Another Town Hall Meeting is planned to discuss a possible affiliation with the University of Arkansas System for North Arkansas College.

The meeting will take place Thursday at 11:00 am at the Berryville Community Center Banquet Hall on Spurlin Circle. 

The complete release from North Arkansas College is below:
North Arkansas College (Northark) is exploring a potential affiliation with the University of Arkansas System. This decision will follow a thorough evaluation of opportunities that could enhance educational offerings, expand resources, and strengthen institutional support. 
As part of this process, Northark will host a Community Town Hall to engage with the public, provide transparency, and gather input on this significant decision. The Community Town Hall will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 11-1 PM at the Berryville Community Center Banquet Hall located at 61 Spurlin Circle in Berryville. Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided.

In 2008 Northark expanded its course offerings by opening the Carroll County Center (CCC) at Bobcat Plaza in Berryville. The college was especially appreciative of $75K in state funding supported by then State Senator Randy Laverty and State Representative Bryan King which was instrumental in getting the project off the ground. Today the CCC offers traditional and concurrent (high school) classes, adult ed programs, community education and English as a Second Language classes. 

If Northark affiliates with the University of Arkansas System, students who graduate from Northark will be eligible to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and pay Northark tuition, saving them thousands of dollars. 

 “There is a population of students who have always wanted to attend college but drive time to Harrison and fuel prices were obstacles,” says Northark President Rick Massengale. “The CCC provides a more convenient opportunity to surrounding areas like Eureka Springs, Huntsville and Kingston and enables them to obtain college credit close to their homes. Becoming part of the University of Arkansas System will open new pathways to degrees and be especially appealing to residents of Carroll and Madison counties because of their close proximity to Fayetteville.”  
Carroll County is the college’s second largest feeder of students following Boone County.

During the Town Hall, Northark administrators will present an overview of the proposed affiliation, including potential benefits, the impact on students, faculty, and the broader community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives. Those interested in submitting questions in advance may email them to questions@northark.edu 

This affiliation could provide Northark with increased funding opportunities, access to expanded academic programs, and greater institutional stability. However, college leaders emphasize that no final decision has been made, and community input is a crucial part of the evaluation process.