On Thursday, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and the University of Arkansas at Monticello unveiled a new partnership designed to expand affordable higher education opportunities in Arkansas.
The agreement will enable UACCB students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in business and education from UAM through coursework offered in Batesville, according to a news release.
The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education program is slated to begin in May, with the Bachelor of Business Administration program launching in August. Both degree offerings are pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission.
Employing a campus-within-a-campus model, the partnership offers students the opportunity to complete all four years of their degree on the Batesville campus, starting as UACCB students for the first two years before enrolling as UAM students for their junior and senior years. Tuition will be based on UACCB 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 UACCB and a bachelor’s degree from UAM.
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UAM will also offer the UACCB Transfer Scholarship, awarding $3,000 per semester to UACCB students who complete 55 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk emphasized the expanded possibilities for students as a result of the new partnership.
“This partnership is exactly what we have been searching for — a way for our students and our community to earn high-quality bachelor’s degrees right here on the UACCB campus without leaving home,” Shonk said. “The UACCB Transfer Scholarship makes these degrees among the most affordable in the state, and we could not ask for better partners than Dr. Peggy Doss and her outstanding team. We are deeply grateful to be part of the University of Arkansas System — this is just one more powerful example of what the system makes possible for Arkansans.”
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss discussed the importance of the partnership.
“Partnering with UACCB on this innovative model is a meaningful advancement in making higher education more accessible and affordable for Arkansans,” Doss said. “By working together, we are addressing workforce needs by preparing future teachers and business leaders, all while maintaining affordability through the UACCB Transfer Scholarship. We value this partnership and are excited to explore building additional pathways that empower students in Batesville.”
The announcement occurred on the UACCB campus at Independence Hall, where both Shonk and Doss delivered remarks and participated in a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.