The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees approved an Associate of Science in STEM (AS-STEM) in Computer Information Systems – Cybersecurity at Wednesday’s regular monthly meeting. This is the fourth “start here, finish here” degree offered in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). NPC and UAM are currently partnering on degrees in business, education, and nursing.
Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president for academic affairs, presented the proposal to the Board and said, “NPC has developed an excellent working relationship with Chancellor Doss and her team in Monticello, and we hope to continue these exciting opportunities for our students.”
Pending approval from the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees and the Arkansas Division for Higher Education, the institutions plan to offer the new degrees beginning fall 2025.
Cybersecurity student, Susy Rios, was recognized during the student spotlight. Upon graduation this spring, she hopes to be one of the first students to enroll in the new UAM degree program. Rios is excited about this new transfer degree and stated, “I think this new program is going to help me because technology, especially cybersecurity, has always been about certificates and testing your knowledge. When you have a program like a bachelor’s degree, you're not only testing for certificates but getting the skills needed to work in a company and with other professionals.”
Associate Professor for Computer Technology, Robert Feighl said, “I am excited for the opportunity to spotlight Susy. She is a first-generation college student, the first in her family to go to college. She is very talented and a top student.”
Ms. Rios is getting real-world experience while finishing her classes through NPC’s Internship program working as an intern for the computer resources department. Blake Butler, NPC’s Chief Information Officer stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to give students hands-on training in our department. One of our newest employees started as an intern and was hired full time after graduation.”
NPC President, Dr. Wade Derden said, “I am grateful to Dr. Argo and his team for further developing the relationship with UAM to bring this new bachelor’s pathway forward. Providing this cybersecurity degree at NPC will offer our students an affordable option in a workforce sector with increasing demand for qualified employees.”
Several other programs were approved, including a new Associate of Science in STEM (AS-STEM) in Chemistry and Certificates of Proficiency in Marketing, Retail Management and Marine Engine Maintenance Fundamentals.