DOCUMENT RESUME ED 471 743 HE 035 577 Higher Education in Arkansas. TITLE Arkansas State Dept. of Higher Education, Little Rock. INSTITUTION 2003-01-00 PUB DATE 41p.; "Prepared for Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas NOTE Legislature." AVAILABLE FROM For full text: http://www.arkansashighered.com/ publications.html. Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) PUB TYPE Descriptive Reports (141) EDRS Price MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE *Educational Attainment; Educational Trends; *Enrollment; DESCRIPTORS *Higher Education; *Institutional Characteristics; Mission Statements; Private Colleges; *State Colleges; State Programs *Arkansas IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT This report presents information about higher education in Arkansas. Arkansas is 49th in the United States in the number of citizens over the age of 25 with a baccalaureate or higher degree. Arkansas faces shortages of qualified teachers and nurses in regions of the state at a time when the number of graduates in these professions is declining though the higher education system. The first part of the report describes the institutions in the Arkansas system: 22 two-year colleges, 10 universities, 1 medical school with 7 statewide health education centers, and other public centers and schools devoted to particular aspects of education. In addition, there are 10 independent colleges and universities and 1 two-year independent college. The total public institutional headcount enrollment in fall 2002 was 114,339, and the total public full-time equivalent enrollment for fall 2002 was 85,792. The report contains the mission statement of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, a list of higher education institutions, and maps showing the location of public and private institutions of higher education. Other sections discuss trends in higher education in Arkansas, the structure and governance of the higher education system, and the financial aid programs administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. The regular reports prepared by the Department of Higher Education are listed, and a series of charts provides information about the funding of public institutions in Arkansas. (Contains 31 figures.) (SLD) HIGHER EDUCATION IN ARKANSAS Prepared for Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas Legislature January 2003 EDUCATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF Improvement Office of Educational Research and INFORMATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND CENTER (ERIC) DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS 42.-15is document has been reproduced as GRANTER BEEN organization received from the person or Lida, originating it. r) to Minor changes have been made improve reproduction quality. in this Points of view or opinions stated represent document do not necessarily TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES official OERI position or policy. INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1 Arkansas Department of Higher Education 114 East Capitol Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201 Dr. Linda L. Beene, Director 2 LEST COPY AVAJILA IL IL HIGHER EDUCATION IN ARKANSAS Prepared for Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas Legislature January 2003 Arkansas Department of Higher Education 114 East Capitol Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201 501-371-2000 (phone) 501-371-2001 (fax) www.arkansashighered.com Dr. Linda L. Beene, Director 3 2 Higher Education in Arkansas Prepared for Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas Legislature INTRODUCTION The economy of Arkansas is directly related to the level of education of Arkansas' citizens. "In the long run, nothing influences a state's prosperity more than the education of its people not oil, coal, gas or any other natural resource." (Quote from Southern Regional Education Board in Goals for Education, Challenge to Lead.). Statements linking higher education and the economy are heard with increasing frequency in the new millennia. While such linkage has been true for generations, it is now acutely recognized by increasing numbers of people, organizations, and states. Governor Mike Huckabee has repeatedly emphasized the importance of higher education to economic development. On June 6, 2000 Governor Huckabee stated: "People ask: 'Isn't education expensive?' My response is: 'It's much less expensive than the alternative.' Ignorance is expensive. Failure is expensive." The connection between a strong state economy and a strong higher education system is described repeatedly and thoroughly in numerous studies and reports. Two recent studies making these connections are Measuring Up 2002: The State-by-State Report Card for Higher Education published by The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and Miles to Go published by the Southern Education Foundation. These studies call for states, especially those like Arkansas, to make further commitments to improving the education level of its citizens and workforce. For individual citizens, it is well documented in U.S. Census Bureau data and other sources that personal and family "lifetime" earnings increase directly with higher education levels, but quality-of-life issues such as improved health for individuals and families are also dramatically enhanced by higher levels of education. As quality-of-life issues are improved for the citizens of a state, the need for other state programs directed toward health issues and correctional activities is reduced. Higher education is the foundation for improving school public education through preparing teachers, counselors, administrators, librarians, nurses, and other professionals in local school districts. As a direct result of higher levels of education, personal earnings increase as does personal spending, thereby increasing state revenues through taxes. A study completed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in July 2001 estimated that if Arkansans had the the Gross State average education of the U.S. and the consequent average income, that Product would be about $21 BILLION more than the present level and that state revenues might be increased by $2 to $7 billion. 3 4. This publication is devoted to providing a statewide overview of higher education in Arkansas. There are improvements being made every day, but we have our challenges too. The reader will observe that progress is being made on a number of higher education issues including enrollments, college going rates, retention and graduation rates, and the number of degrees awarded. However, the fact remains that Arkansas is 49th in the nation in the number of citizens over the age of 25 with a baccalaureate or higher degree. Arkansas faces shortages of qualified teachers and nurses in regions of the state at a time when the number of graduates of these professionals is declining through our higher education system. You are invited to visit the ADHE Web site at: http://www.arkansashighered.com where more information about higher education in Arkansas is available than can be included in this publication. Additionally, links are available to Web sites for each of the public and independent institutions. The health and vitality of higher education is of paramount importance to the well-being of of economic, civic, social each and every individual in Arkansas. "The prospects individuals, communities, states, and nations depend as never before on the availability and effectiveness of education and training beyond high school." (Quote from: Measuring Up 2002: The State-by-State Report Card for Higher Education.) Let's join together and It is the right thing to do and continue our efforts to improve higher education in Arkansas. now is the right time to do it! Dr. Linda L. Beene Director, Arkansas Department of Higher Education 5 4 Higher Education in Arkansas Prepared for Governor Huckabee and the Arkansas Legislature Table of Contents Page Topic 3 Introduction 6 Institutions and Enrollment I. Department Of Higher Education Mission Statement 6 II. 13 III. Trends 26 IV. Structure/Coordination/Governance The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board And The Arkansas 27 Department Of Higher Education 29 History of Public Higher Education in Arkansas Financial Aid Programs Administered by ADHE 31 V. 35 Regular Reports Prepared By ADHE VI. 36 VII. Funding Of Public Institutions In Arkansas 6 5 I. INSTITUTIONS AND ENROLLMENT Arkansas higher education encompasses 22 two-year colleges; ten universities; a medical school with seven statewide health education centers; division of agriculture research and extension faculty on five campuses, five statewide agriculture research and extension centers, seven research stations, extension offices in every county; ten statewide archeological survey stations; two law schools; a Criminal Justice Institute; the Fire Training and Environmental Control Academies; and the Department of Higher Education. There are ten independent colleges and universities and one two-year independent college. Names of all of the public and independent institutions may be found on page eight. The locations of all of the public and independent colleges and universities are shown on pages nine through twelve. Total public institutional headcount enrollment for Fall 2002 was 114,339, ranging from 15,995 at UAF to 743 at ASU Newport. Total public institutional full-time equivalent enrollment for Fall 2002 was 85,792, ranging from 13,501 at UAF to 469 at ASU Newport. Total independent institutional headcount enrollment for Fall 2002 was 13,218, ranging from 5,095 at Harding University to 175 at Crowley's Ridge College. Total independent institutional full-time equivalent enrollment for Fall 2002 was approximately 11,300 ranging from 6,381 at Harding University to 128 at Crowley's Ridge College. II. DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education is to be an advocate for higher education; to promote a coordinated system of higher education in the state; and to provide for the orderly and effective development of each of the publicly and locally supported institutions of higher education in the stateall geared toward improving the delivery of higher education services to the citizens of Arkansas. To accomplish this mission, four goals have been identified and are summarized below. These broad goals are consistent with the statutory duties and other responsibilities that are listed in the Coordinating Board section of this document. Coordinate higher education in Arkansas and promote quality in all aspects of higher education. The Department provides creative, efficient, and effective leadership and management of higher education at the state-level. Relevant, timely quantitative and qualitative analyses of higher education data to the Governor, legislature, institutions of higher education, the U.S. Department of Education, the general public, and other interested constituencies are provided. Staff of the department review all proposals for academic programs and prepare the 6 7 funding recommendation for public higher education to the Governor and Legislature. Provide Arkansas residents financial assistance to enable them to attend an Arkansas higher education institution. The Department coordinates several need-based, merit-based and special student financial aid programs and helps make higher education accessible for those who seek and qualify for admission. Provide Arkansas residents financial assistance to enable them to attend health professional schools in other states in cases when Arkansas does not provide the training. Coordinate the Arkansas Higher Education Grant (ARHEG) Program, a financial assistance program for students pursuing professional programs in certain healthcare fields that can only be obtained at out-of-state institutions through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Regional Contract Program and direct contracts between participating institutions and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Provide Arkansas institutions federal grant money that will assist them in serving special populations and providing special program support. Coordinate and administer statewide federal program funds awarded to institutions including the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Amendments of 1998, the Arkansas Teacher Quality Enhancement Program, the Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) enrichment program, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program. 8 7 e l n l i o v t s s e l i e a r p h r t s o a o c n H M B n a a k t t r a a r B A s e e e e l g g g a f c o e e e c n l i l l v l e n l l o o o i i h n C c C C e c U S k o f g e e y c y y f l u e e l T t l g o t t a e i i i l h l n e n n R B l c c o t u l u u i i l d C t f o m e s e y m m n o e a C l n t e o t m y i m m M e t s s e i y g M i P t y L n g r i g t o e o o e n e i t r a e s e C t l i C C g t t o u e e v l n a s r a a k l o l l e f i m l e g g u o k r n o s C s s s l s s s A v e e r m C l a U C m a a a o a a a a i l l n s s l l s s l s C m z o o s s s o a l s y n a U n n a n O n n n C C C r a t o a s a a c l a i t a a a a n s t n n C k i k k e k s h t k k k n s c n u e r s e a r r r i h t r r r a A h i A A t a n m i A g i C k n A A A p t m t s c e p k i r e h a a f m f n f f A e f r g o a f f f f o S l o o c o t B o o o o A l a T o n e B o e t y y k y y r y l s C u y y y y C T a n l a e t t r t t S s t o a i t t t t i o i i A t i r s s t d i i i i s s m s i C a i s s s s e e i s M N h k r r h r r n r r r r r k p e e h h h e e s c a e c e e e e a n O r i v v t t t a h v v a i v a l a v v v v u u u l l o l i i i i i l i l c u i n n u h i i i i z n n i h u o o o I n y n n n n W i T O U U O O P R U U P P S S S L U U U U U U T I T S M H A B N C C U C C C C C T S B C R C U C C C C I C U C T M C A C M A P B L O M B U S A N C A A A A E C Z T C A A A A W O U P U U R U O O S P S P S L U U U U U O I T A C U D E R R E A H f o G y I t H i e s m r S e o a e v A H i i g l n e o S o e U g n n r l N t e l o i g e o r a e l o b h a e g l C A e t e h o p n s M t g e b l i t C K w e l u m y e l e i l f v n o t o o l e R e y i S l e e n o o C M e N B t g y t e i u A J C g t t n t e e g r y m i e u o y s l y t e y l l i F m t r o m l a y y y n t l e i o y y e l i s e C t t t o F n u g m t t C o v i i i e r g i i s s s C u m e e s s e i C y g , y n e r r r o g m r s s r l l v t e e e e m a t l e U l e y C i o a a e i i l s s v v v n l o n m c t v v l C s s l o a r i i i i o l i u C U s n y i n n n i e y o n n n n n o C s C a t m u t U U U v t C a a h n n U C U i s e e s s m i e k k y c m u n a s i g t n r e e e t t g r r t e e a s h a o U k e m p s n d a A A t t t o e a T t : t r c a a a s C i v a : u i a S k t r C A o l R r s n e n p i t t t l f f B a r o n t r o a S S S o o C n i w S T A a a e n p t e C h U C s e a s s B k v y y o o s s s p t ' t Y s s n e k y a Y u r o i t t s a a a g d r x i R a A i i a r l e r s w B s o s s - t r a n i s s s n e - A s a s r s r e l n r r S o h : r n n n w d i k a h h u n e e n s i n : d r t d a s t t a a a w c - r n n l t t a o v v s a a o s h r r r n d r k u s a a k k k o e a e a i i o o r a k k e o T r F e n n i i o C e r r r l M M N C H H G A C N r r B E J A A A Y H U U S A A Y t t n - n - r e o e u d w d o n n F T C e e H A C c c C p p C U C M C N M B C i S i A e C J C e l C l C C C C C C U U U U b b T U F U F W U d U d C R U C S C C B A B A B R u S S u S A S A S A n T n M C M H H N C N G A E C J P P A A A B U H U S A A I I 0 0 Arkansas Public Higher Education (As of November 2002) AVAILABLE BEST COPY 9 10