April 26, 2017
NPC Announces 22 New Transfer Degrees
National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, April 26. Items for report included updates on messaging strategies and 22 new transfer degrees with the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Henderson State University (HSU).
The Board welcomed special guests, Senator Bill Sample, Dr. Brandie Benton, Associate Provost for Enrollment Services and Admissions at HSU, Dr. Steven Runge, Provost at UCA and Brian Corbin, Director of Transfer Services at UCA.
The Board recognized Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students for their regional awards. Incoming PTK president, Melissa Krafft presented advisor Nanette Crane-Post with a stole of gratitude. Skills USA award winners were recognized for the medals they earned at the state championship this month.
The flag football championship team, Scapegoats were commended for their 61-54 win over 50 Shades of Green Bay last week.
The April student of the month is Tyler Wray. He is working to complete an Associate
of Applied Science in Visual and Media Arts. Instructor Ashlyn Dugan said Tyler was
an exceptional student who always completed his work ahead of time and participated
in class.
Vice President for Finance and Administration, Steve Trusty presented the financial
report. He asked the Board to approve Stephens Inc. as the College’s bond underwriter
for the bond issue that will fund the upcoming construction project.
Dr. Wade Derden, Vice President for Academic Affairs asked the Board to approve 22 new transfer degrees for the fall 2017 semester. Six new transfer degrees in music were approved for HSU including music, choral education, instrumental performance, keyboard performance (organ), keyboard performance (piano), and vocal performance.
Benton said, “We are very excited to have in place clear pathways for National Park students interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in music. We also look forward to further collaboration in the building of future transfer and completion opportunities with NPC through the new South Arkansas Regional Alliance (SARA).”
Two education degrees were approved with UCA including elementary education K-6 and
secondary education (social studies and history). Fourteen social science degrees
were approved for transfer to both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
These included anthropology, geography (geospatial technology), history, philosophy,
psychology, and sociology.
Runge said, “This partnership we are continuing to build is exciting because the way
we built it everybody wins. Most importantly, the students win. Students can know
they are taking the right courses that transfer seamlessly. They can earn their associate
degree and bachelor’s degree without worrying about losing credit when they transfer.
NPC will have 67 transfer degree opportunities in fall 2017. The National Park University (NPU) Center is committed to guaranteed course transfer agreements with university partners, which allows students to earn an Associate’s degree at NPC and transfer to a university as a full standing junior in their program area.
Jeff Weaver, Vice President for External Relations provided a report about messaging strategies used for recruitment and advertisement. He updated the board about recent focus groups the team has conducted and data that helps shape decisions about how to invest advertising funds.
Dr. John Hogan concluded the meeting with the president’s report. He congratulated all of the special guests for their accomplishments and noted the students accolades are evidence of quality experiences in and out of the classroom. He referenced Board Chair, Forrest Spicher’s research on “brain drain” in the community and how the College is working toward the goal of increasing “brain gain.” He stated, “Those are the results the right climate will breed.” He reported that the NPC Foundation raised $9,543 during the Arkansas Gives event this month. He reminded the Board that graduation is scheduled for May 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Bank of the Ozarks Arena.
