National Park College (NPC) highlighted the achievements of 19 upcoming bachelor’s degree graduates during this month’s Board of Trustees meeting, recognizing the impact of innovative university partnerships on campus. Sixteen students will earn degrees through NPC’s collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), and three students will graduate through the partnership with Southern Arkansas University (SAU).
These programs reflect NPC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education in Garland County and the surrounding region. By providing local pathways to four-year degrees, NPC and its university partners are meeting students where they are—reducing barriers related to cost, time and travel.
NPC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Chuck Argo praised the programs, stating, “NPC’s partnership with UAM to offer Start-Here-Finish-Here bachelor’s degrees in education and business has successfully provided local students the opportunity to achieve their four-year college dreams while staying home. The first cohort of 16 graduates is a remarkable achievement, and these numbers will only grow in the years to come.”
One such success story is Evret Rice, a Bachelor of Business Administration candidate who is completing his degree through the UAM partnership while working full time at NPC. “Having the chance to get a bachelor’s degree without having to relocate or go into huge debt is more than just a dream for me,” he said. “It’s a necessity for my goal of having a business career.”
The benefits are equally clear in NPC’s education program, which has produced highly qualified graduates ready to step into Arkansas classrooms.
“The addition of the bachelor’s in K–6 education program has been a significant win for our local school districts,” said Assistant Professor of Education Lindsey Vondenstein. “Most of our upcoming graduates already have job opportunities lined up.”
Through the UAM partnership, student interns are embedded in classrooms throughout the entire school year, allowing them to become integral members of the school community.
“When we announced the opportunity to complete their degrees here at NPC, students
eagerly embraced it. We’re anticipating 13 graduates next May and expect 15 to 20
students in our newest cohort this fall,” Vondenstein said.
“To meet increased student interest and workforce needs, NPC is creating additional bachelor’s degree pathways in both nursing and computer information systems this upcoming year,” Argo added.
The new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway, launching in partnership with UAM in July 2025, will provide current nursing students and working nurses in the community with a streamlined route to complete their BSN without leaving Hot Springs.
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden commended the dedication of university partners and NPC faculty on this milestone. “With each new graduate, NPC’s university partnerships are creating ripple effects across the region—meeting workforce needs, strengthening local industries and redefining what is possible for students in Garland County and beyond,” he said.
For more information on current and upcoming bachelor's degree opportunities, visit np.edu/Transfer.
Pictured right to left: Dr. Chuck Argo, Katrina Bryant, Brook Reed, Kassidy Gardner, Brooke Wyatt, Brittney Henry, and Leann Hardin. Seated: Board of Trustee members Raymond Wright and Jim Hale .