ASU Three Rivers
Arkansas State University Three Rivers has been providing training for students for more than 54 years.
The College began as Ouachita Vocational Technical School in July 1969 and transitioned to a two-year college in 1991 as Ouachita Technical College. Twenty years later, the name was changed to College of the Ouachitas to communicate the College’s broad mission of higher education and service. When the College joined the Arkansas State University System in January 2020, it became Arkansas State University Three Rivers
“A college experience is so much more than just classes at ASU Three Rivers. Students have support from our dedicated faculty and staff and even other students from the time they walk through the doors till the moment they graduate,” according to Amber Childers, Associate Vice Chancellor for College Advancement. “Students that pursue an education at Arkansas State University Three Rivers are making a smart investment toward their future – one that pays them back.”
ASU Three Rivers graduates earn the highest average starting salary among all AA/AAS graduates statewide at $49,789. Additionally, among all graduates earning a Bachelor’s degree, ASU Three Rivers graduates had the second highest starting salaries, and sixth highest among Master’s graduates.
ASU Three Rivers Chancellor, Dr. Steve Rook, pointed out, “As financial contributors, the graduates are able to directly impact the future of their family as well as their community. They’re improving the economy of the areas in which they live and serve.”
The high return on investment makes it easier for graduates to not only graduate debt-free but also improve their standard of living immediately after graduation.
The many programs offered at ASUTR prepare learners to succeed at universities and in the workforce. Academic and support services respond to personal, social and career planning needs. Workforce Development serves business and industry and aids economic development within the community, state, and region by providing customized training to current and potential employees.
The Associate of Arts, Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Associate of Science in Business degrees are available for those planning to transfer to a fouryear institution.
Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered in Accounting, Apprenticeship Trades, Computer Network Management, Criminal Justice, General Technology, Management, Mechatronics, Medical Office Administration, Office Administration, Registered Nursing, and Welding Technology.
Certificates can be completed in one year of less and ASUTR offers more 40 to choose from including Cosmetology, Early Childhood Education, Practical Nursing,
Electrical Apprenticeship, Plumbing Apprenticeship, Medical Coding, CNC Machining & Fabrication, Industrial Robotics, Network Security, plus much more.
Along with providing training, the college also has a strong connection to the community.
“ASU Three Rivers is a college for the community. We continually strive to be a community of successful, lifelong learners working collectively to respond to the educational, cultural, social economic and environmental needs of the community and the region,” Childers said.
She noted that the Saline County Career Technical Campus that opened Fall 2021 now has an enrollment of 600 students on that campus.
The extensive restoration of the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Malvern continued in 2022. A new marquee and blade sign were installed in April 2022. Phase III of the restoration project begins this month and will include prepping the interior for furniture, fixtures and equipment in Phase IV.
The College announced the debut of an athletic program to begin this Fall and will include men’s baseball and women’s softball.
Campus growth that can be seen in 2023 includes the renovation of the El Parian building to house additional workforce training classrooms, as well as the College’s Adult Education program that is currently located in the Arkansas Workforce Center on East Sullenberger.
More information about the college is available at ASUTR.EDU or by calling 501-337-5000.