November 21, 2024

Message from your Executive Director

ACC Colleagues,

I’m currently taking a class on futures studies, and as part of that class, I recently conducted a poll about where community colleges will be in ten years. I was encouraged to see that a resounding number of those surveyed are optimistic about the future! At the same time, the majority foresee tremendous change in how we are organized, how we deliver education, and what students need. This makes me hopefully that, together, we can create a vibrant future for community colleges.

The State Systems Higher Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) recently came out with its annual report of higher education finances. In the report, there are several interesting data points. Looking at all of Arkansas higher education, the state’s share of the cost has dropped from 45% to 41% since 2008. That’s a drop I think we can use as a talking point with legislators during the upcoming session.

I also read a report on why students drop out. The single biggest reason? Emotional and mental stress, followed by financial hardship and job/family responsibilities -- something to think about when considering student services, especially as we enter the holiday season.

I hope you are able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving break.

Sincerely,

Andrea Henderson

Executive Director

NATIONAL NEWS

How Public-College Funding Has Changed Over Time

Explore how state and federal support has declined as a share of overall revenue at more than 1,500 colleges and universities between 2002 and 2022.

White House Summit Focuses on Career Pathways

The White House recently hosted a summit to raise awareness about career pathways, with a big shoutout to community colleges. The summit kicked off with an announcement that $80 billion from the president's American Rescue Plan has been committed to strengthening and expanding the workforce, particularly through initiatives focused on infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Community colleges were recognized as important partners in providing affordable training to prepare Americans for high-quality jobs.

Telling the Full Community College Story

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (an independent research organization tasked with maximizing employment) developed a survey to measure success rates at community colleges. Using more than just IPEDS data, the survey included part-time students and transfers, and it used a four-year completion window. It also collected other data that colleges considered important, such as information on non-credit, dual enrollment, and wraparound services. The results showed what community colleges have been arguing for years: community college students are much more successful than IPEDS data suggests.

ARKANSAS NEWS

Governor Sanders, Department of Commerce Award $48M in Employer-Drive HIRED Training Grants

The Arkansas Governor's Office has awarded $48 million in training grants to support workforce development efforts aligned with the Arkansas Workforce Strategy. The Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program is a collaboration of the public and private sectors working in tandem to build the workforce to support Arkansas' rapidly-growing industries. Nineteen organizations received grants ranging from $249,000 to $7.5 million, which will be administered through the Department of Commerce and Arkansas Workforce Connections.

National Nonprofit Partners with Arkansas Community Colleges to Build Skills-Based Pathways to Promote Economic Growth

Education Design Lab has announced the launch of a new initiative to expand Arkansas' college-to-career pipeline. The "Scaling Learner Opportunity and Economic Growth Across Arkansas" program will bring colleges, employers, learners, and local stakeholders together to collaboratively design agile, skills-based pathways to meet the state's evolving workforce needs. The Lab is partnering with several member institutions on the project:

Arkansas State University-Newport
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
East Arkansas Community College
North Arkansas College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
South Arkansas College
University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

ACC NEWS

Special Thanks to the 2024 ACC Conference Board

The 2024 ACC Conference was a huge success, in large part due to the Conference Board -- made up of representatives from each of our member institutions. Please join ACC in thanking the 2024 ACC Conference Board for their service:

Michael Smith (Board President), Arkansas Northeastern College
Andrea Cole, ASU-Beebe
Jamie Nebo, ASU Mid South
Karen Heslep, ASU-Mountain Home
Shannon Riley, ASU-Newport
Amber Childers, ASU Three Rivers
Brittany Milligan, Black River Technical College
Carly Dillard, East Arkansas Community College
Tammy St. Marthe, National Park College
Jo Adams, North Arkansas College
Brandon Cone (Past Board President), North Arkansas College
Liz Anderson, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Katie Norris, Ozarka College
Heather Funk, Phillips Community College of the UA
Charley Hankins, South Arkansas College
Wanda Grimmett, Southeast Arkansas College
Courtney Haygood, Southern Arkansas University Tech
Jodie Hightower, UA Community College at Batesville
Robert Keeton, UA Community College at Morrilton
Dennis Guzman, UA Cossatot
Steven Ogden, UA Hope-Texarkana
Regina Fossette, UA Pulaski Technical College
Ilana Burk, UA Rich Mountain

Meet the ACCLI Class of 2025

The Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute (ACCLI) Class of 2025 met at Arkansas State University-Beebe last week for its first session of the year. Please join ACC in welcoming members of the class:

KeTierra Jones, Arkansas Northeastern College
Tachmonite Butler, Arkansas Northeastern College
Sonia Smith, Arkansas Northeastern College
Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe
Kill Gullahorn, ASU-Beebe
Jack Magolio, ASU Mid-South
Robert Shurley, ASU-Mountain Home
Stacie Hay, ASU-Newport
Mary Anderson, Black River Technical College
Shannon Jacobson, Black River Technical College
Carly Dillard, East Arkansas Community College
Jim Huff, East Arkansas Community College
Eric Boardway, National Park College
Kelsea Lowery, North Arkansas College
Catherin Doner, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Jessica Chronister, NorthWest Arkansas Community College
April Killian, Ozarka College
Kylia Neasley, Phillips Community College of the UA
Kimberly Moore, South Arkansas College
David Mason, Southern Arkansas University Tech
Becky Warren, UA Community College at Batesville
Noelle Couch, UA Cossatot
Sabrina Harner, UA Cossatot
Mikki Curtis, UA Hope-Texarkana
Amanda Kennedy, UA Pulaski Technical College
Ashley Henry-Saorrono, UA Pulaski Technical College
Kyle Carpenter, UA Rich Mountain

ACC Connections is Now Available on the ACC Website

ACC is now posting issues of ACC Connections on its website. Please share the links in your campus newsletters!

SPOTLIGHT

EACC Receives Final Approval to Join UA System

East Arkansas Community College (EACC) received official approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the continuation of accreditation as the institution becomes a member of the University of Arkansas System. Both entities have been working together to meet state and federal requirements for the merger, which was a multi-step process with final approval required from HLC. (The EACC Board of Trustees approved the proposed agreement in March.) The final step in the EACC UA System membership process is to close the transaction within 30 days of the HLC action.

UA Board Chooses Lt. Gen. Jay B. Silveria as Next UA System President

Retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria has been selected as the next president of the University of Arkansas System. Silveria, the Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Texas A&M University and the Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C., and former superintendent at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co., is expected to start his new role January15, 2025. Silveria earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Social Science degree from Syracuse University, attended the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., and was a senior executive fellow at Harvard University where he also attended the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Welcome, Dr. Silveria!

Andrea Cole Appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at ASU-Beebe

Arkansas State University-Beebe recently announced the appointment of Andrea Cole to the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement. Cole has been serving as the Interim Associate VC for the past several months, and previously served as the Development Officer for Major Gifts, where she led successful fundraising efforts including the renovation of the gymnasium and basketball court. Cole has also played a key role in organizing significant on-campus events, including the largest alumni reunion to date, the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Total Solar Eclipse events across all ASU-Beebe campuses. Congratulations, Andrea!

SAUT Announces Dr. Rickey Rogers as Vice Chancellor of Student Services

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) announced the appointment of Dr. Rickey Rogers as Vice Chancellor of Student Services, effective November 4, 2024. Dr. Rogers brings extensive experience in student development, higher education leadership, and community engagement. Most recently, Dr. Rogers served as Vice President for Student Development at Ouachita Baptist University, where he enhanced student retention efforts, expanded counseling services, and oversaw the opening of a 144-bed apartment complex. He also served as Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life from 2017 to 2022, leading efforts to support student life and improve residential experiences on campus. Dr. Rogers holds a BA in Physical Education and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and he earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Regent University. Congratulations, Dr. Rogers!

Looking for a job at an Arkansas community college?

Check out our ACC Jobs Facebook page.

To post a job, please email a link to Collin at ccallaway@arkansascc.org.