This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 edition of UA – Pulaski Tech IMPACT Magazine. Used with permission. To view the full publication, visit: https://mediaserver.uaptc.edu/impact/fall24
The(UA-PTC) is a pillar of educational opportunity in Arkansas. As a proud alumnus and current chairman of the Board of Visitors, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact this institution can have on students’ lives.
To me, UA-PTC is more than just a college; it was a launching pad to what I believe is lifelong momentum. I arrived with many of my childhood dreams deferred, but because of a campus environment that allowed me to rediscover my love and commitment to scholarship, I’ve been able to leverage the degree I earned and “Break Free From the Expected” personal mediocrity that lurked in the shadows of my childhood adversity.
What I discovered was, students just like me find the support, resources, and quality education they have needed all along to launch into a continuous path of growth and momentum. The college’s commitment to excellence is evident in its faculty, who are not only experts in their fields, but who are also dedicated to providing the best possible learning experience.
UA-PTC offers a wide range of programs to cater to the diverse needs of its students. My pathway was an Associate of Arts degree
that allowed me to transfer and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Philander Smith University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from UA-Little Rock.
Whether a student aspires to a career in healthcare, business, technology, culinary arts, or something else, there’s a program tailored to their interests. For those seeking a four-year degree, UA-PTC’s affordable university transfer curriculum provides a solid foundation.
I know firsthand the complexities and uncertainties of financing a college education that many students and families face when
pursuing higher education. UA-PTC’s commitment to affordability is truly commendable. The college offers significantly lower tuition rates than many four-year institutions, and its flexible class schedules and location allow students pursuing non-traditional
paths to college to live at home, saving on housing costs to meet the other demands of their lives.
Additionally, UA-PTC provides a variety of financial aid options to help students offset the cost of tuition and fees.
Beyond academics and affordability, UA-PTC fosters a supportive and encouraging community. From the faculty and staff to the
fellow students, everyone is here to help students succeed. The college’s commitment to creating a positive learning environment
is one of its greatest strengths.
I was appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2021, and I have enjoyed collaborating with other community leaders in guiding UA-PTC as
the institution seeks to transform lives and make a positive impact on the community by making higher education more accessible,
providing pathways to in-demand careers and supporting local business through workforce training and skills development.
If you are not familiar with UA – Pulaski Tech, I encourage you to learn more about the flagship two-year institution in the region.