FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
February 24, 2016
NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE CONTINUEW FOCUS ON TRANSFER INITIATIVES
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 24. Items for report included a new degree program, enrollment updates, and an overview of ongoing transfer initiatives.
The February Student of the Month was introduced by Practical Nursing (PN) Program
Director, Tamara Abernathy. PN student, Laikin Davis graduated from Benton High School
in 2011. Laikin is the first in her family to graduate from college. She entered the
Practical Nursing Program in July 2015 and is a candidate for May graduation with
her Certificate in Practical Nursing. She is enrolled in 17 credit hours and maintains
an overall GPA of 3.6 while working 27 hours a week. Laikin lives in Arkadelphia,
drives 76 miles a day and has not missed one day of class. She hopes to work as an
LPN and wants to work with children. She plans to apply for the LPN to RN track to
complete her Associate of Science in Nursing degree.
Dr. Wade Derden, Vice President for Academic Affairs requested board approval for a new Associate of Science degree in Recreation with Henderson State University, pending approval from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education Coordinating Board. The program will be housed at the Downtown Education Center in the Landmark Building. He gave an enrollment overview and reported in total the College has affected the lives of 4,805 students this semester, equal to approximately 5 percent of the population of Garland County. College credit enrollment numbers for the spring semester following the 11th day count was 2,536 credit students, a slight decrease over last spring’s enrollment. Dr. Derden explained that a number of programs had transitioned to non-credit over the past year and the slight decrease was not unexpected. Transitioned programs included pottery, painting, sculpture, community band, pharmacy tech and certified nursing assistant.
Dr. Jerry Thomas, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management provided an update on concurrent credit enrollment, 606 students are on track to complete 2,675 credit hours, a 54 percent increase over last spring.
Kelli Albrecht, Vice President for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives reported workforce programs have served 1933 students since July 1, 2015, an increase of 13 percent over last year at this time. Students have completed 26,374 contact hours in workforce programs this year. Apprenticeship programs account for 60 percent of contact hours, followed by 23 percent for workforce and continuing education, 11 percent for ChildCare Aware programs, and 6 percent for professional development programs. She noted that they are on track to complete the year’s objective of 28,000 contact hours.
National Park Technology Center (NPTC) Director, Jason Hudnell reported enrollment for NPTC high school programs as 578 students for spring semester, a 6.25 percent increase over last spring. He noted that NPTC students had a 94 percent retention rate from fall to spring semester. He shared that nearly one-third of juniors and seniors in Garland County are enrolled in NPTC classes.
Bill Ritter, Director of Adult Education reported Adult Education programs have served 1441 students since July 1, 2015, an increase of 61 percent over last year at this time. Students have spent more than 36,000 hours in NPC adult education programs this year. He mentioned the new adult education center at the Jones school building in partnership with the Hot Springs School District (HSSD) opened January 24. He noted the goal is to deliver services at a location that is convenient for HSSD parents and community members. He announced the second Garland County Detention Center GED graduation ceremony is scheduled for February 25. Ritter noted that Pearson Vue has lowered the scores for passing the GED test. The change will be retroactive to January 1, 2014. This could have a significant impact on GED attainment numbers across the state. Arkansas is expected to implement the new scores in May.
Dr. Derden discussed the NPU (National Park University) Initiative and the continued focus on transfer services and developing cost savings for students through articulation agreements. Included in the NPU guaranteed course transfer list are seven new degrees expected to be finalized by fall semester 2016.
Dr. Derden shared that efforts are being made to develop clear transitions into NPC credit programs for adult education and NPTC students. NPC Discovery Day is scheduled for March 15, adult education and NPTC students will have the opportunity to learn about NPC programs and services. NPU hosted a College Exploration Day today for students interested in transfer opportunities. Universities from all over the region were on campus to visit with students about degree programs and scholarship opportunities.
Dr. John Hogan concluded the meeting with the president’s report. He shared the Industrial Technology program hosted an open house and ribbon cutting last week. The Aerospace Fabrication and Repair program will host a similar event March 1. He mentioned progress has been made with the budget process for the next year as budget managers have participated in presentations over the past few weeks. This year’s budget process is directly tied to the strategic plan and places priority on operational efficiencies, building a healthy reserve, keeping tuition flat, and completing the quality pay initiative.
