National Park College (NPC) Student Affairs implemented several new initiatives to enhance student support and create a welcoming campus environment for the start of the fall semester. Vice President for Student Affairs, Darla Thurber provided a report to the NPC Board of Trustees at the regular monthly board meeting Wednesday.
Thurber reported the College welcomed 13 international students from six countries, surpassing last year's record and over 100 students from 19 states, excluding Arkansas, enrolled for the fall semester.
"We are incredibly proud of the growth and success of our student body," said Thurber. "Our commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive community is evident in the increased interest from students both locally and internationally."
Student Affairs launched several initiatives to assist students over the past few weeks. The team conducted a student needs survey during enrollment to help connect students with campus resources. Faculty and staff volunteers participated in Dogwood Hall move-in days and helped students navigate campus during the first days of classes. They hosted orientation events, including a Sunday orientation. Four faculty members have been assigned as academic advisors to support student-athletes. Student life has a full calendar of activities planned for the fall semester to keep students engaged.
"We are dedicated to providing our students with the resources and support they need to succeed," added Thurber. "Our team is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive campus culture."
NPC President, Dr. Wade Derden said, “I have challenged the faculty and staff to begin working toward creating a more accessible campus—one in which we are meeting students where they are at rather than making them come to us. That will be a central element of strategic planning discussions moving forward. As you can see from her report, vice president Thurber and her team are already working to do just that.”
Pictured is NPC Men’s Baseball players Josh Lumsden (center) and Que Walton (back) carrying belongings into Dogwood Hall during the fall move-in day.