East Arkansas Community College: A Comprehensive Overview

East Arkansas Community College (EACC), now known as the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College (UA-EACC), stands as a comprehensive two-year college dedicated to serving the educational and economic needs of its community. Located in Forrest City, Arkansas, UA-EACC offers a wide array of programs, from technical and occupational training to general education courses for transfer students, workforce development, and continuing education. The college is committed to being a partner, resource, facilitator, and leader for social and economic improvement and continued growth of its community, region, and state.

History and Establishment

The seeds of UA-EACC were sown in the late 1960s when residents of St. Francis County recognized the need for both a technical school and a community college. At the time, the nearest higher education institutions were located in Memphis, Tennessee, and Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 1967, Crowley's Ridge Vocational Technical School was established, marking the initial step toward fulfilling the region's educational aspirations.

In June 1969, the Crowley Ridge Community College Corporation received its charter, further solidifying the community's commitment to creating a comprehensive educational institution. A significant turning point came in April 1971 when Betty Jo Hodges donated $25,000, enabling the organization to purchase approximately 40 acres of land in Forrest City.

By August 1973, the Arkansas Board of Higher Education confirmed that St. Francis County had met all necessary requirements to form a community college district. Voters approved the proposal on November 8, 1973, which included a 4-mill tax to finance the construction of East Arkansas Community College. Governor Dale Bumpers appointed nine members to the Board of Trustees, who officially took office on December 13, 1973.

Classes officially began on August 26, 1974, in a temporary facility located in downtown Forrest City. Concurrently, the board authorized the construction of 11 buildings at the college's current site at 1700 Newcastle, adjacent to the vocational school, at a cost of $1.5 million. The new campus opened its doors in August 1975.

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Growth and Development

Over the years, UA-EACC has experienced significant growth and development, marked by continuous improvements to its facilities and the addition of new resources. These include new classroom buildings, a music building, a lecture hall, an expanded physical education building, a Computer Education Center, the Learning Resource Center, and the Betty Jo Hodges Student Services Complex.

In 2005, UA-EACC expanded its reach by offering classes in Wynne at the Technology Center for the Delta/Bill Thomas Building. A major milestone was achieved in 2010 with the opening of the Fine Arts Center, a 'Class A' performance facility, following a successful capital campaign.

In 1992, Crowley's Ridge Vocational Technical School transitioned into a technical institute, officially becoming Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute. The Arkansas State Legislature introduced Act 636 in 2017, paving the way for the consolidation of East Arkansas Community College and Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute. In January 2018, Dr. Horace E.

In 2024, East Arkansas Community College joined the University of Arkansas System to become University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College.

Academic Programs and Curriculum

UA-EACC offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to meet the varied needs of its students and the regional economy. These programs include:

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Technical and Occupational Programs: Training in various fields to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Freshman and Sophomore General Education Transfer Programs: Courses designed to transfer to four-year institutions for students pursuing bachelor's degrees.
Specialty Courses: Focused education in specific areas of interest.
Continuing Education Courses: Opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.
Workforce Development: Training and resources to support emerging and existing industries.

The college offers both certificate and associate degree programs, as well as noncredit training, to support state and regional economic development goals. UA-EACC also provides courses and services to support business and industry needs.

General education courses at UA-EACC enhance academic skills, reasoning capabilities, and general knowledge required for continued learning and advancement in students’ professional and personal lives. The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board mandates a minimum of 35 semester credit hours of general education courses for an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Baccalaureate degree. These courses include:

Math (3 semester credit hours): College Algebra or a higher-level math course.
Science (8 semester credit hours): Science courses with laboratories.
Social Sciences (9-12 semester credit hours).

UA-EACC is committed to providing access to high-quality, affordable career-ready and transfer-ready degree programs, business and industry training, non-credit learning experiences, and cultural enrichment.

Student Life and Services

UA-EACC is a student-centered college focused on meeting the learning needs of its students through strong counseling, guidance, and comprehensive support services. The college offers various resources to support students' academic and personal growth, including:

Academic Remediation
Learning Disabilities Services
Advanced Placement Credit
Honors Program
Summer Session for Credit
Part-time Undergraduate Degree Programs
English as a Second Language program
Employment services for students
Credit for life experiences
Academic/career counseling service
Placement services for completers

A wireless computer network is available throughout the campus, and at least one staffed computer lab is accessible to students, with 35 computers available.

Core Competencies

The faculty, staff, and students at UA-EACC have identified four core competencies that every graduate should master:

Communication: Graduates should be able to communicate effectively and clearly.
Critical Thinking: Developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Personal and Global Awareness: Understanding diverse perspectives and global issues.
Academic Proficiency and Professional Development: Ensuring professional success in the workplace and future endeavors.

Campus and Facilities

Located in Forrest City, UA-EACC is situated on a 40-acre campus. The college boasts a performing arts center, which opened in 2010. The center is a 33,000-square-foot facility designated as a 'Class A' performance hall, one of only three in Arkansas.

Accreditation and Recognition

East Arkansas Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. UA-EACC has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the academic year 2020-2021, in-district tuition and fees were $2,820, in-state tuition and fees were $3,120, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $3,720. There is no application fee. At East Arkansas Community College, 53 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,672

Student Demographics

The total enrollment at UA-EACC is 934. The school has an open admissions policy. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 36 different fields. Popular programs include General Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Business/Commerce, General.

Student Life (Fall 2022)

Ethnicity Distribution
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
- Under 18: 19%
- 18-24: 42%
- 25-64: 33%
- Over 65: 6%

Community Engagement

UA-EACC is deeply involved in the local community, serving as a partner, resource, facilitator, and leader for social and economic improvement. The college holds an annual golf tournament, which celebrated its 10th year in 2021, with sponsors including Arkansas Concrete Company, Boar's Head, Forrest City Medical Center, and Johnson Controls.

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