Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Monticello announced a new partnership.
This new collaborative program will allow students to complete select bachelor’s degrees through UAM while remaining on Phillips campuses, creating a true “start here and finish here” program for students from the Delta and surrounding communities.
The announcement was held on Phillips’ Helena-West Helena campus Wednesday at the Hendrix Fine Arts Center, where both Phillips Chancellor Keith Pinchback and UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss delivered remarks and participated in a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.
Through this partnership, Phillips students will have the chance to pursue a bachelor of arts in K-6 elementary education degree beginning in May and a bachelor of business administration degree starting in August. The partnership plans to expand to include a bachelor of science in nursing degree with a targeted start date of fall 2027, according to a news release.
This initiative is designed to increase access, strengthen workforce development and provide a seamless transition for students who are ready to continue their education close to home. By combining resources and expertise, Phillips and UAM aim to improve degree completion rates while offering some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state, according to the release.
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Employing a campus-within-a-campus model, the partnership offers students the opportunity to complete all four years of their degree on a Phillips campus, starting as Phillips students for the first two years before enrolling as UAM students for their junior and senior years. Tuition will be based on Phillips rates for the initial two years and UAM rates for the junior and senior years of coursework. Throughout their studies, students will have access to services and resources from both institutions and will earn an associate degree from Phillips and a bachelor’s degree from UAM.
To further support affordability, UAM will offer the Ridge Runner Transfer Scholarship, awarding $3,000 per semester to Phillips students who complete 55 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average. This scholarship helps ensure these bachelor’s degrees remain among the most affordable options in Arkansas.
Pinchback reflected on how the partnership expands what is possible for students.
“This partnership is a significant step forward for our communities in Arkansas County, Phillips County and across eastern Arkansas,” Pinchback said. “It means our students will no longer have to leave home, uproot their families or pause their careers to take the next step in their education. Instead, they can remain in the communities where they live, work and serve while earning a four-year degree. At its core, this partnership is about access and opportunity. It reflects our commitment to investing in our students and strengthening the future of our region.”
Doss also gave remarks.
“Partnering with PCCUA on this innovative program is a powerful step forward in expanding access to high-quality, affordable bachelor’s degrees for students in the Delta,” Doss said. “Together, we are meeting workforce needs by preparing future teachers and business professionals, all while ensuring students can stay close to home and benefit from the resources of both institutions. We value this collaborative relationship and are already in active discussions with PCCUA about additional degree pathways that will continue to open doors for students across eastern Arkansas.”