New partnership brings UAM bachelor’s programs in business and education to UACCB

Dr. Peggy Doss, UAM Chancellor, and Dr. Brian Shonk, UACCB Chancellor

On Thursday, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) unveiled a new partnership designed to expand affordable higher education opportunities in Arkansas. This initiative allows UACCB students to earn bachelor’s degrees from UAM while benefiting from some of the state’s lowest tuition rates.

The agreement will enable UACCB students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in business and education from UAM through coursework offered in Batesville.

The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education program is slated to begin in May 2026, with the Bachelor of Business Administration program launching in August 2026. 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.

To further support affordability, UAM will offer the UACCB Transfer Scholarship, awarding $3,000 per semester to UACCB students who complete 55 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship helps ensure these bachelor’s degrees remain among the most affordable options in Arkansas.

Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor of UACCB, emphasized the expanded possibilities for students as a result of the new partnership, stating, “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. 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.”

“Partnering with UACCB on this innovative model is a meaningful advancement in making higher education more accessible and affordable for Arkansans,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “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 on Thursday at Independence Hall, where both Dr. Shonk and Dr. Doss delivered remarks and participated in a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.

Photo by Blayne Stewart, UACCB