Press Release Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arkansas Department of Higher Education
501-371-2030
adhe.info@adhe.edu

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized Friday the establishment of the eVersity, a new online campus, through the University of Arkansas System.

In collaboration with existing University of Arkansas institutions, the eVersity will begin offering degree programs by distance technology beginning Fall 2015 and until the institution receives full accreditation. At that point, officials said, degree-granting authority would be transferred to the eVersity. All student services – from admissions through graduation, including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, advising and career planning – will be available in completely online formats.

The board also approved a change in role and scope for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, which will begin offering a master of science in healthcare administration, along with an off-campus degree center for University of Arkansas at Little Rock on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope location in Texarkana.

In finance committee business, a loan issue for the University of Arkansas System for $500,000 for 10 years at .22 percent. The proceeds would be used for repairs to the B. Alan Sugg Administration Building. The board also approved a bond issue for University of Central Arkansas for $15.5 million for 30 years at 5.75 percent. Proceeds will be used to design and construct Donaghey Hall, a residential hall.

Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) staff presented annual reports on athletics revenue and spending on campuses, which totaled $141 million across all universities and two-year colleges with athletics programs.

Other reports included enrollment in out-of-state and for-profit institutions for the 2013-14 year, a tally of 13,758 students and 1,788 graduates in 98 institutions.

ADHE is responsible for carrying out the policy directives of the AHECB, approving and reviewing college and university academic programs, and developing funding recommendations for the state’s 11 public universities and 22 public two-year colleges as well as several other post-secondary entities.

In addition, the agency is responsible for distributing approximately $150 million annually from state revenues and lottery funds intended to ease the financial burden of students seeking an education beyond high school. For more information, visit https://adhe.ade.arkansas.gov