arkansas and surrounding states.

Malvern’s most famous residents include Academy Award–winning screenwriter, actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who graduated from Malvern High School, and screenwriter, novelist and producer Tom Epperson, a lifelong friend and collaborator with Thornton ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

JONESBORO

Home to: Southern Arkansas University Population: 12,000 “Hometown”and“community”are commonly used to describe Southern Arkansas University and Magnolia. Many incoming students 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 familylike. 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 together for a Christmas meal, caroling, singing, games for children, pictures with Santa, snow globes for everyone and a train for children to ride.

Downtown Magnolia Mural

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NEWPORT

Home to: Southern Arkansas University - Newport Population: 8,000 Newport is located approximately 90 miles northeast of Little Rock and 50 miles southwest of Jonesboro. Located along the White River, the community offers a plethora of activities for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy, including hunting, fishing and boating. History buffs will want to check out Jacksonport State Park and the Jackson Memorial Museum of Funeral Service.

Learn more about the history of Newport’s pearling industry at Pearls Unique. Thanks to its rich history, Newport is home to 10 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the county courthouse, the Iron Mountain Depot and the county jail, as well as the Newport Bridge that spans the White River.

Home to: University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College Population: 62,300 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 hospitality-focused 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.

RUSSELLVILLE

Home to: Arkansas Tech University Population: 27,900 “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.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Pulaski Tech Campus is close to Historic Argenta in downtown North Little Rock, a thriving arts and entertainment district. dential area. John Brown University recently established an art gallery and the Sager Creek Arts Center continues to exhibit art and host plays and workshops in its historic building. The Siloam Springs Museum preserves the objects, photographs, and documents of Siloam Springs’ history.

Thanks to the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce and Main

Street Siloam Springs, the city’s core is thriving with 94 percent of downtown building occupied. In 2015, 12,000 people attended 80 Main Street events including the Farmer’s Market, Girls Night Out Series, Beyond the Farm Series, Farm to Table Dinner and Holiday Open House. Local volunteers also logged more than 1,200 hours toward downtown development. n

Home to: John Brown University Population: 15,000 “Siloam” refers to the healing waters of the Pool of Siloam in the New Testament and health seekers were once important to Siloam Springs’ economy. The town is known for the beauty of the parks lining Sager Creek and for the diversity of its industries.

Simmons Foods, a poultry processor, became a major employer in town when it built a plant and headquarters there; as of 2011 it has approximately 1,200 employees in Siloam Springs.

There are now two National Register Historic Districts within the city limits, downtown and Carl’s Addition, which is a resi-

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

SILOAM SPRINGS

Siloam Springs is known for its picturesque downtown district and city parks.

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

Digital Education A

bout 5.4 million students, or one in four, took at least one distance education course during the fall of 2012, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and usage has been growing ever since. Almost

in-class courses. Students can communicate electronically with a million students are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses at their instructor and other students to engage in the course private, for-profit institutions, 35 percent of all students enrolled solely online. content from anywhere in Arkansas’ colleges and universities have invested heavily in online options the world. Online courses are equivalent to the courses taken to meet current and future demand, as illustrated on the following pages. on the campuses of ASUN, but without the barriers of time or distance. This allows students to learn from anywhere while ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY keeping up with a busy lifestyle.

Arkansas State is the leader in online education for the state Many online courses are completely online, while others of Arkansas. As one of the first into the field, A-State has both require the student to be on campus physically at certain the largest enrollment and the most experience of all in-state times during the semester to complete items such as tests, universities. Starting in 2008, A-State’s online enrollment has projects or labs (hybrid courses). Offerings include Associate grown to over 4,000 students. In 2017, A-State earned US News of Arts coursework in business, business operations, business & World Report’s top 10 national ranking for its online MBA technology, criminal justice, education, general studies and program, the second year in a row, and maintains several other natural sciences. highly ranked online programs.

Recently renewed as an Apple Distinguished Program, Arkansas State’s usage of iPad technology in the First-Year ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Experience courses established A-State as a regional leader. All As of fall 2016, there were 629 students enrolled in the Arkansas course materials are provided to first-year students on the iPad Tech College of eTech, the university’s online learning unit. Of platform. A-State’s new chancellor, Dr. Kelly Damphousse, brings those, 60 percent were age 30 or older. The school offers online a renewed emphasis on digital course materials, utilizing costefficient open source textbooks.

As the first public university in the region to offer Social Media Management, Arkansas State took one of its regional leadership areas -- media and communications -- and recognized the shift into new digital platforms. Along with developing online programs to mirror on-campus degrees and courses, A-State is launching a new digital workspace for students. This joins the recently established Delta Digital News Service, a multimedia journalism laboratory, in providing opportunities to unite core program strengths with new technology.

Almost a million students are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses at private, for-profit institutions.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-NEWPORT

ASU-Newport offers online courses to facilitate learning for students who may not be located on a campus where they can take traditional 40 AUGUST 24, 2017

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study pursuant to certificates in advising, business technology, dyslexia therapist K-12, special education K-12, law enforcement, office support specialist, online teaching and professional leadership.

In addition. ATU offers associate’s degrees in business technology, early childhood education, general education and logistics management. The school also offers six bachelor’s degrees, including applied sciences, emergency management, history, professional studies, marketing and management and RN to BSN. A surprising number of master’s and specialists degrees are also available, studying business administration, TESOL, college student personnel, educational leadership (also available as a specialist degree), emergency management and homeland security, nursing administration and special education K-12.

The learning may be done online, but the support behind the curriculum is decidedly hands-on. Dedicated academic advisors who deal specifically with online students on a daily basis help guide ATU students through the online process from application for admission through graduation day.

COLLEGE OF THE OUACHITAS

College of the Ouachitas offers Associate of Arts transfer and Early Childhood Education degrees entirely online. A considerable portion of other degree programs, such as criminal justice, may also be earned online. The college first offered online courses 19 years ago, in Spring 1998, with 24 students in four courses.

Spring 2017 saw 278 students enrolled in 42 distance classes; 103 of those students enrolled exclusively online.

Online courses offer scheduling flexibility that appeal to students managing jobs and family while earning a degree. Many of these students, but certainly not all, are considered non-traditional, aged 24 or older. At least 40 percent of COTO students take one or more online course each semester. In 2016, COTO established the Office of Distance Education, which works in conjunction with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to ensure that all online students have the necessary resources to succeed. More than 95 percent of online courses are taught by

faculty employed full-time by COTO or by adjunct faculty who have taught for COTO for at least five years.

COTO has made substantial investment in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs in its Center for Applied Science Technology.

Students in the Mechatronics program gain training and handson experience with robotics equipment currently used by industry across the state and nation. Faculty from across all departments have used equipment in the 3D print lab in conjunction with other classroom projects and assignments for rapid prototyping, artifact modeling and process applications.

Students in COTO’s Professional Truck Driving Program learn and practice in Arkansas’s only Mobile Truck Driving Simulator.

All general education, nursing and applied science classrooms are equipped with smart technology, enabling integration of online and digital resources into any class at any time.

Nursing students also practice clinical procedures on highfidelity simulation mannequins, affording them the opportunity to experience scenarios that would not necessarily be available in the clinical setting with live patient such as and other lifethreatening conditions.

The newly-renovated Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning provides a resource-rich environment for faculty training and serves as a studio for lecture-capture recording to accommodate distance classes and preserve instruction from classroom presentations. The center is staffed during regular campus hours to allow faculty to access equipment and support as needed.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

found only in much larger four-year institutions. Among these tools are web-enhanced, blended and fully online class, the latter of which requires students to come to campus only for proctored exams or labs. All online coursework is provided via the learning management system Blackboard.

The online learning options, which are utilized by students age 18 to 60+, offer several advantages over classroom-only instruction. Web-enhanced classes provide more interaction and support for students and allows the instructor to respond to student needs as they arise rather than having to wait until the next class period. All faculty are required to have a Blackboard presence; at a minimum the syllabus, grades, attendance and a link to library resources must be provided for every course in Blackboard.

As time and trends have advanced, National Park College has developed an innovative Blackboard Student Training program that is required for all students to complete prior to starting courses at the college. In addition, a student-friendly

course template has been developed that creates a uniform environment for all students across campus.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE

With more than a decade’s experience with online learning, National Park College offers digital learning options usually

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

Digital options at SAU go beyond content delivery. The school’s mySAU portal also provides a central point of contact for providing campus announcements and service information. With the portal, students have access to their accounts and academic information, while the university website saumag.edu provides links to a variety of campus departments and information.

A variety of academic resources are available online including the campus Tutoring Center which offers tutoring to online students by phone five days a week. The SAU Writing Center offers face-to-face hours and online support for students while Magale Library’s Online and Distance Student Resources and Services webpage provides access to electronic journals, news-

35 percent of all students enrolled solely online.

Almost every Henderson State student encounters e-learning in some form or fashion during their collegiate experience, ranging from simple handouts or resources placed in a storage location, similar to Dropbox or Google drive, to a full course offered in Bb Learn with resources like social media outlets, videos and even learning games.

E-learning first started at Henderson in 1996 and has evolved over the years to today where several of the school’s graduate programs are fully online.

Technology in general is widespread in Henderson coursework. NVivo is used in the Criminal Justice Department for the analysis of qualitative data. Simulators are utilized in Aviation and the School of Nursing. Even the arts are high-tech, with a unique piano lab that enables the instructor to listen to any one, or all ten, of the student digital pianos at any given time.

Students can also be paired through the headsets at a touch of the button.

Courses not only utilize technology, they sometimes focuses on the evolution of the technology itself. Last year, Henderson offered a gamification and game-based learning course which delved into current pedagogical trends and technologies available now and into the future.

John Brown University’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 the strudent’s 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.

and careers in criminal justice. Courses in the online program emphasize critical and creative thought as well as effective communication skills through research, evaluation and service to the community.

NWACC offers distance learning options including an accelerated online associate of arts transfer degree program. Several degrees in business management also are available in a blended structure that provides 95 percent of the instruction online.

Students in those programs must complete an internship to go with the online content.

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE

Philander Smith College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program that emphasizes the context of crime, research and social justice considerations. The online Bachelor of Science program is the institution’s first fully online program and includes the same courses that on-campus students take to meet degree requirements. This affords individuals access to interdisciplinary courses that prepare them to be professional leaders and develop the needed skills for graduate studies

papers, books and other materials. Magale also provides online instructional video tutorials on how to get started researching, locating and using resources.

SAU currently has 13 fully online degrees, utilized largely by graduate and non-traditional students. The university takes steps to help students develop skills to successful learn online through an Online Student Primer. It also supports Blackboard Orientation which gives students the opportunity to test drive an online course before taking a real online course.

Using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, students and professors can to meet online in real time making students feel like they’re together in the same classroom. The user-friendly program enables shared educational opportunities such as group projects, outside speakers and virtual office hours and allows online students to focus on interaction rather than technology.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

Distance and e-learning are familiar terms at SAU Tech; online options have been available for almost 20 years making the school one of the first colleges in Arkansas to deliver online

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THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

education. Several degrees are offered completely online, overseen by Quality Matters standards.

Content is delivered using a learning platform called Brightspace (DL2) and supported by a dedicated technical staff that helps faculty and students with any issues they many have using the platform. Students are required to take a short course to orient them with Brightspace prior to starting their first online class.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-WALTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

General Business is the broadest major in Walton School of Business where students can obtain an online Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, offered by the Department of Management. This online program provides the student exposure to all facets of the business process.

Maximum flexibility is retained by the student, while at the same time, careful use of general and junior/senior business electives allows the student to concentrate additional coursework in one or more selected functional areas.

The Walton College Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree is intended to provide students the opportunity to enroll in a four-year degree program online.

to a general extension division in the 1930s and that tradition continues in the digital age of today. In just three years between 2013 and 2016, overall online users grew from 1,216 to 2,746 across 30 bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degree programs, completely or primarily online, as well as certificate and licensure programs.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH

Like many institutions, UAFS’ originaly online learners were working adults seeking a degree or refresher courses or students who often couldn’t get to campus during the day. Others lived in elsewhere in the state, or had attended community college but did not have easy access to a four-year college or university in order to acquire a baccalaureate degree.

Today, as more and more students work the full online and hybrid options have become more popular with all students.

This has grown the online offering to include 171 online and 60 hybrid courses in fall 2016 with a total enrollment of 5,307, and 178 online and 76 hybrid courses in spring 2017 with a total enrollment of 5,939. UAFS also offers five undergraduate programs of study and one master’s program fully online.

Arkansas’ colleges and universities have invested heavily in online options to meet current and future demand.

digital stream flow velocity meters are in use in the Physical Sciences Department.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

UALR’s commitment to robust online learning options has resulted in a nationally recognized program that reaches learners via more than 450 online courses every semester. Online options offer cost effective, and in some cases faster, path to a degree.

The university is a designated Military Friendly® School, a designation awarded by Victory Media, a leader in connecting the military and civilian worlds. Military students do not pay an application fee, a benefit that applies to active duty, National Guard, reserve and honorably separated veterans. UA Little Rock is also an Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) partner and is part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges.

The primary support system within eLearning is the Office of Scholarly Technology and Resources (STaR). Online students benefit from not only being able to receive support online, but if they prefer they can call or visit STaR for training as well.

UALR holds an Academy for Online Teaching Excellence, an opportunity for faculty to learn details of technology, design, and share ideas and venture to innovative areas within their discipline.

UALR’s e-learning program continuously adds new online certificate and degree programs as well as examining new technologies to benefit the university. The university communicates and partners with eLearning counterparts regularly to share ideas and collaborate.

The ongoing development of eLearning and STaR staff is essential to helping ensure online efforts are supportable.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

More than half of UA-PTC students take at least one online class in any given semester. The school offers all-online Associate of Arts degrees and have for many years. Virtually all students can benefit from the convenience of distance learning. Online students have access to the same tutoring and library resources as in-person students.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

In addition, the online degree affords students who have completed an Associate’s Degree in Business or those who are near completion of their business degree, the option to complete a B.S.B.A. with a major in General Business.

Online students are full-fledged members of the University of Arkansas, which is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public research universities and best values. 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 including U of A libraries, tutoring and tech support.

As the state’s flagship land grant university, the U of A has always explored ways to extend its reach to students.

Correspondence courses launched in the 1910s gave way 42 AUGUST 24, 2017

UAFS offered its first online course in 2000 and in the 17 years since, various academic departments have found myriad ways to make learning more immersive and engaging. At the same time, technology in general has mushroomed on the UAFS campus; in virtually every department cutting edge applications may be found.

A small sampling of these applications includes two fully energized x-ray rooms equipped with computed radiography and a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) in the radiography program and self-contained laparoscopic simulator in the surgical technology program. Virtual and augmented reality and multiple 3D printers are at work in the College of Applied Sciences, while GPS handheld units, digital topographical maps, digital water quality monitoring equipment and

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UCA Online was launched in 2015 to provide a holistic approach to quality course design while encouraging an enriched teaching and learning experience for students and faculty.

Drawing from experience in the e-learning space, UCA’s online curriculum is based on best practices and research in the field of distance education. UCA offers five online undergraduate completion degrees, 18 online graduate degrees, five online post-Master’s certificates, one online Educational Specialist degree, and one doctoral degree. More than 1,200 students are enrolled in UCA’s online graduate and undergraduate programs.

Online programs and courses at UCA maintain the same level of quality and rigor as their face-to-face counterparts. The goal of UCA Online is to provide the same high quality academic experience received by traditional UCA students.

Online courses are designed, developed, and taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus courses.

What’s more, UCA is committed to providing the instructional, administrative, financial, technological and student services support as resident students in the classroom. One way that UCA provides support beyond the physical boundaries of the campus is through online technology that allows faculty, staff or on-campus brick and mortar resources to connect with students using real-time video conferencing which also allows files and applications to be shared and provides a virtual whiteboard for interaction. n

THE COLLEGE GUIDE 2017

Financial aid experts say know your options, start early V

irtually every college or university has financial aid funds available to help students afford the high cost of a college education. As Victor Luckerson wrote for TIME Magazine Online, adhering to a few simple rules can help you maximize your aid package.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

1. FILE EARLY — A growing number of schools award funds on a first-come, first serve basis, so get your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form completed as soon as possible. Even though you’re well ahead of tax filing, you can estimate some information from pay stubs and last year’s taxes. Just be sure to go back and amend the FAFSA after you file your income taxes.

2. FILL OUT THE FORM COMPLETELY — Mistakes on your FAFSA can substantially delay processing. One common mistake is leaving non-applicable spaces blank so be sure to write “0” to avoid problems.

3. READ THE FINE PRINT — Most financial aid packages are a mixture of grants,

loans and sometimes work-study. Be sure you understand exactly what they’re offering or you might unwittingly burden yourself with unexpected debt. Also, be sure you know the requirements for renewing your award

ASU provides financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and work study. Most scholarships at A-State require a certain GPA and ACT score for entering freshman. In addition, many scholarships are privately funded and often require special circumstances, such as designation for an upper-level major.

Need-based aid consists of federal programs with eligibility determined through completing the FAFSA. This includes the Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Federal Student work-study and student loans are considered self-help programs in that a student will need to work or repay loan funds.

There are scholarships available for all types of merit or performance such as music, band, athletics, theatre, engineering, leadership, community service and many others. Students should search databases such as Fund my Future or Fast Web.com to find scholarships that they may meet the qualifications to receive.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

All Arkansas Tech University freshmen academic scholarships for the Russellville campus are awarded on a competitive basis. Amounts vary from $10,000 per year for graduating high school seniors with a composite ACT score of 30 to 36 (new SAT score of 1390-1600) and 3.25 cumulative grade point average to $1,000 per year for graduating seniors with a composite ACT score of 21 or 22 (new SAT score of 1060-1120) and 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

The application for undergraduate admission serves as the scholarship application. There is not a separate scholarship application to complete, however, an early admission status

(usually a combination of minimum hours per semester and GPA) and follow those rules to the letter.

4. FILE NO MATTER WHAT — While it’s true that families whose income is above a certain threshold don’t get qualify for certain types of aid, we live in uncertain times. If you don’t fill out a FAFSA in your first year, you will find it harder to get financial aid in subsequent years. Filling it out as a freshman leaves your options open in case of the unforeseen.

5. EXPLAIN EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES — Legitimate life issues such as the loss of a job or high medical bills have a major impact on a family’s finances and should be brought to the financial aid department’s attention. Summarize relevant information in a supplementary letter, preferably from a third party or with other documentation, and submit it to the school of your choice.

is required. An early admission file includes an application for undergraduate admission, current high school transcript with a qualifying GPA and ACT/SAT exam score and immunization records documenting two MMR vaccinations.

Scholarship opportunities also exist for transfer students, graduate students and students at ATU-Ozark Campus, as are athletic scholarships and music fellowships that are offered to students with a particular talent in those areas. In addition, each ATU student who qualifies for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant receives a $1,000 per semester award.

BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE LITTLE ROCK

Offering state and federal financial aid options, as well as local scholarships, Baptist Health College’s financial aid options are as

varied as the student body. The school supports its own scholarship program, Baptist Health Foundation Scholarships, open to all students. Applications is available through the Financial Aid office or by visiting financialaid@bhclr.edu.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

More than 90 percent of students receive some form of financial aid at Henderson, broken into a number of merit-based awards.

These include the Distinguished Freshman Scholarship, providing a renewable $11,000 and $1,000 housing credit awarded to freshman with 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA and ACT between 31 and 36. The Presidential Scholarship renewable award provides $500 in housing credit and either $9,000 or $9,500 for students that meet GPA requirements of 3.25 to 3.5 and ACT scores between 28 and 36.

The University Centurium Scholarship provides $6,500 or $7,000 renewable award based on a high school GPA between 3.25 to 3.5 and an ACT between 25 and 27. The Red and Gray Scholarship provides a renewable award of either $3,500 or $4,000, with a high school GPA between 3.0 and 3.25 plus an ACT score of at least 23.

The Reddie Achievement Scholarship provides a renewable $2,500 for students with a 2.5 to 2.99 high school GPA and ACT scores of at least 20.

A Transfer Scholarship awards either $4,000 or $4,500 to students transferring from a community college or four-year university, based on GPA and at least 24 transferable hours.

Other financial assistance is available on a student-by-student basis for aptitude in athletics, the arts, ROTC or through the

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Teacher’s College. The Henderson State University Foundation also offers scholarships for some students, largely based on need.

JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

The cost of a JBU education is an investment in the future; students invest four years of their lives in an experience that will shape them and influence who they are going to be personally and professionally. JBU’s Financial Aid staff has the expertise and servant attitude to help students afford JBU whenever possible. Application starts with a completed FAFSA form, available at www.jbu.edu.

Last year JBU awarded more than $14 million in scholarships and grants to assist 90 percent of full-time students. Financial aid awards are made beginning in mid-February for those who have completed admission and financial aid application requirements.

LYON COLLEGE

Lyon College boasts a generous scholarship program that provides financial support for 99 percent of the student body.

Scholarships offered include the Brown, Anderson and West scholarships, Honors Day and Scottish Heritage scholarships, Honors Fellowship and various fine arts, transfer student and athletic scholarships. Financial aid staff are also available to assist students with completing the FAFSA, which is required for those seeking to qualify for federal grants.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH

Pell Grants, institutional scholarships based on ACT or Accuplacer, foundation scholarships, ArFutures, and Arkansas Challenge Scholarship are all examples of financial aid available to SAU Tech students.

ACT and Accuplacer scores translate into merit-based institutional scholarships. In addition, some special talent scholarships exist, such as for choral students. A new scholars program will also provide students with a scholarship as well.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-WALTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

The University of Arkansas disbursed nearly $43 million in institutional scholarships and funding during the 2016-2017 academic year, offering a wide variety of scholarship programs for students, including new freshman scholarships, transfer student scholarships, currently enrolled student scholarships, military scholarships and special ability or academic departmental scholarships. The majority of scholarship funding is merit-based and competitively awarded; roughly 65 percent of the student body receives aid in some form.

Currently, the University of Arkansas has some needbased scholarships, but they are limited. The campus recently launched the Advance Arkansas scholarship initiative to create campus-wide undergraduate scholarship endowments to support students from Arkansas who exhibit financial need, a record of academic success, and civil engagement or community leadership.

The University of Arkansas was awarded over $2.8 million in federal work-study money during the 2016-2017 academic year. Ninety-three campus offices and 10 off-campus community service organizations employed work-study students during the 2016-2017 academic year. The University of Arkansas also employs about 3,700 part-time students in regular (nonwork-study) positions.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - LITTLE ROCK

The Office of Financial Aid guides students through various sources of assistance. Aid is awarded and eligible to be renewed to students as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Students should fill out the FAFSA by visiting fafsa.gov as soon as possible. The university also offers payment plans so that any balance due may be broken up into smaller, more manageable monthly amounts over a semester.

44 AUGUST 24, 2017

Often, though not always, scholarship awards are based on standardized test scores. For example, the Chancellor’s Academic Distinction Scholarship requires a minimum ACT score of 30 (1330 SAT), plus 3.5 GPA, and results in $10,000 per academic year. Lower scores and GPAs can still result in some funding to offset college expenses; visit ualr.edu/scholarships/academic for complete details.

Those looking for scholarship opportunities can now apply for several different types of UA-Little Rock scholarships by submitting a single application. In this manner, applicants will be considered for all awards for which they may be eligible. These include general private scholarships (funded by individuals for a specific purpose), Alumni Association scholarships or departmental scholarships.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS-PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

UA-Pulaski Tech provides a range of financial aid options to assist students in completing their education. Among them is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, providing an estimated $9,300 waiver of tuition and fees renewable over four semesters.

Eligible candidates must have graduated from an accredited Arkansas high school in the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College service area of Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke or Saline counties, enroll at UA-PTC the fall semester immediately following high school and meet minimum score requirements on the ACT, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER exams.

The school’s GED Scholarship provides waiver of tuition and fees up to $7,865, renewable for up to 60 credit hours. Eligible applicants are first-time college students living in the UA-Pulaski Tech service area who have enrolled at the school within a year of receiving their GED and who have attained minimum scores on the GED exam.

The College Career Scholarship covers tuition and fees, is renewable for up to four semesters and is awarded to high school seniors who have actively participated in career-oriented activities while in high school.These include technical education, ProStart culinary classes or other career-directed programs.

Applicants must have a 2.5 high school GPA and be a resident in UA-Pulaski Tech’s service area.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

About 91 percent of UCA students receive some sort of financial assistance. During the 2016-2017 academic year, students received over $110 million in financial assistance.

UCA has a number of institutional (merit and performance) and privately funded (merit, needbased, performance) scholarships available for entering and continuing students. Information regarding these and other scholarships may be found at http://uca.edu/scholarships/ or http:// uca.edu/foundation/foundation-scholarships/.

Merit-based aid programs are based on academic performance while need-based programs are based on financial need and may have some type of academic component. Merit-based scholarships at UCA are competitive and awarded based on available funding.

UCA has several need-based assistance programs for students including Assistance Program for Students With Exceptional Circumstances

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(APSEC), a scholarship program that supports students who exhibit exceptional financial need and/or extraordinary academic excellence and who do not qualify for, or receive, other institutional scholarships or financial aid sufficient to attend the university or continue their education.

The Student Success Challenge is a program designed for Pell-eligible entering freshmen who participate in a number of success workshops designed to enhance academic skills and performance. Students who complete the challenge receive a one-time $250 scholarship for the next term of enrollment.

UCA also has several emergency assistance programs available for students who find themselves with a one-time emergency need. Funding is made available through private grants and donations. n

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Philander Smith College F

ounded 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 have 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. n

Philander Smith College has developed educational resources with prestigious colleges and universities across the country.

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