University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana has faced severe challenges over the last several years due to the COVID-19 health crisis. However, from the beginning, UAHT met these challenges head-on and continued to help students succeed and find opportunites for the future as the college celebrates 10 years in Texarkana.
UAHT saw progress in the past year. It completed its 10-year review by the Higher Learning Commission and was re-accredited through 2031. The evaluation process includes faculty quality, student learning outcomes, mission, ethics and the institutional use of data-based assessment to improve curricula and student services.
The college has been continuously accredited by the HLC since 1996.
"We are very proud of the work and progress we have made over the last few years," said John Hollis, dean of Institutional Effectiveness. "Now, through the assurance review process, we are encouraged that we can continue to advance our institution toward the goals we have set, and in a manner consistent with the Obligations of Affiliation of the Higher Learning Commission."
The college also broke ground on a $3.85M facility at the Texarkana campus. The 14,754-square-foot facility will house a welding program, the Secondary Career and Technical Education Center, the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy High School and more.
"This new facility is a testament to our dedication to higher education in our region," said Dr. Christine Holt, UAHT chancellor.
This year, UAHT was able to start Arkansas's first solar education program. The nine-credit-hour Certificate of Proficiency in Solar Energy Technology provides training in installing, constructing, maintaining and operating solar electric systems. The certificate is designed as part of the path to completing the Associate of Applied Science in Power Technologies degree. The curriculum is adopted from SEI, the global leader in providing classroom curriculum and lab training in solar energy. By using the SEI curriculum, UAHT is an approved trainer for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
"UAHT is truly invested in being a leader in renewable energy education and in providing opportunities for growth in jobs, economic development, and in promoting our state," said Laura Clark, vice chancellor for Academics. "Renewable energy such as solar is expected to grow exponentially in the next several years, and we are excited to offer this program for the future workforce needs of Arkansans."
Innovation at UAHT continued to be recognized nationwide this year. The college was named a top 10 national finalist for the highly coveted Bellwether Consortium Awards in the Instructional Programs & Services category for the College's innovative Collegiate Academy high schools. Community colleges from 19 states submitted entries for the 2022 competition, and UAHT is the only community college finalist from Arkansas.
UAHT has been named a finalist for a Bellwether award for two consecutive years. Bellwether finalists represent leading community colleges whose outstanding and innovative programs and practices were selected among competitive submissions as exemplary. According to the Consortium, the award "focuses on cutting-edge, trendsetting programs worthy of replication."
"These are just a few examples of the diligence that UAHT has shown this year in accomplishing great things for our students and communities in the face of adversity," Dr. Holt said. "UAHT is committed to offering new and better opportunities and breaking down barriers in education. Our dedicated faculty and staff will continue working hard to improve lives through quality education and job training."
For more information about UA Hope-Texarkana or to register for classes, call 870-777-5722 or visit uaht.edu.