National Park College is exploring opportunities to better serve students, meet workforce
needs, and support our community’s future. Joining the University of Arkansas System
could provide additional resources, partnerships, and academic pathways while advancing
NPC’s mission in Hot Springs and the surrounding region.
Higher education institutions nationwide face increasing demands related to enrollment,
technology, workforce development, student expectations, and financial sustainability.
Exploring a merger allows NPC leadership to evaluate whether a partnership with the
UA System could better position the College for future success while maintaining its
core mission and values.
No. Any merger would be structured so that the University of Arkansas System would
accept and support NPC’s current mission, goals, strategic and operational plans,
community focus, traditions, and student-centered culture.
Yes, but the merger with the University of Arkansas System would also need to be recognized.
In other words, National Park College would become National Park College of the University
of Arkansas, or NPCUA. The Nighthawks would remain the mascot.
Yes, but with modifications. The governance structure of the locally elected Board
of Trustees would change. If a merger is agreed upon, fiduciary and legal authority
would transfer to the UA System Board of Trustees from the NPC Board of Trustees.
The local elected Board would convert to an appointed Board of Visitors and act in
an advisory capacity to the campus leadership and to the University of Arkansas System
Board of Trustees. Additionally, the NPC President would be titled Chancellor.
Potential benefits include:
- Expanded educational opportunities for students
- Additional transfer and degree pathways
- Potential for additional bachelor's degree pathways
- Enhanced student services and resources
- Greater collaboration across Arkansas higher education
- Access to system-wide expertise in legal, financial, technology, and regulatory matters
- Greater institutional visibility and recognition
- Opportunities for expanded collaboration with other UA campuses
- Enhanced professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
- Expanded workforce and economic development partnerships
Success would mean preserving what makes National Park College special while creating
new opportunities for students, employees, and the community. Specifically:
- Maintaining affordability for students
- Preserving and enhancing employee benefits
- Protecting NPC's culture and community focus
- Expanding academic opportunities
- Strengthening workforce development programming
- Increasing resources available to students and employees
- Ensuring long-term institutional sustainability
Joining the University of Arkansas System is a process rather than a single event.
Similar transitions at other institutions have involved board approvals, accreditation
review, planning, and implementation over an extended period. Stakeholders would receive
updates throughout each phase of the process.