UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale and UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk signed a memorandum of understanding between the two universities in January.
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The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) is strengthening opportunities for students with a new transfer agreement with University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) focused on nursing and education programs.
The partnership allows students to complete their first two years at UACCB before transferring to UA Little Rock to finish a bachelor’s degree. Becky Warren, Dean of Career and Workforce Education, and Jeanette Youngblood, Dean of General Education and Transfer, recently joined White River Now in the studio to discuss how the new agreement creates a clear and affordable pathway for students seeking careers in high-demand fields. (Listen to their conversation through the player embedded at the end of this story.)
Warren said UACCB is intentional about choosing university partners that share the college’s student-focused approach. She noted that UACCB leaders have had positive experiences working with UA Little Rock and believe the university is committed to helping UACCB students succeed after transfer.
The new partnership comes at a time when Arkansas continues to face significant workforce shortages in both nursing and education. By starting at UACCB, students can take advantage of lower tuition costs while completing coursework that is guaranteed to transfer to UA Little Rock. Transfer scholarships are also available to help reduce the cost of completing a bachelor’s degree.
One component of the agreement includes a pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Warren explained that UA Little Rock’s RN-to-BSN program is offered fully online, allowing students to remain in the Batesville area while completing their degree. Students can earn their Registered Nurse credential through UACCB’s nursing program, complete a college algebra course during the summer, and then move directly into the online bachelor’s program.
The agreement also creates a clear path for future educators through UACCB’s Associate of Arts in Teaching degree. The program includes the general education coursework required for bachelor’s programs in Arkansas, along with foundational education courses. Students who complete the degree can transfer to UA Little Rock with junior-level standing and continue working toward their teaching degree.
Youngblood said UA Little Rock has also built flexibility into its education program to accommodate students who may need to remain in their home communities. While some coursework may still require travel to Little Rock, many classes will be offered online.
“UALR is very prepared, knowing that students from this area may want to do their internships and practicums locally in this exact area, and that’s really exciting because they will have the opportunity to do that”, added Youngblood.
Partnerships like this are critical as Arkansas works to meet growing workforce needs in healthcare and education. While some UACCB students plan to transfer from the beginning, others may start with a one- or two-year credential and decide later that they want to continue their education. Youngblood said helping students understand their options, whether they plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree immediately or years later, is a key part of UACCB’s mission.
Students interested can contact UACCB at 870-612-2000 to get started. The team will connect them with a Navigator who can guide them through admissions, financial aid, and transfer planning.
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