The East Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees has called a special meeting for tonight to discuss the agreement with the University of Arkansas System. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the EACC boardroom.
The EACC Board of Trustees voted earlier this month to enter discussions with the system about becoming a member.
Board chairman Brent Howton and EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline are discussing an affiliation agreement with the system and will present any proposed agreement to the board for review and approval. The Board of Trustees for the University of Arkansas would also have to approve the agreement.
In a statement, the board said the goal of becoming a member is to ensure that EACC continues to be a future-focused institution providing the highest quality educational and cultural programming and to enable the institution to offer expanded opportunities for student and employee professional and educational growth.
In an interview with KWYN, Dr. Cline said the discussions about joining the UA System gained steam after the grand opening of the new student center last fall. That ceremony was attended by UA President Donald Bobbitt.
“i think they were impressed with the college and the impact we have on our communities,” Dr. Cline said. “They want to do a lot in Eastern Arkansas. They support the whole state. They want the state to do well. I’m sure they saw [a partnership with EACC] as a possible area for growth.”
Dr. Cline said the partnership with the University of Arkansas would be beneficial for both students and staff. Joining the system would not only strengthen the relationship with other UA colleges but also provide better access to scholarships and other programs.
Dr. Cline and Chairman Howton will work over the next few months on an initial agreement with the University of Arkansas.
“Both boards of trustees will have to approve that initial agreement,” Dr. Cline said. “Let’s work on what this might look like initially, pros/cons. [We’ll be] talking with faculty, staff, and students what are you interested in, what would you like to see, what questions do you want me to investigate, what’s important to you. Our board can vote on it. The UA board can vote on it, and then we’ll get even more detailed.”
If the measure is approved by both boards, EACC does not expect any changes to its leadership, faculty, staff, educational or cultural enrichment programs. The college would continue to manage its own budget and personnel.
Dr. Cline said the benefits of joining the system include legal, human resources, fiscal and audit support, inclusion in UA system and statewide initiatives, statewide policy and resource advocacy; and access to additional employee and student resources.
Becoming a member of the system is a multi-step process, which would require final approval from the Higher Learning Commission.
