FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
April 27, 2016
NPC CONTINUES TO EXPAND TRANSFER OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) held their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, April 27. Items for report included updates on new degrees and transfer agreements, campus development and events.
The Board welcomed new hire, Cari Elliott. Mrs. Elliott is the new graphic artist for External Relations.
The April Student of the Month was introduced by instructors, Allan Mesko and Robert
Feighl. Ricky Moon is a CIS Networking student. He has earned nine certifications in the program and
works full-time at Centerpoint High School. He is a diligent student, and is married
with two boys. He hopes to continue his work in education and wants to help teachers
and students with technology. Ricky will graduate in May.
The May Student of the Month was introduced by Roger Fox, Communication and Arts Division
Chair. Ava Baghestani is a first year student at NPC and comes from a home school
background. She is very committed to her success and goes above and beyond to produce
exceptional quality work. Dr. Tamara St. Marthe noted that she participates wholeheartedly
in all of the in-class discussions and she has not missed a single class all semester.
She describes Ava as “a very compassionate and well-mannered young lady,” who is “unique
and professional” in her demeanor.” Ava has expressed interest in becoming a lawyer
after she completes her bachelor’s degree.
Student Government Association (SGA) President, Roger Powell presented a resolution
to Dr. Hogan on behalf of the student body. He expressed appreciation for the support
students receive for higher education. SGA visited the state capitol yesterday where
they presented the resolution to Governor Asa Hutchinson and local legislators.
Photo: Left to right, Senator Bill Sample, Advisors Samantha Christian and Melony
Ritter, Aaron Johnson, Roger Powell, Governor Asa Hutchinson, Michelle Godwin, Representative
John Vines, Riley Goad, Bruce Cozart, and Blas Cheairs Aguilar.
Dr. Yolanda Mitchell introduced guests from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS), the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and Henderson State University (HSU). Dr. LeRoy Cox, Associate Professor/Department Head for UAFS; Dr. Steven Runge, Provost, Brian Corbin, Director of Transfer Services, and Geoff Thiers, Education Counselor; and Christi Nation, Executive Director for HSU – Hot Springs and Tonya Smith, Director of Marketing were introduced.
Dr. Wade Derden presented academic program changes. The Board approved five new transfer agreements with UAFS including degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Health Information Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care. These will be the first transfer agreements at NPC for clinical track health science degrees. Dr. Cox said their focus was to help “strengthen students’ employment potential and meet the economic needs of our state.”
The Board approved three new transfer agreements with UCA, including degrees in Health
Education, Health Sciences (Health Services Administration), and Nutrition. These
will be the first health science degrees at NPC that do not require clinical participation.
Dr. Runge spoke about UCA’s increased focus on expanding transfer agreements, with
over 90 agreements in place. He added that their commitment to increase these opportunities
is partly because students who have an associate degree are more likely to finish
their bachelor’s degree.
Three new transfer agreements with HSU were announced during the February board meeting,
including new degrees in Human Services, Leisure Services Management, and Natural Resources Management. Leisure Services Management and Natural Resources Management
are Associate of Science in Recreation degrees which students will be able to complete
in Hot Springs at the Downtown Education Center. Ms. Nation shared her excitement
for the “long and fruitful relationship” between HSU and NPC.
Photo: Representatives from NPC, HSU, UCA, andUAFS sign transfer agreements. Left to right, Christi Nation, Ray Donathan, Dr. John Hogan, Dr. LeRoy Cox, and Dr. Steven Runge.
Dr. Mitchell shared that the College has 35 unique transfer agreements with 11 universities across the state. She is currently working to add new initiatives for fine arts and music, computer science, graphic design and additional engineering specialties.
Vice President for External Relations, Jeff Weaver reported that the NPC Foundation has received a number of donations for the Spirit of NPC scholarship fund, endowed by Dr. Tom Spencer in honor of his parents. The scholarship supports Phi Theta Kappa students and is given at commencement each year to the student who best exemplifies academic achievement, contribution to the spirit of the College and personal advancement. The Foundation participated in the ArkansasGives campaign, ranking 34 out of 314 small nonprofits in Arkansas. The Foundation helped host the seventh annual Style Show for Scholarships Luncheon with the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Garland County. The event raised nearly $15,000 and will qualify for a $7,000 match from the state association. All the proceeds will be used to help Garland County single parent students, many of whom attend NPC.
Dr. John Hogan, president, concluded the meeting with the president’s report. He shared his sadness over the loss of Dr. Tom Spencer, the second president of National Park College. Dr. Spencer was a leader, friend and mentor to many. His tenure as NPC President from 1994-2005 and member of the NPC Foundation Board from 2005-2016 were significant to the success of the college, the community and higher education in Arkansas.
Hogan gave a report of recent and upcoming events, including the NPC Talent Showcase; the NPC Job Fair that was attended by 39 area employers; the Code.Connect.Innovate Conference; NPC Nursing Honors Day; National Park Technology Center Awards Night; the annual Car Show hosted by the NPC Student Government Association (SGA); signing days at area high schools; and the second Annual Final Exam Slam. He expressed his appreciation to the entire campus for the substantial efforts undertaken to make all these events successful. Hogan also announced that spring 2016 Commencement would be held at Bank of the Ozarks arena May 14.
