ACC CONNECTIONS JULY 2026

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ACC

MARKETING & ADVANCEMENT RETREAT

ACC hosted a retreat in Little Rock for community college marketing and advancement professionals from across the state. Attendees gathered for two days of learning, collaboration, and professional development focused on strengthening communications. The retreat kicked off with a workshop on the transformative power of student-centered storytelling, followed by a session on best practices in public relations and communications. On day two, attendees practiced the art and science of writing for community college marketing and advancement, then participated in a session on shared strategies for using data and analytics to measure performance, demonstrate impact, and inform budget decisions. The retreat concluded with an informal business meeting where attendees shared best practices, discussed common challenges, and strengthened connections with peers across Arkansas.

Pictured above: Marc Goldberg (Skills Strategy Consulting) and Chloe Smith (ACC). Tim Jones (UAPTC); Marlie Ball Davis (UAPTC); Shaylee Backus (UAPTC); Whitney Horton (UAPTC); Chloe Smith (ACC); Chris Blackall (UAPTC); and Laurie Ann Ross (UAPTC).

MID-LEVEL MANAGER & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS WORKSHOPS

ACC continued its efforts to empower community college faculty and staff by hosting another day of workshops for members. Led by former community college chancellor Dr. Sandra Massey, the Mid-Level Manager Workshop equipped new and emerging leaders with practical strategies for navigating common management challenges including conflict resolution, employee coaching, and performance management. Participants also explored how purpose and personal values shape effective leadership. In the Professional Skills Workshop, attendees focused on the vital role customer service plays in student success, while building skills to confidently address common situations they encounter in their daily work.

Pictured above: Zeda Pruitt (Ozarka College); Kristen Chadwick (UAPTC); Mary Snow (UAPTC); Dr. Sandra Massey (facilitator); Lisa Murray (UAPTC); and Lisa Smith (UAPTC).

AACUBO SUMMER DRIVE-IN

ACC attended the Arkansas Association of College and University Business Officers (AACUBO) Summer Drive-In at National Park College, joining higher education professionals from across the state for a day of learning and collaboration. ACC proudly sponsored the NACUBO session on Accounting Fundamentals, reinforcing its commitment to equipping community college professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to excel.

ASU-MOUNTAIN HOME SUMMER CONFERENCE

ACC attended the Better Together: Ideas in Action conference, hosted by Arkansas State University - Mountain Home (ASUMH), where community college professionals from across the state gathered for two days to connect and learn through a combination of collaborative training and team-building activities.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MEMBER COLLEGES

SEARK FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE HLC

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has lifted Southeast Arkansas College's (SEARK) probationary status, and the college is now fully accredited! While making the announcement on campus, President Tyrone Jackson said, "Our work does not end here. We will continue to innovate, expand opportunities for our students, strengthen partnerships throughout Southeast Arkansas, and fulfill our mission of transforming lives through education." Congratulations to SEARK!

NWACC APPOINTS BRADFORD SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) announced that Arthur Bradford will serve as its next Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration. As a part of NWACC's leadership team, Dr. Bradford will help lead the college's strategic and operational initiatives while supporting continued growth and excellence at the college.Welcome, Dr. Bradford!

BOARD/COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

Congratulations to all of our leaders on their board appointments, including:

• Dr. Donna Hunnicutt, Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK), Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO) Board of Directors
• Dr. Typhanie Myers, Arkansas State University - Newport (ASUN), AACC Commission on Student Agency and Student Success, Learning Pathways, and Wellbeing
• Dr. Ricky Tompkins, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Institutional and Financial Resilience

DR. CLINE RETIRES FROM UAEACC

Dr. Cathie Cline has officially retired from the University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College (UAEACC) after more than 25 years in higher education. Dr. Cline was appointed as president of EACC in 2017 and went on to lead the merger of EACC and Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute in 2018. Dr. Cline also led EACC's transition into the UA System, and served as ACC Board President in her final years of chancellor. Thank you, Dr. Cline, for all that you have done for higher education in Arkansas and for ACC. Best wishes for your retirement.

Pictured above: Dr. Adam O'Neal (current UAEACC Chancellor) and Dr. Cathie Cline (retired UAEACC Chancellor).

UPCOMING ACC EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• July 15, 10:30 AM: CAO/CSAO Meeting (Hybrid)
• July 29-30: Board Retreat (Little Rock)

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