Arkansas Times | College Guide 2021

A GUIDE TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NATURAL STATE Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

2019 COLLEGE GUIDE 2021 COLLEGE GUIDE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

DR. JAMES SHEMWELL DR. STEVE COLE, CHANCELLOR DR. ROBIN E. BOWEN DR. JUDY I. PILE, CHANCELLOR ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ARKANSAS TECH BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE COSSATOT UNIVERSITY LITTLE ROCK “We are very proud of the Arkansas “We know you have choices in life—choices “Arkansas Tech University empowers “BHCLR is a unique institution guided by Northeastern College’s reputation for about your friends, your music, your life. We students to apply their grit and transform the health care workforce needs in Arkansas. both personal attention and excellence in would love to be your choice for education. their lives for the better. We rank No. 1 in We offer one-year programs, associate teaching; however, we are especially proud We refuse for UA Cossatot to be an old Arkansas and among the top 10 percent degrees, and bachelor degrees through of the individual achievements and successes and stale college. We love technology and of colleges and universities nationwide in several university affiliations. Our outcomes of the thousands of students who comprise are always looking for ways to make our providing students with access to upward in retention, board/registry passage and our history. ANC is a two-year institution of college fresh. Our textbook program is social mobility after graduation. Over 93 graduate placement are competitive and are higher education, which boasts the lowest really cool;gone are the days where your percent of our more than 12,000 students available on our website. BHCLR offers rich cost of any college in the state while its books cost more than your tuition. We offer are from Arkansas, and approximately one clinical experiences and a Christian environgraduates earn the most. ANC graduates go textbook rentals for a small fee and many of every four ATU students comes from a ment. Individuals who fit well in health care on to become doctors and lawyers, business classroom materials are completely free. If diverse background. We are tenacious, yet have a natural tendency to care for others, owners and corporate managers, steel you are looking for a job, we have many supportive; competitive, yet compassionate enjoy learning and challenges and exhibit KYLEtechnicians D. PARKER, JD,nurses PRESIDENTtechnical options thatDR. SHEMWELL DR. leading-edge STEVE COLE, CHANCELLOR ROBIN E. BOWEN DR. STEVEprofessionalism ROOK inDR. DR. JAMES SHEMWELL industry and welders, willJAMES get you trained and caring. Innovative, and all areas of their lives. The AND CEO ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ARKANSAS TECH ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ARKANSAS and EMTs—the possibilities are plentiful. OF HEALTH quickly. If you are looking for a university NORTHEASTERN forward-thinking—we are Arkansas Tech field of health care is dynamic and growing ARKANSAS COLLEGES NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE COSSATOT UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS COLLEGE Technical certificates and training programs college experience, enjoy the community University. Learn more at www.atu.edu.” there are many avenues tois an incredible to EDUCATION StateandUniversity Three RiversTech committed “We are very proud of the Arkansas Northeastern very oftothe Arkansas “We know you have“Arkansas choices in life—choices “Arkansas University empowers provide relevant skills forofentering college life first and“We thenare make theproud leap career.

Visit our website to learn more at “Arkansas Colleges Healththe Education (ACHE) is changthe lives of the residents communities College’s reputation for bothfor personal attention andyour friends, improving Northeastern College’s reputation about your music, your life. We studentsintoour apply their grit and transform workplace with betterofearning potential—in a four-year We are excited about www.bhclr.edu.” ing the direction healthcare in Arkansas and beyond college. excellence we serve.

For 52 years, the College has been committed in teaching; bothand personal andhowever, excellencewe in are especially wouldproud love to be your choice for education. their lives for the better. We rankto No. 1 in one year orthe less,power in many ANC canWhether youanother hope toattention be your through of cases. education. pursueawesome year making a positive difference in people’s of the individual achievements and successes of the teaching; however, we are especially proud We refuse for UA Cossatot to be an old Arkansas andlives. amongASU the Three top 10 percent becoming a physician, physical therapist, occupational provide the foundation for future academic choice for higher education!” of students Rivers ensures you have the opportunity to achieve your thousands who comprise our history.

ANC is a of the individual achievements and successes and stale college. We love technology and of colleges and universities nationwide in therapist, or achieve a master in biomedical science, ACHE studies, training for career advancement, or educational goals by providing programs and services two-year institution of higher education, which boasts the oflowest the thousands of students who comprise are always looking for ways to make our providing students with access to upward DR. STEVE ROOK a reality. Our mission to edis ready make dream skills for a to whole newyour career.

Join us at the designed for our students who plan to seek immediate cost of any college in the state while its graduates COLLEGEgroup OF THE of OUACHITAS our history.

ANC is a two-year institution of college fresh. Our textbook program is social mobility after graduation. ucate and train a diverse highly competent and employment, transition to a new career, or earn a four Over 93 earn the most. ANC graduates go on to become doctors Arkansas Northeastern “College Collegeoftotheprepare Ouachitasfor is changing the compassionate healthcare professionals to improve the higher education, which boasts the lowest really cool;gone are the days where Visit your us at One College percent ofCircle our more than 12,000 year degree. in Malvern or students and lawyers, business owners and corporate managers, lives of the residents of Hot Spring, Grant, a better future.” lives of others is theDallas, driving force the50 outstanding cost any college in the stateand whilewelders, its cost more than tuition. We offerAt ASUTR, are approximately one Saline, and Clarkbehind Counties. For at your www.asutr.edu. youfrom will Arkansas, discoverand a Higher steelofindustry technicians nursesbooks and EMTs years,make COTO hasupbeen committed to making faculty and staff that ACHE.” graduates earn the most. graduates go certificates textbookand rentals forDegree a small fee and many of every four ATU students comes from a of You!” — the possibilities are ANC plentiful.

Technical a positive difference in people’s lives. COTO myfuture@walton.uark.edu training programs provide relevant skills for entering the on to become doctors and lawyers, business classroom materials are completely free. If diverse background. We are tenacious, yet ensures you have an opportunity to achieve workplace with better earning potential—in one or for a job, we have many owners and corporate managers, steel youyear are looking supportive; competitive, yet compassionate your educational goals by providing programs and services designed for students who plan less, in technicians many cases. can nurses provide the foundation industry and ANC welders, technicalfor options that will get you trained and caring. Innovative, leading-edge and to seek immediate employment, transition to future academic studies,are training and EMTs—the possibilities plentiful.for career advancement, quickly. If you are looking for a university forward-thinking—we are Arkansas Tech a new career or a four-year degree. Nowhere or skills certificates for a whole career.

Join us at thecollege Arkansas Technical andnew training programs experience, enjoy the community University. Learn more at www.atu.edu.” else in Arkansas will you find the state-ofNortheastern College to prepare for a better future.” the-art technical programs with cutting-edge provide relevant skills for entering the college life first and then make the leap to technology to prepare you for today’s highworkplace with better earning potential—in a four-year college. We are excited about tech world. Visit us at One College Circle in one year or less, in many cases. ANC can DAMPHOUSSE another awesome year and hope to be your KNEEBONE, J.D. Malvern or on the web at www.COTO. edu.

DR. KELLY ELAINE DR. JOHN A. HOGAN PLAN YOUR VISIT: At College of the Ouachitas you will discover provide the foundation for future academic choice for higher education!”

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY OBU.EDU/ADM IS S IONS NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE a Higher Degree of You!” studies, training for career advancement, orevery high school senior in our 1.800.DIAL.OBU “I want “At Henderson State University, we “There is a lot to get excited about at At Ouachita, we do more skills for a whole new career. Join region us at the to know that he or she has a placethan at believeWein do the ability of every student to National Park College. Join Nighthawk Nation Arkansas Northeastern College to prepare for university. I want our faculty learn together.

DR. CATHIE CLINE CLINE their research extraordinary. We offer more than 65 DR. CATHIE life together. As be a nationallyand be a part of amazing student life, a better future.”

DR. JIMtop-tier BORSIG EAST ARKANSAS ranked, university, and graduate programs to EAST ARKANSAS and staff to know they are respected and undergraduate athletics and campus organizations. NPC we pride ourselvesSTATE HENDERSON UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLEGECOLLEGE COMMUNITY their ideas matter, and that we all share prepare youinfor the career of your dreams. has NJCAA teams for men and women’s offering high-impact learning “At Henderson State University, we offer than 65 “EACC’s career-ready transfer-ready programs provide “EACC’s career-ready andand transfer-ready the same goal of helping our students experiences reach you want to study withmore our highly thatWhether will prepare basketball, men and women’s cross country, undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare you for students with the best and most economical education programs provide students with the best and for your futureranked career.education, Our their highest aspirations. Most of all, you I ahope nursing, baseball and softball. We offer more than rewardingtocareer. you wantortobusiness study with our available, complemented by the comhighest degree of percommitment a love ofWhether God most economical education available, for a university community that truly believes programs or take flight with Arkansas’s transfer degrees and if your ACT is 19 highly ranked education, and love of learning means nursing or business programs or sonal service. holddegree paramount the goal of75providing plemented by theWe highest of personal that ‘Every Red Wolf Counts.’ ” only professional pilotprofessional degree, we invite you’ll leave here ready to only DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE take flight with Arkansas’s pilot degree, or higher, you may qualify for scholarships. students quality opportunities, and our service. Wewith are small butlearning mighty, and we engage with theto world and you to –visit our campus.

Henderson State ARKANSAS we invite you learn more about Henderson.

We encourpercent of NPC students receive STATE institution offers students the opportunity to Nearly select 70 from make a difference in it. deeplymenu about of ouroptions. students.

Our recent DR. W. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY-JONESBORO University encourages scholarly and creative age scholarly and creative activities in a caring, personal acare diverse We(JOEY) are KING dedicatedfinancial to serving aid and scholarships.

Last year, NPC COLLEGE that is merger has resulted in LYON aninstitution institution “I want every high school senior in our region to know atmosphere that reflects the university’s motto for more activities in a caring, personal atmosphere our students and our has an unparalleled students received over $7.5 million in grants “Lyon College leads the way in preparing Come see how Ouachita better than ever. All programs continueworkforce. in onlyThe goal that hePark or she has a place at their research university. I than a century, ‘The School a Heart.’ that reflects theWith university’s mottoDiscover for morewhat it commitment to student success. to help At National students for today’s Our skillsandisscholarships.

College, invest in you.

DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE want our faculty and staff to know they are DR. respected Live Reddie at hsu.edu.” the new institution, students the thinking, you can have a full college JOHN A.and HOGAN means tocan sought goals.” by employers--critical our students reachoffering their than alove century, experience– We would to ‘The School with a Heart.’

ARKANSAS STATE their ideas matter, and that we all share the same goal leadership, collaboration--are those in which opportunity to select from a diverse menu NATIONAL PARK COLLEGEshow you Learnaround! what it means to Live Reddie at UNIVERSITY close to home–at lessofthan half theourcoststudents reach their highest aspirations. our graduates excel. Small class sizes foster helping “I want every high school senior in our of options when developing their educational “There is a lot to get excited about at hsu.edu. mentoring between students and facultyof the average four-year university.

Most of all, IOur hope for a university community that truly region to know that he or she has a place at plans. Our goals remainin the same: to National Park College.

Join Nighthawk Nation an interdisciplinary liberal arts program experienced faculty andbelieves staff arethat committed ‘Every Red Wolf Counts.’ ” CATHIE CLINE their research university. I want our faculty improve students’ lives where and experiential strengthenlearning our and a cultureto ofyour success in theDR. and be a part of amazing student life, workforce.

Find your EAST ARKANSAS innovation are embraced. We are committed and staff to know they are respected and community.” athletics and campus organizations. NPC to a diverse and inclusive residential path at np.edu.”

COMMUNITY COLLEGE their ideas matter, and that we all share has NJCAA teams for men and women’s community focused on educating the whole “EACC’s career-ready and transfer-ready the same goal of helping our students reach person. Campus priorities include restoring basketball, men and women’s cross country, A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE ARKANSAS TIMES 2 AUGUST 2019 ARKANSAS TIMES programs provide students with the best and a computer science major and the addition their highest aspirations. Most of all, I hope baseball and softball.

We offer more than of a film and media studies minor. We have most economical education available, comfor a university community that truly believes 75 transfer degrees and if your ACT is 19 also expanded varsity and club sports, and PUBLISHER Alan Leveritt ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES plemented by the highest degree of personal that ‘Every Red Wolf Counts.’ ” Brooke Wallace, Lee Major, have a professional gamer to coach the new or higher,Terrell you may qualify for scholarships.

GUIDE Jacob service. COLLEGE We are small butEDITOR mighty,Lindsey and weMillar Nearlyand esports program, offering another “only at 70 percent of NPC students receive PUBLISHER COLLEGE GUIDE EDITOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lyon” experience. A ROTC military science CREATIVE DIRECTOR Keener DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING ASSISTANT care deeply about our students.Mandy Our recent ALAN LEVERITT DWAIN HEBDA PHYLLIS A. aid BRITTON financial and scholarships. Last year, NPCBROOKE WALLACE, LEE MAJOR, Hannah Peacock concentration is planned, along with an merger has resulted in an institution that is JACOB AND exercise science major and minor, pending received over $7.5 million in grants TERRELL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Jordan Littlestudents ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER KAITLYN LOONEY better than ever. All programs continue in final approval by the college’s accreditor.

Roland R. Gladden and scholarships. At National Park College, ART DIRECTOR Mike Spain Lyon is the only pet-friendly campus across the newADVERTISING institution,DESIGNER offering students the GRAPHIC Katie Hassell IT DIRECTOR you Times can have a fullRobert collegeCurfman experience– region, and 2 SEPTEMBER 2021 the ARKANSAS TIMESa newly opened dog park Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Anitra Hickman opportunity to select from a diverse menu DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING CONTROLLER Weldon Wilson is one of many spots where students find close to home–at less than half the cost Phyllis Britton BILLING/COLLECTIONS Linda Phillips of options whenA. developing their educational respite. Come see what has made Lyon of the average four-year university.

Our College such an exceptional place for nearly plans. Our goals remain the same: to ARKANSASTIMES.COM

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

2019 COLLEGE GUIDE

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE ARKTIMES.COM

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

HE PRESIDENTS

CELLOR DR. ROBIN E. BOWEN E. BOWEN RKANSAS DR. ROBINARKANSAS TECH ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY “Higher education is a pathway to a better life for you and oices in life—choices “Arkansas Tech University empowers your family.

Independent research by CollegeNET r music, your life. We students to apply their grit and transformshows that Arkansas Tech University ranks No. 1 in Arkansas choice for education. lives for thethebetter.

We rankposition No. 1 inof its when it comes their to improving economic tot to be an old Arkansas and among the top 10 percent students. It’s a ranking we’ve been pleased to hold for ove technologyseven and consecutive of colleges and universities nationwide in on years because it reflects our focus ways to makestudent our access providing students with access and student success.

Investtoinupward yourself. ook program isInvest in your future. social mobility graduation.

93 Chooseafter Arkansas TechOver University.

Learn more at www.atu.edu.” e days where your percent of our more than 12,000 students our tuition. We offer are from Arkansas, and approximately one mall fee and many of every four ATU students comes from a e completely free. If diverse background. We are tenacious, yet ob, we have many supportive; competitive, yet compassionate will get you trained and caring. Innovative, leading-edge and ng for a university forward-thinking—we are Arkansas Tech oy the community University. Learn more at www.atu.edu.” en make the leap to e are excited about and hope to be your tion!”

DR. JUDY I. PILE, CHANCELLOR BAPTIST HEALTH COLLEGE COLLEGE BAPTIST HEALTH LITTLE ROCK LITTLE ROCK “BHCLR isisa aunique institution guidedguided by by healthcare work“BHCLR unique institution the health careinworkforce needs Arkansas. force needs Arkansas.

Weinoffer one-year programs, We offer one-year associatedegrees through several associate degreesprograms, and bachelor university Check out our wide variety of degrees, andaffiliations. bachelor degrees through programs and our outcomes our website. BHCLR offers several university affiliations.

Our on outcomes rich clinicalboard/registry experiences passage and a Christian environment. in retention, and Individuals who fit well in healthcare have a natural graduate placement are competitive and are tendency care for others, learning and challenges available ontoour website.

BHCLR enjoy offers rich and exhibit professionalism in all areas of their lives. The clinicalofexperiences Christian and environfield healthcareandis adynamic growing, and there are ment.

Individuals who fit well in health care Visit our website to many avenues to an incredible career. have amore naturalattendency to care for others, learn www.bhclr.edu.” enjoy learning and challenges and exhibit professionalism in all areas of their lives. The field of health care is dynamic and growing and there are many avenues to an incredible career. Visit our website to learn more at www.bhclr.edu.”

DR. JUDY I. PILE, CHANCELLOR

DR. MARTIN EGGENSPERGER

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE “For almost 50 years, Black River Technical College has offered thousands of individuals a new pathway to their future—a true gift to Arkansans. In those same years, BRTC also helped Arkansas face the challenges of its future. If you ask BRTC employees, alumni, and supporters to name aspects of which they feel the most proud, Black River’s heritage of producing leaders, craftsmen, and heroes rises to the top. This list is both a wonderful legacy and an inspiring challenge for the next 50 years. We at BRTC invite you to answer the call.”

DR. JOHN A. HOGAN DR. RICK MASSENGALE NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE “There is a lot to get excited about at National Park “North Arkansas College is focused on the future by College. Join Nighthawk Nation and be a part of amazing continually providing new opportunities for students. New student life, athletics, and campus organizations. NPC has programs like Turf Management connect students with NJCAA teams for men and women’s basketball, men and employers, providing paid apprenticeships. Academic prowomen’s cross country, men and women’s soccer, baseball grams receive national recognition. The LPN Program was and softball. We offer transfer opportunities to universinamed the “8th Best in the Southeast” (NursingProcess. ties across Arkansas,ELAINE and ifKNEEBONE, your ACTJ.D. is 19 or higher, you org) and our online Accounting Certificate was named the DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE may qualify for scholarships.

MoreSTATE than UNIVERSITY 70 percent of “Most Popular Undergraduate Accounting Certificate in ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY HENDERSON LLEGE NPC students receive“Atfinancial aidState andUniversity, scholarships.

Last Arkansas (Business Degree Central). On-campus housing “I want every high school senior in our Henderson we ited about at year, NPC students received over $8.5 million in grants will further enhance the college experience when the region to know that he or she has a place at believe in the ability of every student to in Nighthawk Nation and scholarships. At National Park College, you can have their research university. I want our faculty experience be extraordinary.

We offer more 65half first residence hall, Pioneer Villas, opens in fall of 2022. g student life, a university – close to home – at lessthan than The Pioneers enjoy a new ESPORTS team in addition to and staff to know they are respected and of the average undergraduate graduate Our programs to anizations. NPC the cost four-yearand university. faculty baseball, softball, men’s, and women’s basketball. We their ideas matter, and that we alland share preparetoyou forsuccess the careerin oftheyour dreams. staff are committed your workforce. n and women’s pride ourselves in providing a family atmosphere while the same goal of helping our students reach path at np.edu.”

Whether you want to study with our highly Find your giving you a high-quality education at an affordable men’s cross country, their highest aspirations. Most of all, I hope ranked education, nursing, or business price. Online fees for students are waived for Fall 2021, e offer more than for a university community that truly believes programs or take flight with Arkansas’s and Spring 2022 semesters. I’d like to extend a personal if your ACT is 19 invitation to you to visit our campus and tour Northark for that ‘Every Red Wolf Counts.’ ” only professional pilot degree, we invite fy for scholarships. yourself.” you to visit our campus.

Henderson State C students receive University encourages scholarly and creative hips. Last year, NPC activities in a caring, personal atmosphere 7.5 million in grants that reflects the university’s motto for more onal Park College, than a century, ‘The School with a Heart.’ ge experience– 4 SEPTEMBER 2021 ARKANSAS TIMES Special Advertising Learn what it means toSupplement Live Reddie atof the Arkansas Times han half the cost hsu.edu. university. Our staff are committed

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DR. KEITH PINCHBACK RODERICK L. SMOTHERS SR., PH.D. DR. JEROME GREEN PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT AND CEO SHORTER COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PHILANDER SMITH “Shorter is committed to its motto, ‘Your Path to ARKANSAS “While life as we have known it has been drastically Possible.’ We are graduating students that are capable “I am very excited about the upcoming year and the altered in recent months, it remains true that Philander and equipped to compete not just within the state of great things that it will bring to Phillips Community ColSmith College is a beacon of hope for those with a thirst Arkansas, but nationally. Since our founding, Shorter andRODERICK to you!L.InSMOTHERS, today’s SR. College has been in the business of transforming lives for EVELYN knowledge and big dreams of scholastic achievement.

DR. E. JORGENSON DR. BEN R. SELLSlege of the University of ArkansasDR. fast-paced world, change has become one of the most Our guiding principles of caring for our community, NORTHWEST ARKANSAS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGEby providing our students with a premier, quality higher important factors in our lives. With new programs and remaining student-centered and mission-focused, and education. One of our primary goals is to enrich COMMUNITY COLLEGE “Ranked by Niche.com as the top private to our facilities, “For 142weyears, Smith College ongoing improvements are Philander committed executing in operational excellence are leading us in the academic “NorthWest Arkansas Community College university in Arkansas, Ouachita is a has been inspiring and educating the next instructional programs and student services to to preparing you for active participation in an ever-chang- endow new normal — providing the inspiration for our commitstudents with the knowledge, skills and abilities seeks to empower lives, inspire learning and Christ-centered learning community pre- and skills generation of leaders ing economy withthattraining that will benefitwhoyouseek to toenact ment to produce world-class graduates who are making become scholastically and professionally productive strengthen paresof students forforongoing intellectual andis the oldestchange in our communities, nation a lifetime.

PCCUA community college in state, in a positivecommunity differencethrough in theaccessible, world. Through the lens today’s global society. Shorter has remained steadfast affordable, quality pandemic education atinlocations spiritual lives of meaningful work, we have more and world.

Our legacydoing of providingina quality which means experience a global health the midst of civil unrest in growth, Arkansas, ensuring that our students are receiving all of the throughout Benton counties. and reasoned engagement the world. liberal arts curriculum, on social tools required to effectively complete their what we with do than any other community college in thewith a focusnecessary our country, andand 144Washington years after its founding, Philander Ourinnovate three locations in DeWitt, Helena, and Stuttgart We focus—onwith providing what arts our learners to further and justice, has withstood the test of time and Smith its liberal curriculum and focusOuachita on is risingstate. educational journey. We are supplying our students with combine state-of-the-art need, basic education, achieve so that the studentstraditional of today willcollege be experiences, asserted Philander as an educational pillar inand mobile hotspots at no out of pocket cost. As socialwhether justicethat’s — hasadult a steadfast position as an educational laptops unique our acampus new skills today’s workplace,ofor leaders the abletoto meet thetechnology, challenges andand embrace theDelta heritage, Arkansas.and Though small, private institution, pillarjobfor thefornext generation who desire we continue to move the college forward, it is imperative life provides a unique studies with multitude foundation to pursue a into four-year degree more diverseopportunities of tomorrow.

Students benefit balance of PSC dreams big.aOur dreams includethat making move us FORWARD a healthier, and we work together to build on our past achievements of recreational activities. to maintaining equitable future.” andhave plan and post-graduate study. NWACC creates an from the university’s liberal arts tradition and In addition education accessible to high students who a for continued successes.” standards and achieved accreditation, will provide environment that inspires students and enunique high-impact learning opportunities, desire PCCUA for knowledge and academic achieveyou with committed faculty who are dedicated to your courages them to maximize their potential.” which afford valuable perspectives and ment. As we celebrate this great milestone individual success. We truly believe that the quality and experiences in their respective fields.

With a in our history, we know value of an education at PCCUA will help prepare youour forgreatest assets 99 percent placement for new graduates are ourWestudents and our highlyratesuccessful roles in your future. are eager to faculty and staff. and record retention current students, is with a student-centered helpforyou begin and complete yourIt educational journey. approach to Ouachita is committed to providing students learning and a steadfast dedication to Let’s get started!” with a college experience that shapes their helping our scholars thrive that we continue lives and sets them on a trajectory for to move FORWARD into the future.” success. At Ouachita, our students are truly known–by the dedicated faculty and staff who take a personal interest in them, and the close-knit campus community they do life with.”

DR. TERISA C. RILEY, CHANCELLOR CHANCELLOR DR. CHRISTINA DRALE, CHANCELLOR DR. TERISA C. RILEY, DR. LAURENCE B. ALEXANDER, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CHANCELLOR AT LITTLE ROCK FORTFORT SMITH SMITH AT UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS “UA Little Rock is a comprehensiveDR. metropolitan “The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith offers students TREY BERRY university AT PINE BLUFF “The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith that connects its students with professional opportunities from walks of life aeducational transformational educational “Access and opportunity are the foundations of the SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY offers all a transformational in the capital city and beyond.

While maintaining a strong experience.

Highly trained professors in state-of-the-art “Over the past six years, Southerneducational Arkansas experience at the University of Arkansas at experience, where students learn from Rock offers under- record Pine facilities prepare students to excelart in high-demand careers liberal arts core education, UA Little Bluff. Since our inception, UAPB has educated and University has experienced enrollment highly-trained professors in state-of-the DR. ANDREW ROGERSON and graduate degrees that meet the demand for inspired some of the world’s greatest minds to reach and top-tier UAFS and growth.

New academic programs in cyfacilities.

UAFSgraduate lives up to schools. the promise of lives up to theUNIVERSITY graduate OF ARKANSASpreparation in areas of critical need for advanced-level promise of providing deep and beyond their circumstances and be who they want to be. ber criminology, public health, game design providing both a deep andstudents rich knowledge in rich knowledge AT LITTLE ROCK local, state and regional development. Our location proin their area of study as well as a welcoming, engaging UAPB’sthe-designation as an 1890 land-grant institution and animation, poultry science, musical acommunity major area ofthat study as well as engaging critical access to a wide variety of internship, field “As chancellor ofvides the University of Arkansas enables them to learn to think critically, means that our mission to serve a diverse student and engineering have attracted students students so that expertly, they learn toand think critically, and research opportunities inaterbusiness, government, communicate work with diverse teams. at Little Rock, I work invite students to consider population and foster learning, growth and prosperity and have transformed SAU into a will truly never global change. Our core values of empowerment communicate expertly to andproviding work with an diverse healthcity, care, education and high-tech organizaWe are committed affordable education an education in nonprofit, the state’s capital campus.

The School of Graduate Studies teams. Our are prepared to tions.

By offering a large number of merit and need-based by offeringgraduates exceptional scholarships and grants that and accountability drive our tight-knit community of where access to many research, internship, has affordable, also grown dramatically a and learners. Strong support from faculty competegraduates nationally for jobs intotheir chosen we provide access to an quality and offers allow of UAFS take out less debt thancommunity their and scholarships educators employment opportunities wide UA variety programs, fordedicated a diverseto student body.

Littleof Rock can both online careers, UAFS and gain admission to someofofaccess, opportunity, peers. is truly the home andminuteseducation and and administration and a familial atmosphere create are just away. We are be part of your success story.” on campus. Our primary mission attheSAUoptimal is the world’s top graduate programs. We are success.” environment for student success. And our providing an affordable, quality education to to serve students, and our culture1890 of caring committed to providing an affordable eduland-grant designation continues to pave the way Arkansas students to ensure they graduate innovations in technology, agriculture, medicine and has new and current students andfor alumni cation, providing students with exceptional with as little debt as possible in their pursuit business. throughout the state and nation saying SAU UAPB shapes minds that go on to reshape the scholarships and grants which allow graduof higher education. Our goal is to see them world.” ‘feels like home.’” ates of UAFS to take out less debt than their through to a Special timely graduation and ensure ARKANSASTIMES.COM SEPTEMBER 2021 5 Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times peers. UAFS: Excellent Education, Affordable the appropriate skill sets are acquired so Investment, Invaluable Opportunities.” they are career-ready. We are proud to be

JOE STEINMETZ, CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS “The University of Arkansas is proud to have students from every county in the state. Helping them maximize their potential and advancing Arkansas together has been a part of our mission for 148 years. We are also the most academically comprehensive university in the state with nearly 240 different degrees and certificates available. Nowhere else in Arkansas can you find the range of majors, classes, research opportunities and access to world-class faculty. That’s helped more than 300 U of A students win nationally competitive scholarships, DR. TREY BERRY grants and internships over SOUTHERNfellowships, ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY the last academic year. Our graduates “SAU’s culture of caring andgovernors, commitment academic are state Fortuneto 500 CEOs, excellence was even more evident this past year amidst a scientists and novelists.

They’re nurses, global pandemic. During a continuous period of monitor teachers, goals architects, lawand adjust, SAU exceeded and engineers achieved and many yers.

We’re routinely recognized as one of firsts. Our students, faculty, and staff may have learned best values highermethods, education,butand to interact with onetheanother usingin new the Muleriderstrong spirit remained constant throughout Fayetteville has been ranked among the the process. Our nursing achieved three-year nation’sstudents best places to live. aI encourage average on their national exam (NCLEX) above 97%. Also, you earned to comeasee why.”acceptance rate into our pre-med students 100%

DR. HOUSTON DAVIS Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, Chancellor UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF “At the University of Central Arkansas, “Access and opportunity are the we are committed to the success of foundations of the University of Arkansas our students and helping them reach at Pine Bluff. Since our inception, UAPB their degree goals. We are proud of our has educated and inspired some of the vibrant and diverse student body that world’s greatest minds to reach beyond is excelling inside and outside of the their circumstances and be who they want classroom. UCA students are part of a to be. New to our campus this fall, UAPB dynamic and growing university that launches its first engineering program— aims to set students up for success in agricultural engineering—the hospitality their careers and lives after graduation. and tourism management degree proUCA is recognized nationally as the most gram and the associate-to-bachelor’s beautiful campus in Arkansas and when degree program, in partnership with you combine that with some of the best SEARK College.

UAPB’s designation as an CHARLES ROBINSON, INTERIM DR. JASON MORRISON, faculty in the nation, you get a complete 1890 land-grant institution means that CHANCELLOR CHANCELLOR collegiate experienceUNIVERSITY that is second to OF ARKANSAS SOUTHERN our mission to serve aARKANSAS diverse student ATstudents FAYETTEVILLE none. It is our goal that will UNIVERSITY TECHgrowth population and foster learning, “The alumni University of Arkansas is proud to have students “The fall 2021 will academic year brings students back soon jointothe outstanding of UCA and productivity never change. fromdifference every county in the state and every state in the our campus and we are all excited about having themaking a huge who are in Our core valuesto ofprovide empowerment country. We are a destination school for students in state opportunity trainingand and instruction to our and beyond.and Go out Bears!” accountability our tight-knit com-This year, Arkansas because we have the most comprehensive range students and drive workforce partners. our new munity of educators and learners. of majors, classes, research and artistic opportunities, and Arkansas Fire Training AcademyWhat Residential Hall will world-class faculty. We also provide nearly 240 different be andstand a second historical grant is providing trulydedicated makes UAPB out—strong degree and certificates at a quality and cost that routinely funds to renovate the former barracks that housed support from faculty and administration has us recognized as one of the best values in the country. civilians and military personnel in the 1940’s and 50’s. and the familial atmosphere—create the For 150 years the U of A has been at the center of higher New things are on the forefront in athletics with NJCAA optimal Baseball environment for student education in Arkansas, and we’re just getting better. If Rocket starting in fallsuccess.

2022. SAU Tech is a And our 1890 land-grant designation you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that growing, vibrant community for students to experience continues pave the of waycollege for innovations sets you up to achieves lifelong success, then I encourage their firsttotwo years and we are looking you come check us out. I think you’ll find you belong.” forward to theagriculture, future! Wemedicine are theand Rocket Nation.” in technology, business. UAPB shapes the minds that go on to reshape the world.”

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS

medical school. Thanks to the efforts of our Advancement team and the unwavering support of Mulerider alumni and friends, SAU recorded its most successful fundraising year in its 112-year history. And although many student activities were affected by the pandemic, several students earned special individual honors and three of our athletic teams had championship seasons. Our primary mission at SAU is to educate students while providing them the complete college experience, and we are proud to have remained focused on our mission during this past year.

We invite students across the state and globe to come see why SAU continues to Feel Like Home.”

DR. RICHARD DAWE OZARKA COLLEGE “Ozarka College has been committed to our students for more than 40 years and we continuously strive for ways to enhance our students’ experience and to offer the highest quality education at affordable rates. We are passionate about providing excellent educational opportunities to help students succeed in their careers and in life.”

DR. HOUSTON DAVIS

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS “At the University of Central Arkansas, we are committed to the success of our students. Our dynamic and growing university aims to set students up for success in their careers and lives after graduation. We are proud of our vibrant and diverse student body that is excelling inside and outside of the classroom. UCA has been recognized nationally as the most beautiful campus in Arkansas, 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 in Arkansas and beyond. Go Bears!”

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DR. KARLA HUGHES, CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO “UAM is a place where opportunity abounds. Students come to UAM for small classes where faculty know who they are and care about their success.

Life-long friendships are developed while students pursue an academic path that DR. MARGARET A. ELLIBEE DR. MARGARET A. ELLIBEE MICHAEL MOORE, PH.D. will change their future.

We haveACADEMIC/OPERATING more UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS CHIEF OFFICER UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS than 70 distinct programs for students at OF ARKANSAS PULASKI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE COLLEGE threededication southeast Arkansas campuses–our “UA Pulaski Tech’s longstanding reputation for SYSTEM EVERSITY “UA-Pulaski Tech’s longstanding reputato student achievement is a direct result of the “Young should have the opportunity to go off maindedication campus in Monticello andpeople our techtion for dedication excellence to student achieveand professional our faculty and nical staff campuses bring to in McGehee to college take in all of the things that make the and and Crossett. mentstudent is a direct result of the dedication the experience.

UAPTC’s students digUAM deeper to university so enriching and memorable. is a unique university in thatexperience we find value and excellence within themselves. Our job is to and professional excellence our faculty Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way for offerpursues a broadarange ofeveryone. opportunities give thembring the to tools do it. experience.

Whether a student I’m for honored to be a part of the state’s only 100 and staff the tostudent learning from certificates of proficiency university-transfer degree or needs cutting-edge technical percent online university, which was created to provide an UA-PTC’s students dig deeper to find to find undergraduate degrees to master’s training, it’s the personal touch he or she will here affordable and high-quality University of Arkansas System valuemakes and excellence within themselves. that the difference.” option to those who simply can’t make it to a campus. The degrees. With hundreds of scholarship Our job is to give them the tools to do UA System eVersity uses world-class faculty and resources opportunities, an affordable education it. Whether a student pursues a universifrom all of at UAM is a great first step towardtheyourUA System institutions to provide a comty-transfer degree or needs cutting-edge pletely online and unmatched experience. In the midst of professional goals. We’re to invest suchready uncertain times, eVersity was built to support your technical training, it’s the personal touch in you and your success.

Go Weevils!” educational needs with award-winning courses that were that makes the difference.” designed from the start for online delivery. We’d love to help you stay safe and earn credits without compromising quality or your budget. See how we do college differently by visiting eVersity.edu.”

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

PAYING FOR COLLEGE Investing in higher education is an investment in yourself, but you still want to be smart about it. Paying for college starts with understanding what’s available -- so read on.

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE Nine out of 10 students at Arkansas Northeastern College receive financial aid in some form. In addition to traditional financial aid programs such as the federal Pell Grant and state-funded Arkansas Challenge, Future Grant, Workforce Challenge and Career Pathways, the school supports institutional awards such as Board of Trustees, Great River Promise, Foundation, TOPS, Public School Teachers, Performing Arts and Early College.

The Nucor Diploma Squared Scholarship, sponsored by Nucor-Yamato Steel and Nucor Steel Arkansas, provides up to $75,000 per year. Because of Nucor’s support and partnership with Arkansas Northeastern College, this program allows students to take ANC classes for only $10 a credit hour, saving them time and money in their quest to earn a college education.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Arkansas State is committed to educating students and their families in how to limit debt and make college affordable. A full 90 percent of the student body receive some type of financial aid. For the third year, the Scarlet to Black program is available for students to learn how to budget, manage a checking account, manage student borrowing and navigate credit cards.

The university has also created a new 870 need-based housing scholarship for this year’s recruits.

In addition to traditional federal student aid programs, A-State has committed an additional $1 million in need-based scholarships. The school has also created new scholarships for students from neighboring states.

Traditional offerings include Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Student Loans and Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). A-State also participates in all state-funded programs such as Academic Challenge, Distinguished Governors and others.

The A-State Scholar program is a competitive scholarship which can provide up to $14,000 per year for those who are selected. This is a competitive scholarship and requires a separate 8 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is growing fast even through the pandemic. application. Selections are made in February of each year. Merit-based scholarships valued up to $8,000 are available to students who have obtained at least a score of 23 on the ACT and a high school GPA of 3.00 or better.

Transfer students with a 3.25 or above and 24 transferable hours or more may be eligible to receive a scholarship valued up to $4,000 per year. Students with an associate’s degree from an ASU System campus can receive up to $5,000.

Private scholarships valued at $250 and up are available to students who meet required criteria. Need-based scholarships like the A-State Heritage, valued up to $3,000, are available to those who meet certain guidelines. A-State offers scholarships to students who have excelled in many different areas, such as athletics, the arts and music, as well as academic and merit scholarships. In the past two years, A-State has created new programs targeted at first-generation students and students seeking need-based aid.

A-State offers a variety of financial aid awards and has one of the lowest default rates in the state at 3.30 percent. For full details, visit www.astate.edu/a/finaid/.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS All student loan borrowers must complete federal Entrance Counseling before receiving loan funds, which includes information about budgeting, college costs and debt. A Net Price Calculator and estimated Cost of Attendance Information are available on the ASUTR website.

ASU Three Rivers TRIO office offers a financial literacy presentation to students, which is available anytime on our website. The Division of Student Affairs offers advising to all students on a variety of areas including Financial Literacy.

About 80 percent of ASUTR students receive financial aid, and the university also provides employment opportunities in the form of one of 10 Federal Work Study positions, as well as Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

employment with the institution. Textbooks may be bought or rented.

ASU Three Rivers offers a variety of scholarships connected to academic performance and field of study to students involved in the Student Government Association as well as the Honors College. The school also offers scholarships to local law enforcement officers.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY According to LendEDU, Arkansas Tech is the statewide leader in helping students at public universities fund higher education. Need-based financial aid accounted for the majority of the institution’s overall score (60 percent), while non-need-based financial aid (34 percent) and international student financial aid (6 percent) made up the remainder of the score. By that standard, Arkansas Tech ranks No. 1 among all public universities in Arkansas when it comes to providing access to student financial aid.

Scholarship consideration begins with an ACT composite score of 17; the application for undergraduate admission serves as the scholarship application. Admission status is required, and students’ admission files include an application for undergraduate admission and a current high school transcript with a qualifying grade point average and ACT/SAT exam score.

Athletic and music scholarships are among the specialized types of financial aid that are offered to Arkansas Tech University students with a particular talent in those areas. In addition, each ATU student who participates in the Miss Arkansas competition receives a $1,000 per semester award.

Scholarship opportunities also exist for transfer students, graduate students and students at ATU-Ozark campus. To apply for ATU Office of Admissions scholarships, there is a priority scholarship deadline of Nov. 15 and a regular scholarship deadline of Feb. 15 of the current award year. Visit www.atu.edu/honors to learn

more about the University Honors program. Students receiving academic scholarships must be U.S. citizens.

Tech $ense, a student resource offered through the ATU Office of Financial Aid, is a one-stop shop for financial literacy. Located at www.atu.edu/finaid/techsense, the website helps students plan for college, pay for college and make sound financial decisions. Learn more at www.atu.edu/scholarships and www. atu.edu/finaid.

Choices can be tough!

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE Eighty percent of the Black River Technical College student body received some type of financial aid. Some institutional awards include: Academic Distinction Scholarship Covers full tuition, up to 16 credit hours, for up to two years. Open to traditional first-time entering freshmen graduating from an accredited Arkansas high school who have an ACT superscore of 24 or higher or graduate in the Top 10 percent of their class.

Academic Incentive Scholarship Awards $250 per semester for up to two years to be applied toward tuition and fees. Open to first-time entering freshmen graduating from an accredited Arkansas high school who have an ACT composite score between 19 and 23.

The college also offers a significant number of privately funded scholarships open to all students, whether first-time entering or returning.

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HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Henderson State University offers a wide variety of academic scholarships for incoming and transfer students. The application for undergraduate admission serves as the scholarship application.

Students and parents meet with academic and financial advisors during orientation to help steer each student toward the programs and resources that will help them graduate on time.

Financial Aid offers a variety of options to fit the valuable education we offer into the student and parent budget. Student Accounts offers payment plans for students with a remaining balance after aid is posted.

Academic scholarship types and requirements are available online, as are awards offered through the Henderson State University Foundation. Foundation scholarships are made possible by contributions from private donors, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, campus organizations and corporations. In addition, scholarships are available for a variety of activities, such as e-sports, athletics, band, choir, theatre and ROTC. Approximately 84 percent of Henderson students receive financial aid, and federal and institutional work study is available.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE National Park College (NPC) works hard to keep higher education within reach of everyone, with tuition and fees that are less than half the cost of the average university. Students who earn a GED at NPC qualify for a half-tuition scholarship. As well, a full 95 percent of National Park College students receive some form of financial aid — more than $8.6 million in scholarships and aid last year.

NPC offers scholarships for students who

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have the potential to excel in college, as NPC views students as more than a test score. The Academic Achievement Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship for two semesters. It requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 19 or higher on the ACT for students enrolling within one year of high school graduation. Maintaining the scholarship requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA and enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours each term with an option for a second year of funding.

NPC’s President’s Scholarship is a full tuition and fees scholarship and is renewable for up to four semesters. It requires two of the following criteria: 3.25 cumulative GPA, 24 or higher on the ACT or rank in the top 25 percent of the student’s graduating class. To maintain the scholarship, students must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each term.

The college also offers the National Park Promise scholarship to senior students graduating from the National Park Technology Center.

These students will receive assistance to fill any gaps in tuition and fees not covered by other federal, state, private or institutional aid.

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE Northark offers four tiers of award amounts based on ACT scores: Bronze (ACT 21-22, $500 per semester); Silver (ACT 23-24, $1,000 per semester); Gold (ACT 25-29, $1,500 per semester); Platinum (ACT 30+, covers tuition and fees for up to 18 hours per semester).

The Presidential requires an ACT score of 21 or higher and is open to high school graduates of Arkansas and of Missouri contiguous counties beginning the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. Students are eligible for this award for up to four semesters if renewal criteria are met.

Eighty-five percent of Northark students receive financial aid, and work-study programs are available. The college also provides tools on its website such as a Net Price Calculator to assist students and their families in better understanding the costs of attending; a budgeting worksheet to help students determine the amount of loan funds they need; and financial coaching made available through Northark Help.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH SAU Tech’s Financial Aid Office staff provides assistance with every aspect of paying for college. Even if a student is not sure they will be attending SAU Tech, staff members will help the family complete the FAFSA. In addition to holding the line on cost of attendance, the college offers work-study, regular extra help, campus housing and textbook rental programs as well as a variety of financial aid to more than 90 percent of the student body. Federal Pell grants, subsidized loans and various scholarship programs make up the college’s catalog of aid. Scholarships are awarded based on performance in athletics, academics, choir, cheer and degree-specific areas of study. Each award carries its own specific requirements.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS The University of Arkansas offers a wide variety of scholarship programs for students, including for new freshman, transfer students,

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currently enrolled students, those in the military, honors fellowships and college and departmental awards. The majority of scholarship funding is merit-based and competitively awarded based on written applications, special talent, test scores, high school GPA, and/or college GPA, and considers the entire applicant pool.

The university offers a number of scholarships to students with special talent in areas like band, music, art and athletics. Some scholarships require enrollment in a certain college or certain major. Other scholarships might target students who represent an underserved community such as first-generation college students, students from underrepresented ethic or minority groups or students who reside in an underrepresented county in Arkansas.

In addition, Advance Arkansas scholarships support new, returning and transfer students from Arkansas who exhibit financial need, a record of academic success and a strong desire to complete their degree.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK UA Little Rock has begun to move away from dependence on test scores to determine eligibility; merit scholarships require a 2.0 and are based on high school GPA. The higher a student’s GPA, the higher their financial award.

UA Little Rock has also moved from accepting only the composite ACT score to accepting the superscore for merit scholarships. The superscore allows students to take the highest score on each ACT subsection, across multiple tests, and use those to determine their score.

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This provides most students with an increase in ACT score.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships worked with Campus Logic to implement new scholarship software this fall, the most exciting feature of which is the availability of outside, third-party scholarships within the system.

ScholarshipUniverse contains thousands of scholarship opportunities from many sources, and UA Little Rock students will have the opportunity to search and apply for scholarships based on academic merit, academic program, financial need or even their personal interests.

ScholarshipUniverse is a one-stop shop for scholarships, including external, institutional and private scholarships.

Students have a variety of employment options available at UA Little Rock. The Federal Work Study program enables students to earn money toward college expenses by working on campus up to 20 hours a week during the school year. UA Little Rock is also excited to implement Trojan Works, a campus-based program for student employment. Students who are not eligible for federal work study will be able to apply for and receive on-campus employment.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers a wide array of scholarships and other financial aid, assisting 99 percent of the student body in some form. Scholarships include performance-based awards in band, cheerleading and choir, and in 12 university sports Other scholarships are offered to students in a particular field of study, such as an institutional art scholarship and the Windgate Scholarship for students in the Department of Art and Design. Various departments offer scholarships to students enrolled in particular majors; for example, the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences currently offers a scholarship to students majoring in agriculture and meeting specific academic standards, as well as scholarships in the area of computer science for those who will lead the way for the world’s next technological revolution.

In addition, UAPB offers military scholarships for those who have served their country, as well as awards independent of the university, including the Arkansas Rehabilitation Grant assisting students with outlined disabilities and a Workforce Grant assisting non-traditional students re-entering the workforce.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The University of Central Arkansas supports a robust set of financial aid options to help students afford the cost of higher education. About 85 percent of UCA students receive some form of financial aid, including nearly 97 percent of first-time undergraduate students.

UCA students are eligible to apply for federal, state and institutional aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans and work opportunities. Also available are a number of performance-based scholarships available to entering and continuing students in athletics, cheer, dance, band, music and other specialty areas. In addition, the UCA Foundation has scholarship opportunities for students based on Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

specific donor criteria such as field of study, hometown, volunteerism, special interests and other factors.

The Student Financial Aid Office’s website includes calculators and budgeting tools to help students and their families plan ahead. In addition, prospective students and their families can review information about federal, state, institutional and private funding opportunities for students.

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SPOTLIGHT: SHORTER COLLEGE Shorter College is a private, faith-based, two-year liberal arts college located in North Little Rock. Founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter College is one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the only private, two-year HBCU in the nation.

There was a time in the nation’s history when HBCUs were the only place for African Americans to obtain a college education. And while options for students of color have multiplied over the years, HBCUs are still leaders in championing the education of African Americans, historically disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations, and traditional and non-traditional students of all races, classes and ages.

Shorter College has benefited from this renaissance and is the fastest-growing campus in Central Arkansas. The school offers yearlong open enrollment, allowing any person to get started exactly when they are ready. The Entrepreneurial Studies Program offers enterprising students a baseline of practical skills that can be put to use immediately. The Computer Science Program is supported by two grants, one from IBM and one from Apple.

The program supports traditional study, but also offers extensive training and certificates in ready-to-work skills in current technology such as cyber security and coding.

The greatest misconception about an HBCU education is that it does not match the quality of a non-HBCU. This is based on many false narratives. While Shorter College does not shy away from the reality of the situation some students endure before they enroll, the focus remains on showing the path to what’s possible, supporting learners’ every step from enrollment to graduation.

Notable Shorter College alumni: *Daisy Bates (1913-1999), civil rights activist, newspaper publisher, mentor of the Little Rock Nine. *Scipio Africanus Jones (1863-1943), educator, politician, defense attorney for the Elaine Twelve. *Robert Stanton (1902-?), dentist and state politician, one of the first two African Americans elected to the Indiana lower house in the 20th century; helped organize African American support for the Democratic Party in Lake County, Indiana.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

TWO YEAR COLLEGES Across the country, two-year schools are

growing in popularity thanks to lower cost to attend, shorter completion times and a bevy of degrees that can be put right to work in a variety of well-paid professions.

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE National surveys have shown that students are more interested in short-term educational programs that allow them to finish sooner and begin earning money faster. Arkansas Northeastern College offers many short-term programs taking only a year or less, resulting in high-paying careers. In fact, ANC associate degree holders enjoy the highest average starting rate of pay of any Arkansas institution’s alums except medical schools.

ANC offers the lowest tuition in the state, and through the Emergency Training Programs Grant, ANC is offering the Construction Technology Program for free to all students. This one-semester program produces graduates earning $57,769 in their first year of employment following completion of the program per the 2019 Economic Security Report.

The school is well known for its nursing programs administered through the state-of-the-art Angela Wren Nursing and Allied Health Building. ANC is also renowned for its Steel Industry Technology program, the only such program in the state.

The faculty and staff of ANC take pride in all aspects of the college experience and adhere to our mission of offering lifelong learning opportunities to our service district. Extracurricular and cultural involvement opportunities are integral to the learning process, developing better team players, fostering a love for learning and producing a citizen who is well prepared for tomorrow’s workplace and society.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS ASU Three Rivers is a comprehensive community college serving the educational needs of a diverse population. In addition to transfer degrees, the college offers programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into various career and technical fields, including business, industrial maintenance, computer networking, cosmetology and practical nursing.

The college offers dual high school/college credit through a Concurrent Enrollment Program, which provides coursework in the high school classroom, commingled with ASUTR campus sections or online. College credit is offered for specific career and technical programs (CTE) through the Career Center on our Malvern campus as well as at our newly con14 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

Two-year schools, such as Shorter College in North Little Rock deliver quality for less. structed Saline County Career Technical Campus, opening in Fall 2021.

Students who choose to attend ASUTR either instead of or before starting a four-year program will find several advantages such as central location, smaller campus size and instructional flexibility, while not sacrificing instructional quality — all at a price that is much more affordable than many schools.

The college is dedicated to increasing diversity on campus while also providing programs and services to meet the needs of a varied group of people. Resources and opportunities for students include dedicated services for first-generation students, parents of young children, students with disabilities, veterans, honors students, degree-seekers and workers who seek to enhance their skills in order to advance or broaden their professional options.

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE Black River Technical College students receive a quality education in a fraction of the time and cost of a four-year program. This means BRTC students are job-ready within one to two years and well-positioned to start earning higher wages in their chosen field.

The college has invested heavily in state-ofthe-art technologies to prepare students for real-world experiences. More and more students are converting to online or hybrid online programs, and BRTC continues to expand these courses to meet this growing demand. In addition, students who attend two-year schools in their community tend to stay in their community.

BRTC offers academic degrees and programs in areas such as machine tool technology, welding, auto service and auto collision, as well as degree programs for professions including business, agriculture and public service. BRTC is known for developing students into skilled craftspeople through educational training in its Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

quality technical programs.

One of BRTC’s latest additions is the University Center, where students may complete four-year degrees without leaving home. These degrees are offered through agreements with four-year universities and allow students the convenience of using BRTC technology and classrooms.

One of the more innovative programs is BRTC’s gunsmithing program, the first and only one in the state of Arkansas and one of seven college-based programs in the United States. In addition, BRTC’s eleven-week firefighter essentials training program allows students to complete their required training in an accelerated time frame.

SHORTER COLLEGE A two-year degree from Shorter College is one of the lowest-cost degrees in the state. There is also an extensive network of support, including Success Coaches and tutoring to aid students with their progress.

Shorter College offers access to additional job-ready skills training and certificates that students can complete while working on degrees to prepare them for the workforce. Degrees include an associate of arts in child development, Christian leadership, criminal justice, general studies, entrepreneurial studies and computer science.

One of Shorter’s programs offers a chance at education for the incarcerated, and these students access the college through the Second Chance Pell program or transitioning out of incarceration via the Reentry program. Meeting the needs of people looking for ways to improve their situation will always be part of Shorter College’s heartbeat.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH SAU Tech University prepares students to start a career in as little as one year. For stu-

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16 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

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dents who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, the school offers the first two years of the exact same curriculum as a four-year university, but at a lower cost. SAU Tech features campus activities such as NJCAA athletics, cheer, choir and a full student-life experience for our students, in addition to student housing.

Students and their parents are more cost-conscious today, making two-year degrees particularly attractive. These families value the fact that their graduate has less debt and a degree that has nearly guaranteed employment.

The school offers a wide range of degrees to meet the needs of local business and industry partners in the field of aerospace defense manufacturing/advanced manufacturing. The local defense industry, including Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Armtec, General Dynamics and others, looks to SAU Tech to provide jobready training to this industry sector. A degree in nondestructive testing, for instance, gives students a career path where average pay is $100,000 a year.

SAU Tech offers quality instruction and facilities in many other academic areas, including its Professional Cosmetology Academy, Welding Academy and a new cybersecurity program.

On the horizon are expanded allied health offerings, including pharmacy tech, phlebotomy and sonography.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE The University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock offers a diverse and challenging education that is unique in central Arkansas. Associate degree programs are designed to transfer seamlessly to area four-year institutions, while associate of applied science degrees and related certificates are designed to facilitate entry into the workforce.

“AT UA-PTC, we provide the online and flexible hybrid classes our students require, while still attending to individual instruction and attention,” said Tim Jones, director of Public Relations and Marketing. “We are offering virtually all of our student support services online, such as counseling, advising and tutoring.”

Transfer agreements like the 2+2 agreements with UA Little Rock and others ensure that students can map out an educational journey from start to finish, saving time and money.

“Last year, UA Fayetteville began offering the Arkansas Achievement Transfer Scholarship, which allows students from the UA System’s two-year institutions to attend junior and senior years at Fayetteville for the same tuition cost they paid where they received their associate degree,” Jones said. “This is an enormous cost savings to UA-PTC students as they continue their education.”

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SPOTLIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF In 1873, state Sen. John Middleton Clayton sponsored a legislative act calling for the establishment of Branch Normal College, the primary objective of which was educating Black students to become teachers for the state’s Black schools. The first class at the Pine Bluff school consisted of seven students.

Between 1882 and 1895, 10 students would receive a bachelor of arts degree before the reduction of the collegiate program at Branch Normal.

In 1927, Branch Normal College changed its name to Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), adopting the lion mascot a year later. In late 1929, the campus relocated to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s current site. Eight new buildings were constructed. In 1972, AM&N joined the University of Arkansas system, thus becoming the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The long list of notable alumni includes: Dorothy M. Hoover, a pioneer in the field of aeronautical mathematics and research.

The granddaughter of slaves, she overcame the significant obstacles facing African American women to earn advanced degrees in physics and mathematics. Her life story was largely unknown until she was mentioned in the highly acclaimed book “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” (2016) by Margot Lee Shetterly.

Kevin Earlee Cole, a Pine Bluff native who became one of the country’s most renowned artists. His works are widely collected, and he has completed more than 35 public art commissions, including the Coca-Cola Centennial Olympic Mural for the 1996 Olympic Games and “Soul Ties That Matter,” a 55-foot-long installation created for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2018. The artist’s work is also included in more than 3,600 public, private and corporate collections throughout the United States, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Dr. Mamie Parker, an African American biologist, environmentalist and administrator.

She began her career as a fishery biologist at a national fish hatchery in Wisconsin and became the first Black person to serve as a deputy regional director and regional director in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Among her conservation successes was listing the Atlantic salmon as an endangered species. She also led the effort to create the first Arkansas Ecological Services field office, in Conway.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

THE RIGHT JOB REQUIRES THE RIGHT TRAINING The job market right now is hungry for employees across all industries. But to land that dream job, students need to demonstrate the right skills and training.

Arkansas’s colleges and universities partner with local industry to ensure educational programs are ready to be put to work right away.

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE According to the Economic Security Report, Arkansas Northeastern College ranks highest among all Arkansas colleges and universities in terms of average full-time wages for associate degree graduates. These alums earn an average full-time wage of $49,706 in their first year of employment, better even than the average first-year wage for bachelor degree-holders in Arkansas, aside from medical school.

Some of the high-demand fields (and average yearly wages) for which Arkansas Northeastern College is preparing students, many in a year or less, include construction trades ($57,769); industrial electrical systems ($98,902); emergency medical technician ($47,271); paramedic ($49,611), and heating, ventilation and air conditioning ($50,365).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Graduates from A-State have always been in high demand, especially in the health care fields.

“Graduates have had no difficulty finding jobs in or around our region, and salaries are competitive,” said Sarah Davidson, interim dean of ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. “All health care fields are in demand, but particularly nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing predicts an intense shortage of nurses in the United States, particularly in the South and West.”

The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a variety of associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees, training students for careers in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, clinical laboratory science, medical imaging and radiation science, nutrition, social work, disaster preparedness and emergency management.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Arkansas Tech University offers a diverse curriculum that provides learners with multiple access points to higher education, ranging from 18 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas’s trucking students are in high demand.

the technical certificates, certificates of proficiency and associate’s degrees offered through its Ozark campus to the associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a specialist and a doctoral degree available through its Russellville campus.

The school has developed into a leader for STEM education in Arkansas. Programs offered through the College of Natural and Health Sciences include biology, biology with biomedical option, chemistry, fisheries and wildlife science, nuclear physics and nursing. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers STEM-related programs in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity and mechanical engineering.

In the College of Business, business data analytics is the first program in Arkansas that approaches data analytics from a business perspective. Graduates of the program are prepared to analyze data in a way that allows firms to determine strategy and solve problems.

BAPTIST HEALTH SCHOOLS, LITTLE ROCK Baptist Health Schools, Little Rock is dedicated to working directly with the Baptist Health System and other health care systems in Arkansas in staying current in health care trends and producing quality graduates ready for the workforce, including: Licensed Practical Nurse – Baptist Health Schools Little Rock offers a one-year program with two prerequisites for students interested in practical nursing.

Registered Nurse – Baptist Health Schools Little Rock offers a three-semester program with nine required prerequisites for students interested in registered nursing. An accelerated two-semester track with nine required prerequisites is also available for qualified individuals.

Sleep Technology, also called Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology – PSG techs operate a variety of electronic monitoring devices, recording brain and cardiac activity and other physiological events during a sleep study. Baptist Health Schools Little Rock offers a one-year

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program with no college prerequisites for students interested in Sleep Technology.

For more information on individual program requirements, visit our website at www.bhclr. edu. To schedule a tour, call 501-202-7951 or study@bhclr.edu.

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE Allied health-related career positions have remained strong for the last five to seven years.

Black River Technical College has a large array of allied health care and allied health business degree offerings, including respiratory care, practical and registered nursing, phlebotomy, paramedic/EMT, nursing assistant, nutrition and dietetics, medical transcription, medical office administration and medical coding.

BRTC strives to offer state-of-the-art simulation labs and equipment to students, especially in the trades and technical programs. The college also offers a robust slate of career services in order to prepare students for the transition into their chosen career field after graduation.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Henderson State University provides comprehensive career services to help graduates land in high-demand roles, such as teachers, nurses, pilots and, in Henderson’s case specifically, aviation workers. Henderson State includes tracks for professional pilots as well as aviation management and maintenance, offering the only aviation degree in the state of Arkansas.

To assist students in finding a job, the Center for Career Development utilizes a system called Handshake. Handshake, an early talent recruiting platform, connects employers, talent and the university all in one place. The system connects employers to students, which allows employers to post jobs, view students’ resumes, filter candidates and schedule interviews.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE National Park College’s Career Services offers career planning, resume assistance, job search activities, mock interviews and intern-

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ships. Several of NPC’s programs boast 100 percent placement rates of those seeking employment within six months of graduation, including allied health, automotive repair, business management, criminal justice, hospitality, industrial technology, marine repair technology, nursing and welding.

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE North Arkansas College programs maintain relevance in today’s market needs through collaboration with multiple external bodies such as specialized accreditors, advisory councils, ADHE, HLC and industry partners.

“Northark continues to enjoy partnerships with local industry that result in sponsorship of machinery, equipment, robotics, simulations and other hands-on learning opportunities,” she said. “We routinely place education students in classroom practicals and observation roles through agreements with schools. Likewise, we partner with area hospitals and clinics to provide clinicals, practicals, observations and career mentorship for health profession students.”

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS The truck driver shortage in the United States has made Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas’s CDL/Truck Driving program extremely attractive. In the past four years, PCCUA has graduated about 150 truck drivers from the 17-credit-hour program.

Welding is another in-demand, high-wage occupation. PCCUA has three Certificates of Proficiency in general welding, inert welding and mild steel welding.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Technological advances in all the fields of engineering are driving enrollment in the College of Engineering, where the most popular majors are computer science, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering. These majors see a 76 percent placement rate with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $67,000.

Walton College of Business graduates are also in high demand. The average salary for a Walton undergraduate business major is close to $53,000. MBA graduates’ median salary is $69,000 and 85 percent of these students land a job within three months of graduation.

Teaching continues to be a career choice in high demand and the College of Education and Health Professions has expanded its offerings in teacher education. Elementary educators can expect to earn about $57,000 a year.

Students are supported in their career search by the Career Development Center, which provides education, resources and events for undergraduate, graduate level students and recent alumni.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s School of Nursing offers a traditional associate degree that leads to RN licensure, a transition program that puts an LPN or paramedic on the fast-track to becoming an RN, and a BSN completion program. The Center for Simulation Innovation continues to add new technology that immerses the student into the role of the nurse.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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UA Little Rock is offering a new bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity this fall. Arkansas has more than 25,000 unfilled positions in cybersecurity, and developing a cyber workforce in the state will be critical to attracting and growing industry.

This year, UA Little Rock expanded its policies for awarding prior learning credit so that students can now apply for academic credit for learning they have achieved at work. Currently, 72 percent of UA Little Rock undergraduates work at least part time.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that general/operations managers, registered nurses and software developers remain top career choices for individuals with a bachelor’s degree; these roles have been in high demand since 2016. The University of Central Arkansas offers multiple degree plans in these fields.

Robyn Williams, UCA associate director of Career Services – Cooperative Education, said the school stays in touch with more than 500 organizations in the business community to ensure educational programs are producing workready employees upon graduation.

Six career fairs are held during the academic year, four of which target jobs in specific industries such as health, STEM/graduate school, nursing and teaching. Career Services helps students prepare for opportunities after college through mock interviews, resume/cover letter assistance, career coaching, on-campus interviews, networking events and a career closet.

ACHE’S MEDICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE GROWING The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is a private, not-for-profit institution located on 573 acres in Fort Smith. ACHE is the first and only private institution in Arkansas that is dedicated solely to health care and wellness.

ACHE’s first college, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, welcomed its fifth class of osteopathic medical students in July 2021.

ACHE opened its second building during the summer of 2021. The 66,000-squarefoot facility is home to the School of Physical Therapy, which welcomed its first class in June, and the School of Occupational Therapy, which will welcome its inaugural class in January 2022. Both the ACHE PT and ACHE OT are doctoral-level programs.

ACHE recently announced a $32.3 million gift to go toward renovation of the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, as well as the implementation of a variety of health and wellness programs that will be housed in the 317,000-squarefoot facility.

For more information about the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and its programs, visit acheedu.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 21

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

TECHNOLOGY RULES ON CAMPUS From distance learning to high tech in the classroom, today’s college experience is rich with technology.

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE Arkansas Northeastern College has been offering fully online degrees for the past decade. That innovation has evolved into an ANC YOUR WAY menu of class offerings known as Multi-Modal. Multi-Modal allows students to take classes as they prefer on any given day: in-person, through Zoom or online.

The college is investing heavily in classroom technology; currently, 28 academic classrooms and labs are being upgraded to enhance academic teaching and learning at a cost of almost $1.2 million. Resources are provided to students in need, including loaner laptops and help with Internet service.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS Arkansas State University Three Rivers offers completely online, hybrid and webcast classes.

The university has offered webcast courses for three years and online classes for approximately 20 years. In 2020-21, 30 percent of ASUTR students chose the e-learning option.

ASUTR’s Computer Information Science and Mechatronics degree programs are designed to prepare students to become thought leaders in a technological environment. E-learning students have access to all student services, free online tutoring and the library’s extensive collection of online and other resources.

a range of medical scenarios in a realistic health care environment. Aviation students gain valuable experience in the Redbird FMX simulators as part of their path to live flights with an instructor at the airport.

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PCCUA offers a fully accredited, online Associate of Arts degree and has been a leader in e-learning since the early 1990s. The college embraces technology and e-learning to allow students who cannot come to campus an opportunity to further their education. PCCUA uses a variety of e-learning technologies to enhance learning, optimize communication and engage students.

Students in e-learning classes are offered the same resources as on-campus students, including tutoring services, library services and advising. The college offers orientation to e-learning and provides assistance to students having difficulties with technology and access. Each campus has at least one open technology lab for students. PCCUA provides online tutoring, college engagement activities and discussions via Zoom.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Arkansas Tech University offers a wide-ranging curriculum that can be completed online, including 12 bachelor’s degrees, six associate’s degrees, nine master’s degrees and one specialist degree. ATU also offers four certificates of proficiency, three technical certificates, four endorsements and two graduate certificates.

Interdisciplinary Project Based Learning (IPBL) brings together student teams from varied major fields of study, allowing them to work on real-world problems. Examples of these classes at ATU include Collaborative Solutions, which tackles such topics as global warming, artificial intelligence and human migration.

SHORTER COLLEGE Shorter College uses the Canvas LMS for all assignments, whether instruction is done remotely or in person. This was implemented in the summer of 2020, allowing all students to pursue success, whether studying remotely or on campus.

The college’s e-learning solutions allow non-traditional students to complete classwork on their own schedule. The web-based application offers supporting apps for iOS and Android.

Shorter College’s Entrepreneurial Studies Program focuses on technology and understanding trends to enable students to take advantage of opportunities in real time. The Computer Science Program focuses on transferring real-world skills to students quickly and efficiently.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY The university offers a number of online classes for undergraduate and graduate students as an option for working adults who want to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree on a more flexible schedule. Online learning joins an already technology-rich learning environment at the university.

The Innovative Media Department gives students hands-on opportunities to develop products in new and rich media. The nursing program introduced “Nursing Anne” and “Sim Baby” simulators, allowing students to address

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS The university offers a robust online program through online.uark.edu. 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.

The university offers the same options to distance learners that it offers to on-campus students, including true classes, tutoring, library support and scholarship opportunities, thus providing the same potential for educational growth and advancement.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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Because of COVID-19, many traditional in-person classes were offered through hybrid options this past year. The university returned to in-person classes this year, but officials continue to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of Health to keep all students safe.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK With the demand for more online offerings each year, 61 percent of all UA Little Rock students were taking at least some courses online prior to the pandemic. The university offers a suite of almost 70 fully online programs.

UA Little Rock is an Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) Partner and part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges. Online military students have access to the Military Student Success Center, are exempt from the application fee and receive discounted tuition.

Ottenheimer Library works closely with online students to provide access to scholarly journals and databases. The library has an eLearning librarian who works with online students via the library reciprocity program, ARKLink. This allows students to access library privileges from across the state.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF UAPB’s online degree program has attracted a wide demographic of students, and more than 5,000 current students choose this option to pursue their education using the distance learning platform.

All majors in all departments utilize technology to teach the fundamentals of “what’s next,” promoting research and advancement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Office of Career Services ensures students are exposed to Fortune 500 companies by providing internships that yield future employment opportunities.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS In 2015, the university launched UCA Online to develop high-quality online degree programs. UCA offers six online undergraduate degree completion programs in business, health and safety, addiction studies and other fields.

UCA’s online instructors are trained to develop high-quality, innovative online courses, supported by UCA’s Center for Teaching Excellence.

The Center has risen to the challenge by training faculty to develop the technical and pedagogical skills needed to deliver quality online instruction. Student support units have worked hard to move their services online. As UCA begins the fall term, nearly all courses will have sections offered fully or partially online.

EXPECT MORE It’s time to expect more from yourself – and your college experience.

UA Little Rock offers over 100 academic programs including Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Engineering and Nursing. With more than 90 campus clubs and organizations, there are plenty of exciting ways to grow as an individual and as a leader.

Expect a complete college experience with exciting athletics, state-of-the-art residence halls, and abundant internship and job opportunities around Little Rock.

ualr.edu Expect to be welcomed. Expect to be challenged. Expect to be amazed. Scan to apply for admission. We’ll even match you with scholarship opportunities.

ualr.edu

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

SCHOOL-LIFE BALANCE College is a fun, vibrant time but it can also be stressful without a

network of services addressing health, wellness and providing opportunities to get involved.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY The Red WOLF Center is a full-service fitness facility offering equipment, virtual/face-to-face group workouts and intramurals. Club Sports are offered through the center, providing an opportunity for students to participate in competitive sports.

The campus Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling sessions and personal development outreach programs targeting student mental wellness. The CARE Team supports the campus community by connecting students with appropriate campus services to assist them in overcoming obstacles.

A variety of student organizations exist to meet academic, social, athletic and religious interests.

Students are encouraged to select at least one co-curricular opportunity to enhance the campus experience.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Eleven cooking stations in the Chambers Cafeteria dining hall and convenient quick service options at Baswell Techionery help provide nutrition for students on the move.

Tech Fit provides a workout space and indoor walking track for Arkansas Tech University students, faculty and staff. Outdoors, the Tech Connect trail on the western boundary of campus gives access to a network of bicycle and pedestrian trails that includes Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary.

The Doc Bryan Student Services Center provides health/medical resources for the university community. ATU Counseling Services provides a wide range of free and confidential counseling, consultation and outreach services.

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE The campus offers intramural sports consisting of flag football, volleyball and basketball, and has launched an Esports program, allowing students to compete with other colleges/universities.

The Director of Student Development presents classes to all nursing, respiratory care and freshman students on the topic of mental health and setting personal and professional boundaries. This presentation addresses coping with anxiety and performing self-care.

Mental health and behavioral health are addressed in all-new student orientation sessions.

BRTC’s Early Alert program allows faculty and staff to refer students to the Dean of Students Office as concerns arise.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Henderson State University’s Student Health Center provides primary health care for illnesses and minor injuries on campus. The Student Counseling Center is available to help students with a variety of concerns, including roommate difficulties, anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflicts.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE Northark provides a workout room for students, competitive sports and physical education courses designed to increase activity. The college partners with the Arkansas Department of Health to provide flu immunizations and also partnered with a local hospital to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.

A Behavioral Intervention Advisor is available for crisis assessment and emotional support, and assists students in obtaining professional help through community agencies. Faculty and staff are trained in how to help students in distress, as well as in suicidal prevention and mental health first aid.

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Many students look to PCCUA for assistance while enrolled in classes. Food pantries are one important service, especially when the pandemic hit and many lost their jobs. Ridge Runner Food Pantries were formed last spring to provide an assortment of canned food, dry goods and boxed foods to individuals taking classes at PCCUA or who work for PCCUA. Debbie Hardy, PCCUA Director of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness, said, “The food we provide helps sustain our students and their families. Many college students have to cut back on work hours in order to attend classes and we are proud to be able to continue to provide this service for our students this fall.”

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH Southern Arkansas University Tech has an activity center and food services, and it provides students with access to medical, dental and mental health services with off-campus providers.

SAU Tech also has a licensed counselor on staff and strong relationships with community mental health providers. Students are educated about these resources in freshman seminar classes and each fall at the college’s Health and Wellness Fair.

The fair hosts providers of all kinds of health-related services. Faculty and staff are trained to recognize the signs of depression and to refer students to the campus counselor.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS The Pat Walker Health Center’s counseling and psychological services offer clinical consultations, group therapy and psychiatric services for a range of health concerns, including depression and anxiety, among others. Available health care options include wellness classes, nutrition consultations, orthopedics and immunizations, among other services.

Since the onset of COVID-19, the health center has also provided testing services for students, faculty and staff who demonstrate symptoms or who have been in contact with an infected person. The center also provides vaccinations for campus community members.

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The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building offers comprehensive fitness and recreational opportunities for all students. A second, smaller facility in the Arkansas Union offers weights, elliptical bikes, treadmills and a workout studio.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK The university’s fitness and aquatics center provides opportunities for group fitness classes and work with personal trainers. Students can also rent camping equipment for outdoor adventures, and they have access to massage chairs on campus.

Health Services provides outpatient clinical services, while Counseling Services promotes mental health and wellness. UA Little Rock provides “safe zones” where individuals affected by prejudice, hateful acts or sexual violence can safely go for support and assistance.

Intramural sports, Greek life and numerous student organizations are available to all students.

A gaming lounge offers TVs with Roku, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and games for checkout. The campus garden offers students a chance to learn about urban agriculture, with much of the produce donated to the campus’s Trojan Food Pantry.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF The UAPB Fitness Center provides exercise equipment, group fitness classes, water aerobics and weight training in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Center.

Student Health Services uses a collaborative approach toward student development. The Student Counseling, Assessment & Development (SCAD) Center provides counseling and psychosocial support. The university makes a Lactation Room available to students, faculty and staff.

UAPB’s Student Success Center is a one-stop shop for academic support services, open to all university students living on and off campus. The UAPB Office of Student Involvement & Leadership develops co-curricular experiences for leadership development, civic engagement and social enrichment.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center is outfitted with a 10,000-squarefoot weight room, an indoor pool, group exercise classrooms and a ropes course. Students can also sign up for personal training sessions and virtual/in-person group exercise classes. Students can check out kayaks, canoes and bicycles for outdoor adventures.

Healthy dining options are available through Christian Cafeteria, accommodating a variety of dietary needs. The Student Health Clinic offers patient-centered health care, telehealth appointments and COVID-19 testing. The UCA Counseling Center provides mental health services, including teletherapy and in-person sessions, to current UCA students.

We’re Determined...

To make a difference Dedicated, creative people come here for innovative learning opportunities that make anything possible. For the last 150 years, our unique traditions and welcoming community have made the U of A a destination for those who are determined to make a difference.

As Razorbacks, we’re building a better world...It’s our calling.

ARKANSAS.EDU

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

eVERSITY A nationally recognized leader in online education T

The state’s first all-online university continues to break new, innovative ground when it comes to the structure and effectiveness of its educational programs.

The University of Arkansas System eVersity was launched to help individuals complete college degrees in a time-conscious and cost-effective manner. It has succeeded in its mission by constantly improving its coursework and online delivery to meet the learning styles of students.

“The principles of good instruction are not really about how content is delivered,” said Dr. Michael Moore, chief academic and operating officer. “Anyone who has gone to high school or college knows they had fantastic teachers and they had not-so-good teachers. That doesn’t have anything to do with the delivery of the materials, it has to do with people who are really thoughtful and mindful about their instruction.”

“The truth of the matter is the vast majority of people who teach at the college level don’t take any classes on how to teach in their curriculum.

Unlike K-12 teachers who go to school specifically to learn how to teach, college is remarkably different. Faculty members in higher education are hired because they’re subject matter

to navigate the system, access reference materials and feel comfortable asking questions.

No one gives you a college degree. A college degree has to be earned, so we want students’ focus on the content and not on a system that gets in the way of learning. That, to me, is really what sets our approach apart at eVersity from most of the other online schools that are out there.”

This philosophy is one big reason eVersity continues to receive high marks from students and win awards for its course design. But, as Moore said, that alone is not enough; it also takes the grit and determination of the student to leverage opportunity and resources to follow through to their goal.

“As somebody who’s spent his entire professional career in higher education, the most important part of pursuing a college degree is students learning to fight through the obstacles that come up,” he said. “Everybody’s going to have them; it might be a health issue in a family member. Maybe somebody in the family had a child or they lost their job. For others, it might be financial challenges.”

“For that traditional 18-22-year-old now,

“MY MESSAGE TO ALL STUDENTS IS TO NOT LET AN UNANTICIPATED OBSTACLE GET IN THE WAY OF PURSUING A COLLEGE DEGREE.” —DR. MICHAEL MOORE, EVERSITY experts and they’re crazy smart. But they’re not always the best at thinking about how to design curriculum.”

Moore said this often creates a situation by which professors miss part of their students’ educational needs. Someone who has been out of the college classroom for 20 years may need a refresher on writing style or how to footnote a term paper. Or, they have more life and work experiences and demand classroom learning that stresses the practical, something they can apply to their jobs right away.

Throughout its existence, eVersity has never lost sight of the fundamental needs and demands of the student body.

“What we believe strongly is the way to design the best class possible is to pair the faculty member with an instructional designer,” he said. “And we listen; the first time a course is offered we always have revisions. We always go back. We look at student feedback, what worked, what didn’t work. It’s not uncommon the first time out to say we tried that and that didn’t work. Or, we tried it and we can now see a better way of doing it.”

“Why do we do that? Because we want to make things as easy for the student as possible 26 SEPTEMBER 2021

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it might be COVID and they feel uncomfortable going to a brick-and-mortar campus, or, because of the impact COVID has had on so many people’s finances, they feel they can’t afford to go to school. My message to all students is to not let an unanticipated obstacle get in the way of pursuing a college degree.” eVersity helps students meet many of these challenges. With flat-rate pricing and no books to buy, the online university is one of the most affordable options for higher education in Arkansas. The online format fits into any work or family schedule, and support from academic advisors and professors is just an email away.

All in all, Moore said, it’s a better, smarter way to go to college.

“The affordable, high-quality degrees that we have at eVersity focus on real-world relevancy and degrees that help people advance in the workplace,” he said. “The vast majority of jobs in the future are going to require a college degree, and if you feel that you need access to something that is flexible to deal with a job, family or the changing circumstances around COVID, you need to look at eVersity.”

Learn more about eVersity at eversity.edu.

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ARKANSAS DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION You might be wondering — do colleges and potential employers check your social media? They do! Your digital reputation, even as a young teenager, can impact your potential success. Our digital footprint is a record of all our online activity, and we all need to be aware of what that activity looks like. The Social Media Awareness Campaign (SMACtalk) from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has developed resources to help students, parents and teachers engage in conversations about navigating online presentation. The following recommendations will help you get a start on improving your own online presence: search your own name online (and subscribe to alerts), monitor social media posts you are tagged in, and review your followers and who you are following.

Your digital footprint can impact your reputation and even your future employment, so it is wise to be intentional about trying to make your online presence positive. Cleaning up your social media accounts by removing negative posts or pictures — and by creating authentic, positive posts — can go a long way in establishing a favorable online presence.

Colleges do not just want to know about your grades; they also want to know what kind of citizen you are and how you contribute to your community. Part of that community is online. Think before you post. Recognizing that your digital footprint is an important part of your resume will help you prepare your social media accounts for viewing by colleges and employers. Visit DESE’s smactalk.info/ footprint for more help in establishing your online presence. Happy college hunting, and keep that digital footprint stepping in the right direction!

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SEPTEMBER 2021 27

2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

CAMPUS NEWS There’s a lot going on with Arkansas’s

colleges and universities. Read below to see a little bit of what’s on campus.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Arkansas State University held the line on tuition for the second consecutive year (and for the third year in the past four). ASU is committing $1 million in need-based institutional financial aid to students and has also adopted new admission standards that make standardized tests optional for admission.

“A-State now has an ‘or’ admission policy, not an ‘and.’ ” said Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. “If a high school student has a 3.00 high school GPA or a 19 on the ACT or ranks in the top 20 percent of their graduation class, they’re admitted.”

The university has redoubled its effort to keep students, faculty and staff safe as the new school year begins. ASU requires the wearing of masks by all individuals for any indoor location where six-foot social distancing is not practical, including classrooms, offices or meeting rooms, or in any confined space such as an elevator.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen announced that it is the intention of Arkansas Tech for its campuses in Russellville and Ozark to resume normal in-person classes and activities in time for the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year. In August, ATU developed a COVID-19 Management Plan whose guidelines align with current local, state and national legislation, including guidance and best practices from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), and the American College Health Association (ACHA).

Arkansas Tech University was again No. 1 in upward social mobility among all Arkansas higher education institutions. Arkansas Tech University has also earned a place in the Colleges of Distinction 2021-22 cohort. ATU is the only Arkansas university to earn the Colleges of Distinction military support honor for 2021-22.

For the first time ever, the Wonder Boys are national champions. Andre Jacobs’ one-stroke victory in the fifth and final match of the day gave the ATU men’s golf team a 3-2 victory over Georgia Southwestern University in the finals of the 2021 NCAA Division II Golf Championships in May. BAPTIST HEALTH SCHOOLS, LITTLE ROCK This year, the institution celebrates 100 years of health care education. The school was incorporated February 16, 1921, and that year produced the first five graduates of Baptist State Hospital School of Nursing. Over the coming decades, the scope of the nursing school expanded rapidly, adding the school of radiology (1953), practical nursing (1964), medical laboratory science (1965), histotechnology (1976), 28 SEPTEMBER 2021

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nuclear medicine (1979), coding technology (1985, operating until 2007), medical transcription (1987) and surgical technology (1999).

Since 2001, the school has offered general education and science courses through a partnership with University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College as well as a clinical facility for Texas Wesleyan University, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist School. Since then, it has also formed partnerships with Arkansas Tech University and UA Little Rock to offer a seamless Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion track to registered nursing graduates.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY The Charles and Anita Cabe Student-Athlete Success Center was completed earlier this year, providing a spacious academic facility connected to the Formby Athletic Center. It includes a study room for groups, a computer lab, a study lounge, a new office for the academic advisor, private study areas and a full-sized classroom.

The Reddies baseball team won the 2021 Great American Conference Tournament championship in May. Henderson State’s women’s golf team won the 2021 Great American Conference golf title, earning the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Central Regional.

LYON COLLEGE Lyon College received a gift commitment of $1 million to create the endowed Michael E. Wilson Professorship of Business, Management and Social Entrepreneurship. The gift will serve as the foundation for the college’s Institute for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and will establish a comprehensive business incubator to combine academics with applied entrepreneurship for northeastern Arkansas.

Lyon College built the multi-purpose Dr. Mark Schram Memorial Outdoor Classroom this spring, offering students a safe class space surrounded by the campus’s beauty, as well as providing a central location for meetings, gatherings, yoga classes and more.

Jasmine Hernandez became Lyon College’s first national champion this year when she won the 123-pound weight class in the NAIA National Wrestling Invitational in March. The basketball program made Lyon College history this February when both the men’s and women’s teams won the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Regular-Season Championship.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Last year, the cumulative grade point average for all University of Arkansas student athletes was 3.25, with 78 student-athletes earning a 4.00 for the spring term.

The university added a new Department of Strategic, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation offering major, minor and doctoral degrees. The university’s Tesseract Center for Immersive Environments and Game Design won second place in the Higher Education category for its entry in the 2021 International Serious Play Awards competition. The award recognizes interactive virtual narratives that center on the U.S. civil rights movement in 1963-64.

The university also won the national Bike Month Challenge during May with campus members outdistancing the second- and third-place teams

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University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Wisconsin.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK In 2020, UA Little Rock received a $25 million gift from an anonymous donor, the single largest gift in the university’s 93-year history. A Student Success Endowment fund will receive $10 million, while $15 million will go toward student scholarships over the next five years.

The men’s basketball team is the 2020 Sun Belt Conference champ, and head coach Darrell Walker was named the Joe Gottfried Coach of the Year. Women’s head basketball coach Joe Foley was named among the 100 most influential people in women’s basketball. UA Little Rock catcher Kale Emshoff signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Royals, the 28th Trojan to sign a deal with a Major League Baseball program.

Trojans can now embrace the best of on-campus and online learning through a new flexible MBA program, which offers students the ability to take any class on campus in classrooms outfitted with advanced technology or via Zoom video conferencing.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff congratulated two of its graduate students selected to participate in the National Board for Certified Counselors’ Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counselors. Erika Franklin and Pamela Waters were among 40 fellows selected from 450 applicants.

Synchrony Foundation awarded $500,000 to the university to advance education equity and economic opportunity. The grant will help low-income and underrepresented students graduate from college and offer guidance for future career endeavors.

Major honors achieved by UAPB include ranking first on College Navigator’s list of average net price (lowest among Arkansas public four-year colleges) and ranking second on Best Value School’s 15 Best Value Colleges & Universities in Arkansas. The university also ranked seventh in the 2019 Best Regional Colleges-South by U.S. News and World Report, and the football team was crowned SWAC Conference Champions for 2021.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The University of Central Arkansas’s athletic department won the SLC Academic Performance Award, which is presented annually to the member institution compiling the highest academic progress rate average. The university also totaled more than 200 student-athletes on the SLC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

UCA’s more than 425 student-athletes maintained a combined 3.20 overall GPA. UCA launched the public phase of the largest fundraising effort in university history. The UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond campaign has a goal of raising $100 million.

The university has earned the 2021-22 Military Friendly® School designation from both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-22 survey, with 747 earning the designation.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

GETTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT Colleges and universities across Arkansas emphasize new

student orientation and other programs as a way to get students off to a fast start.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY TECHConnect is a comprehensive orientation for all incoming students. The TECHConnect experience includes an online pre-orientation, virtual summer workshop series and a four-day on-campus orientation held just before classes begin in August.

The APEX Tutoring Center at Arkansas Tech University offers free one-on-one peer tutoring for ATU Russellville campus students in more than 50 subjects. Group study sessions for courses such as Calculus I, Calculus II and Quantitative Business Analysis are also available.

Tutors staffed through the APEX Tutoring Center are trained according to College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) ethics and standards. Tutoring is also available through distance technology.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Henderson State University offers a series of Heart Start sessions each summer for incoming freshmen and their families before the fall semester begins. Throughout the day, students create their class schedules, learn about student resources, visit with financial aid representatives, receive their student IDs and explore the campus.

Welcome Week activities enable new students to meet and connect with classmates.

Among the events are a pep rally, street dance and street fair. Students can also get involved with Henderson’s Greek community, sign up for intramural sports and join a variety of organizations.

Henderson’s team of academic advisers in the Academic Advising Center is committed to student success. These advisers focus on the individual academic needs of each student and steer them toward the programs and resources that will help them graduate.

NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE National Park College sponsors a mandatory NPC Orientation for all new students in on-campus and online formats. In addition, NPC offers Welcome Week activities for all students, with representatives from every student organization, student club, and service program.

NPC offers a fully staffed Academic Success Center for tutoring and study support. Online tutoring is available for every academic subject taught at NPC, and in-person or virtual tutoring are available in most subjects. For undecided students, NPC offers a Career Services Center 30 SEPTEMBER 2021

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in which students can research various career fields and complete a career fitness survey.

NPC partners with approximately 20 area employers to provide internship opportunities for students.

NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE Northark hosts Welcome Week for students each fall, featuring fun events and activities to provide opportunities for students to get to know each other. Northark resources include the Learning Resource Center, which provides tutoring; Pete’s Food Pantry, which provides food for students with food insecurity; and many student organizations.

Academic tutoring through the Learning Resource Center can be face-to-face or can be conducted through Zoom sessions if the students prefer. Advisers also provide career coaching to students to help determine majors, information about internships or help with transfer to another institution if appropriate.

PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas provides mandatory student orientation for the fall semester for all campuses. All new and returning Ridge Runners on the Helena-West Helena, DeWitt and Stuttgart campuses who are enrolled in six or more hours are required to attend a student orientation class, offered free of charge prior to the beginning of classes. When students register for fall classes, advisers will add the orientation class to their schedule of fall classes.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY TECH All students take freshman seminar classes and go through an orientation process during their first few days on campus. The university sponsors various social events at the beginning of the semester for students to get to know each other and the college staff.

SAU Tech also provides advising, career planning, and tutoring for all students.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS First-year students are required to attend an orientation prior to their first semester and a one-hour University Perspectives course during their first year. Both of these provide an in-depth look at how the university operates, where to find guidance and what to expect during their college years.

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Traditional freshmen are required to live on campus their first year unless living with a parent or guardian. Throughout the school year, the Office of New Student and Family Programs offers events throughout the semester to make first-year students feel more at home and also offers opportunities for family members to join in on specific occasions.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK New students’ first-year experience begins with orientation and Welcome Week, a full week dedicated to having fun, receiving giveaways and learning how to become a Trojan.

This year, UA Little Rock launched a new online orientation platform which gives students access to orientation content throughout their academic career.

The Student Experience Center covers Greek Life, student organizations, the Student Government Association and student activities throughout the year, which gives students ways to get involved on campus, network and make new friendships that will last a lifetime.

UA Little Rock’s Care Team provides abundant support to students to help them navigate the campus environment. Licensed Clinical Social Workers on the Care Team help students with any emotional, social or financial stressors they may experience. Additionally, the university offers counseling services to students to address anything that might be going on in their lives.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS Freshmen begin their orientation to UCA through events such as Bear Facts Day preview, Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) and Welcome Week, held the week before classes begin. Freshmen are also required to enroll in a first-year seminar course that fulfills a UCA core requirement.

All new freshmen must attend a SOAR session, during which students meet with an academic advisor as well as peer mentors and classmates.Welcome Week in August includes academic preparation sessions as well as many social activities.

UCA also offers a variety of peer support programs, including academic tutoring in all core subjects, writing support and peer coaching in areas such as time management and study skills. Finally, students have access to the UCA Counseling Center for one-on-one counseling, group programs and telecounseling services.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS In an effort to meet the changing needs of the student body, many colleges have invested considerable time and resources to improve campus facilities. Here’s a look at some of those projects.

Students at Arkansas Tech University enjoy participating in eSports ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS Saline County Career Technical Campus Work began in December 2019 on the 134,000-square-foot, $45 million technical classroom facility located near Benton. The state-of-the-art technical education facility, which is designed to accommodate 1,100 students, is set to be completed in August 2021.

Historic Ritz Theatre renovation ASU Three Rivers is leading the comeback of the historic Ritz Theatre, for years a fixture in the community of Malvern. The $2.5 million project, which began in 2019 and is expected to run through spring 2023, will create a 470seat performance event center for the campus and community. Improvements include all-new HVAC, plumbing, electrical and security systems, as well as other enhancements.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY ATU Hull Student Union The new ATU Hull Student Union inside the Hull Physical Education Building opened in November 2020. The student union provides students with access to table tennis, billiards, the latest Xbox and PlayStation video game systems, seating areas designed to encourage interaction and space for musical performances and presentations.

The Hull Student Union also has a patio that will provide an outdoor seating option. The patio includes a fire pit, which was lit for the first time by Jacob Loomis, a senior from Bryant and representative of ATU’s Student Government Association, and Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, during the grand opening ceremony.

The 17,000-square-foot student union also includes a smoothie and gourmet coffee station operated by Chartwells, the food service provider at Arkansas Tech. The south side of the student union provides a view of Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field, home of Arkansas Tech football.

ATU Esports Members of the Arkansas Tech University Esports Club and students who reside in ATU’s living and learning community for gamers now 32 SEPTEMBER 2021

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have a new space to call their own. The ATU Esports lab opened on the first floor of Paine Residence Hall in late January, open to ATU Esports Club members and residents of the living and learning community for gamers to utilize during team practices and matches.

Arkansas Tech students represent the ATU Esports Club on 11 teams that compete against gamers from other universities and colleges.

ATU Esports Club teams participate in popular games such as Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, League of Legends and Call of Duty.

The living and learning community for gamers and the ATU Esports lab were made possible through collaborative efforts by the ATU Department of Campus Life, the ATU Department of Residence Life and the ATU Office of Information Systems. Arkansas Tech also began offering a bachelor of fine arts degree in game and interactive media design in 2016.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Charles and Anita Cabe Student-Athlete Success Center Completed earlier this year, the center provides a spacious academic facility connected to the Formby Athletic Center. It includes a study room for groups, a computer lab, a study lounge, a new office for the academic adviser, private study areas and a full-sized classroom.

Technology Upgrades Henderson’s IT Infrastructure Team is improving internet accessibility to residence halls with new fiber-optic connectivity and wi-fi upgrades.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Student Success Center The $45 million Student Success Center will house all student success programming and initiatives. The center is planned to have 77,000 square feet of space, including a variety of advising studios and tutoring and mentoring spaces.

Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center The 35,500-square-foot, $13.8 million projSpecial Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

ect will serve the College of Engineering to allow advanced physical testing of infrastructure and provide hands-on student training.

Windgate Studio and Design Center The Windgate Studio and Design Center is funded in part by a $40 million gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation. The four-story, 154,600-square-foot state-of-the-art building, triples the size of classrooms and work areas for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Mullins Library Renovation The first phase of renovation for Mullins Library, the university’s main research library, will allow for an additional 1,900 seats to serve more students, faculty and staff.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The University of Central Arkansas continues to improve its campus through various ambitious building projects. These include: Integrated Health Sciences Building Serving students of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, this 80,000-squarefoot, four-story structure was completed in April 2021. The first floor features an innovative, state-of-the-art teaching clinic.

Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts Serving the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, this showpiece center, which will feature a concert hall, black box theater and 3D Arts building, will encompass 104,000 square feet. The project began construction in September 2020 and is estimated to be completed in fall of 2022.

Lewis Science Center Annex Completed in December 2020, the annex features five new lab classrooms, serving students in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

State and Carmichael Hall Renovations Improvements made to two major residence halls on campus were finished in December 2020. The residence halls now feature private restrooms, all-new LED lighting, all-new HVAC systems, new flooring and fresh paint.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

SAFETY Parents rank the safety of the campus

Student safety is a top priority on campus, like here at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

environment as among the highest priorities when choosing a college or university for their child to attend. Safety features have never been more important than they are today.

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE Arkansas Northeastern College offers several programs to assist those who have additional needs, such as the Career Closet, a food pantry, a mentoring program and more. The ANC Opportunity Bus provides transportation for county residents to and from ANC. The Career Closet provides ANC students with free professional attire for those in need of such items for interviews, career fairs and work.

Arkansas Career Pathways, along with ANC and the Department of Workforce Services, helps parents move forward economically through education and training, reducing the need for public assistance. Career Pathways students can receive free tuition, childcare and gas vouchers.

Hunger is a real issue for some students, which inspired the creation of ANC food pantry, which provides a variety of foods and meal stipends through ANC’s on-campus Sunshine Grille to students who are enrolled in at least one specified program and those participating in the SNAP and SNAP E&T benefits.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY The Arkansas Tech University Department of Public Safety is a service-oriented agency promoting respect for the individual rights and dignity of all. ATU Alert is a communication tool operated by the ATU Department of Public Safety that reaches Arkansas Tech faculty, staff and students with important information in an emergency.

Additional ATU Department of Public Safety programs include Tech Safety Transport, an on-campus transportation service to ensure no student, faculty or staff member has to walk alone on campus at night.

All new undergraduate and graduate students at Arkansas Tech University participate in online training as part of an ongoing and proactive educational campaign aimed at keeping students safe and well-informed. Jerry Cares is an initiative that disseminates helpful information about keeping Tech safe for all.

BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE Black River Technical College was ranked the fourth-safest community college in the U.S. in 2020, according to StateUniversity.com. BRTC campus police officers provide a visible presence that serves as a deterrent to those who would seek to commit crimes.

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BRTC developed a 19-member Emergency Management Committee responsible for addressing all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This group assessed campus safety needs, set operational and cleaning protocols and incorporated updated guidance from the state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The college supports a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Team consisting of trained nursing faculty, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a campus safety officer. Campus safety is addressed in each new student orientation session, with campus police officers as presenters.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY Alertus and Rave notification systems provide emergency notification via an outdoor warning system, text messaging, a mobile app, email and desktop notifications. Reddie Rides, an oncall ride-home service, is available, and there are 10 outdoor emergency phones across campus.

Henderson State prioritizes the health and well-being of the campus community, and follows guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arkansas Department of Health. The school provides training and resources related to Title IX as well.

SHORTER COLLEGE The security team, composed of security guards and police officers, patrols buildings and grounds to make sure that everybody is safe. During orientation, held a week before the semester starts, the chief security officer gives out information about the security team and ways students can help keep the campus safe.

The college has also evolved certain processes during COVID-19 to help keep all members of the campus community safe. Among these changes are requiring all to wear a mask and providing safety barriers in various offices that allow interaction without contact. Shorter College also allows for class registration over the phone and offers online classes to help prevent infections.

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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS The health and safety of the campus community guide the university’s COVID-19 decisions and direction. The U of A will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Arkansas and Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Campus functions will operate in a manner that prioritizes caution and safety.

COVID-19 educational efforts focused on safety precautions, testing and vaccination will continue.

Employees should continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms prior to coming to campus.

Masks are required indoors – regardless of vaccination status – when at least 6 feet of social distancing can’t be maintained.

Centrally managed cleaning and sanitizing services and procurement will continue as needed. Personal hygiene kits and workspace cleaning kits are available by request.

Wearing masks is required in all classroom settings regardless of social distancing. Wearing masks and social distancing continues to be required under state law, regardless of vaccination status, in health care facilities and while using public transportation UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK UA Little Rock was named the safest college campus in Arkansas by Your Local Security’s 2021 Safest College Campuses in America report. The campus security force consists of three security officers and 25 police officers who patrol buildings and parking lots. The UA Little Rock Police Department provides escort service to students and employees who live in campus-owned residences. The university utilizes the Rave Alert System to send emergency messages on campus.

Educating UA Little Rock students to practice informed self-care is a joint effort among such offices as Campus Living, Counseling Services and Health Services. In the middle of a pandemic, Health Services is key in the campus efforts to provide education, medical consultation and

assistance in mitigating the spread of the virus.

At UA Little Rock, face masks and hand sanitizer are available in all public spaces. Health Services provides COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals and those deemed close contacts for the UA Little Rock community. In addition, the vaccine is available at no charge to students and employees in Health Services.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF The Department of Police and Public Safety is composed of commissioned law enforcement officers, sworn and delegated with the authority and powers to enforce all state laws and respond to violations of university codes and ordinances. The officers provide 24-hour safety and security services to assist the UAPB community with emergency calls and other service requests.

The university provides shuttle services to and from classes, and officers are available to provide after-hour safe rides to student dorms if needed. UAPB has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to provide the AlertUAPB emergency system and Rave Guardian during natural disasters or other emergencies taking place on campus.

Public Safety and Residential Life provide campus safety and security information to all freshman students during orientation. Topics include where and how to report crimes, situations to avoid and how to register for AlertUAPB and Rave Guardian.

The Student Success Center Peer Mentoring Program is designed to cultivate relationships between first-year students and upperclassmen.

The Student Success Center provides opportunities for participants to engage in group activities and create ongoing, meaningful relationships between mentors and peers.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS The University of Central Arkansas Police Department has 25 full-time officers, all with arrest authority. The department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and has a 911 communication center. The UCAPD offers safety escorts across campus, motorist assistance and education and safety classes.

UCAPD utilizes the Safe@UCA app, helping all students, faculty and staff stay safe while on campus. The app offers a quick and easy way to summon the Bear Patrol Safety Escort.

The UCAPD also provides all officers with an Opioid Overdose Naloxone Kit and training to handle a suspected opioid overdose.

Blue Light Emergency Phones are available near building entrances and exits, stairwells and elevators, as well as on “blue-light” poles across campus. There is also a mobile “bluelight” feature in the Safe@UCA app to request assistance.

Peer Success Coaches live in each first-year residence hall to provide students with support in developing study skills and learning to manage their time. Commuter students work with Success Coaches in the Coaching Lab in Old Main. UCA also provides peer mentoring through the Residential College program and the Office of Diversity and Community for firstyear students.

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2021 COLLEGE GUIDE

COVID-19, TECHNOLOGY ARE LEADING CHANGE AGENTS FOR HIGHER ED

BY DWAIN HEBDA

I

n many ways the 2021-22 college year looks and feels like normal, but behind the scenes, innovations in technology, distance learning and on-campus safety are all on ready display as higher ed moves along the continuum between BC (before COVID) to AD (after Delta).

“I believe COVID-19 will continue to have an impact on delivery and attendance for the new academic year,” said Steve Rook, chancellor of Arkansas State University Three Rivers.

“For the 2020-21 year, students were reluctant to enroll due to concerns about the virus. This latest surge could very well cause another dip in enrollment.”

Fallout from COVID-19 will be felt not only at schools but also in the workforce, Rook explained.

“We are in serious need across the country for mechanics, truck drivers, plumbers, electricians, nurses,” he said. “Students see the benefit of our combination of affordability and the high average starting salaries of our two-year graduates of around $45,000 annually. More emphasis will be placed on technical education as a result.”

Kimberly Coker, dean of communications and public relations for SAU Tech, agreed, saying the demand for practical skills has never been higher.

“Higher education instruction is slowly moving toward skill-based outcomes,” she said.

“Instead of learning theory and taking classes that were once considered necessary for a ‘well-rounded’ education, curriculums are being tailored to apply to the field of study.”

Coker said the nature of degree programs is also changing, with employers placing more value in demonstrable skills than in where the student attended college.

“Instead of earning a four-year degree in marketing, a student can earn a certification in our digital marketing or social media marketing,” she said. “These courses are taught by professors from notable institutions, and the cost is drastically lower than a traditional college program. This is the future of education.”

Technology’s role has changed, in that it’s not just a teaching tool but more recently has become a means to keep students safe during the pandemic.

Karen Liebhaber, vice president of Institutional Advancement for Black River Technical College, explained, “BRTC has invested heavily in virtual hands-on and live-action simulation equipment, such as virtual and augmented reality equipment that provides students with experiential learning opportunities. For programs like nursing and welding, where education must be hands-on, BRTC has increased the use of these simulated experiences. Simulation reduces the

36 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

amount of time students would be at clinical sites in the health care programs, such as hospitals and nursing homes, thus helping to keep students and employees safe.”

A desire to put the consumer in control of their college experience has led schools to deliver content in a more responsive, higher-touch manner.

“College students expect better engagement with their instructors than they did a decade ago,” said John Payne, operations support manager for Shorter College. “They also expect more flexibility with their schedules, as more students are on non-traditional life paths. The need to compete with institutions for students forced all institutions to up their game with flexible and simple-to-navigate online instruction options.”

“Shorter College has been working with non-traditional students with various needs for decades. We work to make sure students have as much access as possible to instructors and work with students who have family and occupational needs that could not allow for a traditional class schedule.”

In some cases, this philosophy has changed the very nature of what it means to go to class.

“In light of the COVID pandemic, a major buzzword in higher education instruction is ‘hyflex’ course delivery, where students have the option on any class day to attend the class in-person, synchronously via Zoom or asynchronously through a recording of the day’s class session,” said David Montague, executive director of Online Learning at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“UA Little Rock has invested in a number of hyflex classrooms across campus and is training faculty in evidence-based best practices in hyflex teaching. Our class schedule also offers courses in a variety of delivery formats from in-person to hybrid in-person/online, synchronous online, asynchronous online, and hyflex.”

Kurt Boniecki, associate provost for Academic Success with the University of Central Arkansas, said students are also not content to simply have content force-fed to them, be it live or virtually.

“As students continue to expect a college degree to improve their future employment opportunities, institutions are working to ensure that their graduates leave not only with knowledge but with skills and hands-on experience needed for a fast-changing, competitive employment environment,” he said.

“This year, UCA launched the Bear Experience program, a campus-wide initiative to promote and document experiential learning beyond the classroom. Through this program, students can engage in co-curricular activities and document those skills on an official univer-

Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

sity transcript that can be shared with potential employers.”

For all of these new advancements on campus, the tried and true elements of higher education are still just as important, said Robert Carr, Jr., provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, which posted double-digit enrollment increases despite the pandemic.

“Our university utilizes a Student Success Center with experienced coaches who are assigned to students and work one-on-one with students to assist them in a personal crisis and with academic matters,” he said. “Students are becoming more aware of career options and are shopping for new ways to complete their degrees. Therefore, we are planning to offer accelerated programs, online degrees and competency-based certificate programs to accommodate various learners.

“College still matters because knowledge is the essential ingredient to solving problems in today’s highly technological world.”

COVID-19 IMPACT ON ENROLLMENT A MIXED BAG

COVID-19 reduced the number of college students in Arkansas last fall, but not as severely as thought and not across the board.

According to numbers published by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, 133,454 students enrolled in public and private fouryear, two-year and nursing colleges in Arkansas in Fall 2020 (excluding concurrently enrolled high school students). This represents a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to 2019’s final enrollment.

The bright spot in the report was the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where enrollment jumped nearly 12 percent to 2,793 students, its highest total since fall 2016. University officials cited rising graduation rates and more consistent communication with students and their families as two big reasons why.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, the state’s two largest schools, had nominal decreases. The University of Central Arkansas in Conway and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville got harder hit, down 400 and more than 650, respectively, to start the 2020-21 school year, per the report.

Suffering the most were the state’s community colleges, which as a category were down 10 percent in enrollment for the 2020-21 school year, per ADHE.

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All BHCLR programs are certified by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. BHCLR-Schools of Nursing are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

4 YEAR SCHOOLS 2 YEAR SCHOOLS

SCHOOL

CITY

PHONE

ENROLLMENT/SEM

HRS/SEM

TUITION/SEM

HOUSING/SEM

Arkansas Baptist College

Little Rock

501-420-1200

878

12-18

$4,380

$4,412 (double occupancy: 16 meals/week)

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro

870-972-2100/800-3823030 (in-state only)

13,,,,410

12 (full-time undergraduate)

$2,616 (in-state)

$4,435 (room & board)

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville

479-968-0343/ 1-800582-6953

10,866

15

$3,585

starting at $3,374 (includes meals)

Central Baptist College

Conway

501-329-6872

605

15

$7,800

$3,750

Crowley’s Ridge College

Paragould

870-236-6901

200

12 or more

$6,325

3250 (includes meal plan)

Harding University

Searcy

800-477-4407

4,621

15

$10,845

$3,859

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia

870-230-5000/800228-7333

3,100

12

$2,940

$3,570(room & board)

Hendrix College

Conway

501-450-1362/800277-9017

1,076

4 courses/sem

$16,675 (including fees)

$6,600 (including meals)

John Brown University

Siloam Springs

877-528-4636/479524-7157

2,343

12-18

$13,831

$4,777

Lyon College

Batesville

870-307-7000

700 est. *census date Sept. 1, 2017

12-17 (including tuition costs)

$14,395

$4,565 (for freshmen)

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia

870-245-5010/800-DIAL-OBU

1,538

up to 18

$14,740(including fees)

$4255 (room & board)

Philander Smith College

Little Rock

501-375-9845

800

12-16

$5,902

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

Southern Arkansas University

Magnolia

870-235-4040

4468 (Fall 2018)

15

$3,210

$3,208

University of Arkansas Cossatot

De Queen

870-584-4471/800844-4471

1,550

12

72/hr (in-county)/$102/hr (out of state)

N/A

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock

800-482-8892

9,000 (Fall 2020)

12

4764.30 (tuition & fees, 15 hours)

$3,502.50 (including room & board)

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello

870-460-1026/800844-1826

3,643

15

$150/credit hr

$1,320-$2,260

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff

870-575-8000

2,579 (Fall 2018)

15

$2,565 (AY 2019-20)

$4,236 (20 meals)

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville

479-575-5346/800377-8632

27,562

15

$4,787 (including fees)

$5,971 (room & board)

University of Central Arkansas

Conway

501-450-5000

10,335

15

$4,782

$3,386

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Fort Smith

479-788-7000

6,626 (Fall 2017)

15

$166/credit hr (in-state); $461/credit hr(out-of-state)

$2,208-$3,506/sem + meal plan

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville

479-979-1227/800264-8636

836

18-Dec

$12,475

$1,800

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge

800-722-4434/870759-4120

600

12-17

$8,550

4,275/735 ageneral fees

Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville

870-762-1020

1,400

15

$72/hr

N/A

Arkansas State University - Beebe

Beebe

501-882-3600

2,017

15

$102/hr

$2,800(double); $3,225 (single)(including meals)

Arkansas State University Mid-South

West Memphis

870-733-6722/866733-6722

1203 (Fall 2020)

1-18

$95/hr (in-county); $115/hr (out-of-county/in-state); $155/hr (out-of-state)

N/A

Arkansas State University at Mountain Home

Mountain Home

870-508-6100

1,345

15 to 18

$2,304 In-State Plus Books and Fees/$3912 Out-of-State Plus Books and Fees

N/A

Arkansas State University- Newport

Newport

870-512-7800

2,362

15

$96/hr

N/A

Arkansas Tech University Ozark

Ozark

479-667-2117

1,995

15

$12,820

N/A

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Little Rock

501-202-6200

700

Varies by program

Varies by program

No Campus Housing

Black River Technical College

Pocahontas

870-248-4000

1476 (Fall 2019)

12

$160 Instate per credit hour with fees

N/A

Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Malvern

800-337-0266/501337-5000

1,243

12

$102/hr

N/A

East Arkansas Community College

Forrest City

870-633-4480

1047 (Fall 2017)

12

$85/credit hr (in-county); $95/hr (out-of-county); $113/hr (out-of-state)

N/A

National Park College

Hot Springs

501-760-4159

approximately 1900

15

$90/hr, $1,350/semester max in district; $100/hr, $1,500/semester max out of district

N/A - Varies by floor plan

North Arkansas College

Harrison

870-743-3000/800679-6622

1,786

12

$888 (in-county)

N/A

North West Arkansas Community College

Bentonville & Springdale

479-986-4000

8000

15

$1,125 in-district ($75/credit hr); $2,025 out-of-district ($135/ credit hr)

N/A

Ozarka College

Melbourne

870-368-7371

1,120

12-15

$90/credit hr

$1800-$2000

Phillips Community College

Helena

870-338-6474

1,540

15

$73

N/A

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock

501-812-2200

5591 (Spring 2019)

Varies

$134/credit hr, in-state

N/A

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

Mena

479-394-7622

798

15

$1,245

$2,500

Shorter College

North Little Rock

501-374-6305

N/A

12

$2,052

N/A

South Arkansas Community College

El Dorado

1-500-955-2289

1,255

15

$1,260/$1,455/$2,580

N/A

Southeast Arkansas College

Pine Bluff

870-850-8605/888-SEARKTC

1,400

3-18

$96/hr

N/A

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Camden

870-574-4500

1,800

15

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

$1958/sem double (on-campus); $1758/sem double (off-campus); $1958/SEM SINGLE (all housing costs include meal plans) Meal plans are additional.

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

Batesville

870-612-2000

1,479

15

$75/hr (in-district); $87.50/hr (out-of-district)

N/A

University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana

Hope & Texarkana

870-777-5722

1,500

12

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

N/A

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

Morrilton

800-264-1094

1,836

12

$92/hr (in-district); $102/hr (in-state)

N/A

38 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARKANSAS TIMES

Special Advertising Supplement of the Arkansas Times

TOTAL SEM COST

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE

%ONAID

SCHOLARSHIPDEADLINE

REQUIREDEXAMS

APP DEADLINE FEE

$9,033 (Tuition + room & board)

June 30th

97%

None

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open Enrollment

$7,051

June 30th

90%

July 1st

ACT/ASSET/SAT

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

$8,311.25 (not including books)

Open

75%

Nov. 15 Priority, Feb. 15 Final

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

$11,550

July 31st

90%

N/A

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

10 days prior to first day

$10,875 for boarding students

Open

80%

Aug. 1st

ACT/SAT

Aug 1st

$14,974

Open

95.0%

Open

ACT/SAT

Open/$50

with fees, approx. $7,350

April 15th Priority

90%

Nov. 1st Priority

ACT/SAT

None

$23,275

Jan 15 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

$19,239

Mar. 1 Priority

90%

Mar. 1 Priority

ACT/SAT/CLT/Test-Optional

Rolling/$25

$18,960

Rolling, but priority consideration by Feb. 1st

99%

Rolling, but priority consideration by Mar. 1st

ACT/SAT

Early Action 1 - November 15, 2018, Early Action 2 - February 15, 2019, Regular Decision - April 1, 2019

$18,995

June 1st

97%

Dec. 1 Priority

ACT/SAT

Open/No Application Fee

$10,459

Mar. 1st

98%

Rolling Deadline

ACT/SAT

Open/$25

$7,698

May 1st

81%

Mar. 1st

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

$1100-$1500

Fall- None, Spring- None, Summer- April 15

75%

Apr. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$9166.80 (est 15 hrs tuition/fees, rm/brd, books/supplies), $9166.80

February 1 (Priority), July 1st (Preferred) November 1 (Final Deadline)

85%

March 1 Mentor Programs, Aug. 2 Merit and Need-Based Scholarships

ACT/SAT

Freshman admission and credential deadline is one week before classes begin. July 15 International Students

$8,503 including campus room & board

Rolling

83%

Mar. 1st Priority

ACT/ASSET/SAT/COMPASS/ ACCUPLACER (for placement)

Rolling/No Fee - Except for international applicants

$8,268 (based on 15 hrs/sem)

Rolling Basis

90%

Mar. 1st/ April 1st

ACT/SAT

Open

$10,758

March 1st

75%

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

ACT/SAT

Aug. 1

$8,730

Open

84%

24-Jan

ACT/SAT

None

Varies

June 15th

96%

Nov. 15

ACT/COMPASS/SAT

Open/No Fee

$16,975 (including meal plan)

Feb. 15 Priority

99%

April 1st Priority

Test Optional

May 1st Priority

$13,560

May 1st

97%

None

ACT/SAT

Open/No Fee

plus fees $1,350 plus fee

Open

86%

Apr. 1st Priority

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open

$1,830 tuition/fees

Priority dates April 1

90%

June 1st

ACT/ASSET/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

Approx. $2,500 but varies depending on academic/technical program (does not include transportation, personal expenses, housing).

Open. Spring 2022 priority, Dec 7, 2021; Summer & Fall 2022 Priority, April 25, 2022

Approx 75%

Dec . 1 (Spring 2022), May 2 (Fall 2022)

ACT/ASSET/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open

Priority Consideration Deadline - June 1st

85%

Mar. 15

ACT/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER CLASSIC/ ACCUPLACER NEXT GEN

Open/No Fee

$2,610 (plus books & fees)

Open

72%

June 1st

ACCUPLACER/

Open/No Fee

$2,820 (not including books or applicable course fees)

Open

69%

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

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

Varies by program

May 1 / Oct 1

85%

June 1st/Dec. 1st

ACT/SAT

Varies By Program/No Fee

Varies

Open

65%

Mar. 1st

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$1,224 plus books & fees

Priority Consideration Deadline June 1st

86%

May 1st

ACT/ACCUPLACER/SAT

Open/No Fee

N/A

July 1st

76%

Varies

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

Varies

Open

78%

Open

ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

N/A

Varies

93%

June 15th

ACT /COMPASS

Open

$2,325 in-district, $3,225 out-of-district (tuition/fees/books)

1-May

55%

25-Feb

ACT/ACCUPLACER/SAT

Open

Varies

Priority deadline June 1

80%

Apr. 1st

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$1,510

Call 870-338-6474.

75%

Call 870-338-6474.

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

The average cost of tuition and basic fees for a full-time student taking 15 hours is $2,835 per semester.

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

72%

Open

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$1,245 including fees & books

July 1st

Nov. 15 & Apr. 1st

ACT/SAT/COMPASS

Open/No Fee

$3000 including books

Open

95%

Open

ACT/SAT/COMPASS/ ACCUPLACER

Open

Varies

July 1st

70%

Mar. 1st Priority

ACT/Accuplacer/SAT

Open/No Fee

Varies

Apr. 15 priority

85%

Apr. 30th

ACT/ACCUPLACER

Open

Varies

Varies

59%

Mar. 1st

ACT/ASSET/COMPASS/SAT/ ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

Varies

Open

Varies

Contact Financial Aid

ACT/ASSET/SAT/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$1,350 (including textbooks)

Open

87%

Apr. 1st

ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

$2,000

June 30 Priority

68%

Nov. 1st/ Apr. 1st

ACT/COMPASS/ACCUPLACER

Open/No Fee

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. The Comments section was removed due to lack of space.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 39

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