ACC hosted its annual board retreat for presidents and chancellors to network; share updates about legislation, their campuses, and ACC business; and to discuss plans for FY26, including implementation of ACC's thee pillars of success: Policy and Stakeholder Relations; Workforce Development; and Professional Excellence. | | ACC Partners with EDL/ADHE to Develop Micro-pathways | | |
Kyla Waters has been selected to participate in the Education Design Lab's (EDL) Community College Growth Engine Fellows Program along-side Dr. Tina Moore, from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE). As part of the fellows program, they are learning to use the organization’s framework and program development processes to refine policy and practices around program approval and develop employer validated micro-pathways. READ MORE about how ACC Is partnering with EDL and ADHE to expand non-degree pathways.
Kyla has been with ACC for more than eleven years. As Director of Workforce Initiatives, Kyla leads collaborative efforts to align education and training programs with industry needs. Kyla has a proven track record of building meaningful partnerships with employers, educations, and workforce stakeholders. She strives to advance policies and opportunities that empower community colleges by collaborating with the state's government agencies, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other workforce stakeholders.
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING AT AR COMMUNITY COLLEGES | | Ike Wheeler Appointed Interim Chancellor | | Arkansas State University-Newport announced that Mr. Ike Wheeler has been appointed Interim Chancellor following the departure of Dr. Johnny Moore. Wheeler has been associated with ASUN for more than 30 years, during which time he has played an essential role in the college's transformation from a small technical school of 600, to a three-campus, comprehensive community college serving more than 2,400 students. Ike has most recently served as Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, where he oversaw fundraising, campus outreach, events, and alumni relations. Wheeler also served as Interim Chancellor in 2021. Congratulations, Ike! | | Dr. Sandra Massey Appointed Interim Vice Chancellor | | Arkansas State University-Mountain Home announced the appointment of Dr. Sandra Massy as the college's Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. She will serve as both Chief Academic Officer and Chief Student Affairs Officer for the college. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Dr. Massey brings a wealth of knowledge in student and academic affairs, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and institutional partnerships. Her career includes executive leadership roles such as Chancellor at ASU-Newport and Provost at Tulsa Community College. In addition to her work in higher education, Dr. Massey is the founder of McRaven-Massey Coaching - a professional development and coaching practice dedicated to supporting emerging leaders. Congratulations, Dr. Massey! | | |
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has created logos for use in marketing state scholarship opportunities. You can access the logos HERE.
In case you missed the latest meeting of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, you can review ADHE's presentation on non-credit workforce data reporting HERE.
| | Conference Registration is Open | | |
It's time to register for the 2025 ACC Conference being held October 12-14 in Hot Springs. Registration closes September 15, and there will be no late or on-site registration.
ACC is excited to announce that Jee Hang Lee, President & CEO of the Association of Community College Trustees, will be our special guest speaker at the Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception on Sunday, October 12, at 5pm.
For more information, email Kristen Smith or visit the conference website. Registration closes September 15, and there is no on-site registration this year!
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ACC Executive Director Dr. Collin Callaway will be visiting several member institutions:
- August 13, Southern Arkansas University Tech
- August 27, Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- September 2, North Arkansas College
- September 4, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
| | On August 28, Kristen Smith celebrates two years with ACC. As Associate Director, Kristen plays a pivotal role in shaping professional development efforts and streamlining business operations. Her responsibilities include oversight of the annual conference, ACC Leadership Institute, and Student Leadership Academy. She also manages business operations, assists in conducting research and monitoring legislation, and represents ACC and member colleges in special projects such as the 250 Commission Education Committee. | | |
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Check out our ACC Jobs Facebook page.
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