Continuing to Grow: U of A Hope-Texarkana defies statewide trends
The University of Arkansas HopeTexarkana has experienced consistent growth despite downward trends in enrollment statewide.
According to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), only six of the 22 two-year colleges in Arkansas experienced oneyear increases in annual unduplicated headcount enrollment. UAHT is second on that list with a 4.2 percent increase.
ADHE also reports that only three of the 22 two-year colleges in Arkansas experienced five-year growth. UAHT is third on the list with a 2.3 percent increase. These increases have moved UAHT from number 19 in unduplicated headcount among 22 Arkansas twoyear colleges in 2007 to number 10.
Among the factors contributing to growth at UAHT is an increase in students on the U of A Texarkana campus and a rise in concurrent enrollment. Enrollment at the Texarkana campus increased by 9.8 percent over last year. Concurrent credit enrollment saw an increase of 3.8 percent.
“The growth of our campus is the result of the commitment and dedication of our employees,” Chancellor Chris Thomason said. “In addition, it is the direct result of the support and guidance we receive from the citizens of Texarkana, Hope and our region. The remarkable success we have witnessed on our campuses is symbolic of the future promise of growth that is present in our region.”
The college is also graduating students in record numbers. The number of unduplicated graduates has increased by 68 percent over the past four years and by 10.5 percent from last year. The total number of degrees and certificates awarded have also increased. Since 2014, there has been a 52 percent increase with a 4.5 percent increase from last year.
“The success of our students through record graduations represents the single greatest personal, college and community success possible. The educational opportunities provided on our campuses and supported by our community partners will chart our collective future successes through the work and achievements of our graduates,” said Thomason.
UAHT has implemented programs to help ensure student success such as the innovative book rental program that began in 2015. Students in the program pay only $20 per credit hour to rent books for classes at UAHT. The program saves students almost $900 per semester versus buying new books and has saved UAHT students almost $375,000 over the past year. The program has been so successful that many other institutions across Arkansas have contacted UAHT about implementing their own book rental program.
“UAHT has and will continue to be a statewide leader in all aspects of higher education and workforce training,” added Thomason. “We will build on our heritage of focusing on our mission to be the cornerstone of economic growth for the region and strive to provide an example of successful growth and innovation that changes opportunity and success for everyone.”
For more information, visit uacch. edu.