NPC-UA System Merger

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

Students, employees and community members are encouraged to:

• Attend information sessions and town halls
• Review college communications and updates
• Participate in feedback opportunities

• NPC's commitment to affordability
• Student-focused teaching and support
• Current students' ability to complete their programs
• The college's role in serving the local community
• Focus on student success

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.

There are no plans for staff reductions as part of the merger discussions

Healthcare plans, retirement plans, leave policies, holiday schedules, tuition benefits, contribution rates, and other benefits are currently being evaluated as part of the review process. A key objective is understanding how current employee benefits compare to UA System offerings, and what options may be available if a merger occurs. Detailed information will be shared as it becomes available.

The existing partners and programs would remain the same. It is not anticipated that any degree program or partnership would be discontinued as a result of becoming a member of the University of Arkansas System.

NPC’s faculty qualifications standards are guided by federal, state, and accreditation requirements. In that sense, they are similar to those of other institutions of higher education around the state and nation. Any future changes would continue to follow institutional processes, accreditation requirements, and academic best practices.

Day-to-day operations would remain very similar although final authority on major decisions, such as bond issuances and policies, would occur at the system level rather than campus level through the authority of the UA System Board of Trustees. The UA System exists to support its campuses in their mission, not control them.

Yes, but the extent of change or what systems would be impacted is currently unknown. Technology evaluations would occur during any transition planning process. Decisions around technology updates would prioritize operational effectiveness, user experience, and minimizing disruption to students and employees.

Maintaining affordability remains one of NPC's core values. Any future tuition rate changes would continue to be made at the institutional level, not the system level. NPC would continue to consider student access, workforce needs, and the college's mission of affordability.

Existing scholarship programs are expected to continue during the transition process. Additionally, a merger may create opportunities for new scholarships and transfer awards that are not currently available.

Potentially. Students could benefit from stronger connections across the UA System and additional transfer opportunities while maintaining the freedom to transfer to public or private institutions of their choice. Existing transfer agreements would be evaluated with the goal of preserving and expanding student options.

Yes. Students would continue to have the freedom to transfer to public and private universities throughout Arkansas and beyond. Existing transfer relationships would continue, and integration could potentially create additional transfer opportunities within the University of Arkansas System.

Current transfer and 2+2 agreements would continue to be reviewed on an annual basis carefully with the goal of maintaining opportunities for students while exploring ways to expand transfer options.

One potential benefit of integration would be expanding educational opportunities, including additional pathways to bachelor's degrees. However, no specific academic programs have been discussed at this time.

Becoming part of the UA System could create opportunities to evaluate new programs that align with student demand and workforce needs.

Students currently enrolled in degree, certificate, and workforce programs would be able to continue their academic plans without disruption. NPC would continue to preserve successful programs while exploring opportunities for growth.

No decisions have been made regarding co-enrollment programs. However, increased collaboration between NPC and UA System institutions could create opportunities that are not available today.

Current online course offerings would continue, and access to additional online educational opportunities may become available through system partnerships.

NPC's close-knit environment, supportive faculty, and strong sense of community are among the college's greatest strengths. Preserving the student experience and personalized support that students value would remain a priority throughout any integration process and beyond.

Any future merger is intended to build upon NPC's strengths, not diminish them. Student success, faculty engagement, and personalized instruction would remain central to the college's mission.

Maintaining academic quality and student success outcomes would continue to be a top priority. Any future changes would be designed to enhance educational opportunities while preserving the strengths students already value.

Absolutely. A degree or certificate earned from National Park College would continue to represent the quality education, skills, and preparation students receive. A merger with the UA System may further strengthen recognition and opportunities available to graduates.