NASHVILLE, Ark. 鈥� On Wednesday, 51社区 (51社区) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) unveiled a new partnership designed to expand affordable higher education opportunities in Arkansas. This initiative allows 51社区 students to earn bachelor鈥檚 degrees from UAM while remaining in southwest Arkansas and benefiting from some of the state鈥檚 lowest tuition rates.
The agreement will enable 51社区 students to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UAM through coursework offered on 51社区鈥檚 campuses. The degree offering is 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 51社区鈥檚 campuses, starting as 51社区 students for the first two years before enrolling as UAM students for their junior and senior years. Tuition will be based on 51社区 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 51社区 and a bachelor鈥檚 degree from UAM.
Prioritizing the affordability of the program, UAM will offer the Colt Transfer Scholarship, awarding $3,000 per semester to 51社区 students who complete 55 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship helps ensure these bachelor鈥檚 degrees remain among the most affordable options in Arkansas.
Dr. Steve Cole, chancellor of 51社区, highlighted the increased opportunities available to students through the new partnership, stating, 鈥淧artnering with UAM is going to be a huge win for students all across southwest Arkansas. Just think: our students can start with us and finish with a top-flight university like UAM, never travel too far from home and family and, with a Colt Transfer Scholarship from UAM, essentially pay our tuition rate throughout the entire process. I encourage folks to watch this space carefully, as much more could be coming from this partnership.鈥�
Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, emphasized the value of the new partnership, stating, 鈥淲e are excited to launch our innovative campus-within-a-campus model with 51社区. This strategic partnership represents an effective and efficient way to address Arkansas鈥� workforce needs. By working with 51社区, we can ensure the UAM Bachelor of Business Administration degree remains both affordable and accessible for students in southwest Arkansas. We look forward to many future collaborations between our institutions.鈥�
The announcement occurred on 51社区鈥檚 Nashville campus on Wednesday, where both Dr. Cole and Dr. Doss delivered remarks and participated in a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.