National Park College (NPC) awarded a record 1,017 degrees and certificates to 635 graduates during the 2025–26 academic year, marking the largest graduating class and highest number of credentials awarded in the College’s history. Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduation report during the NPC Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday.
The total number of credentials awarded increased 22.7% over the previous academic year, while the number of graduates increased 17.8%. Based on available institutional records, the 2026 graduating class surpassed the previous high of 566 graduates set in 2013.
NPC conferred 288 associate degrees, 272 technical certificates and 457 certificates of proficiency across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, nursing, business, information technology, education, arts, social sciences, math and science, skilled trades and university transfer pathways. Summer graduates earned 137 credentials, fall graduates received 276 and spring graduates were awarded 604 credentials.
Concurrent enrollment students also contributed significantly to the record-setting year, earning 150 college credentials among 117 students — a 35.1% increase in credentials and a 52% increase in students over the previous academic year.
A total of 34 students earned bachelor’s degrees through partnerships with the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) and Southern Arkansas University (SAU), representing high-demand fields including education, business, nursing, science and technology.
Graduates from UAM included 11 in elementary education, nine in business administration and seven in the College’s first nursing cohort. Students completing degrees through SAU included three in biology with a pre-health emphasis, one in biochemistry and three in computer science.
“NPC continues to improve student completion rates, and this year’s numbers reflect the excellent work of our faculty and staff to keep students engaged and on track to earn a certificate or degree,” Argo said. “This was our most successful year yet, with more than 1,000 degrees and certificates awarded despite relatively flat enrollment. Our goal is to maximize our students’ time, effort and investment while helping them reach their educational and career goals, and this year’s results reflect that success.”
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden praised the college community for its role in supporting student achievement and the success of the 2026 commencement season.
“This is the largest graduating class and the most degrees and certificates awarded since I started keeping track of the data in 2012,” Derden said. “Well done to every member of the NPC team. This is a huge accomplishment and one that everyone should be singing from the mountaintops.”
During commencement ceremony held May 9, Derden also encouraged graduates to continue growing beyond graduation and to view education as a lifelong pursuit.
“Do not let today represent the end of your learning,” Derden said. “This milestone is significant, but it is not a stopping point. Continue to seek knowledge—through your career, through further education, or simply by paying attention to the world around you.”
View photos from this year’s commencement ceremony or relive the moment with our livestream.
There’s a place for you at NPC. For more information, visit np.edu.