23 Sep 2024 Conway School District and UACCM enter into agreement

Officials from Conway School District and the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) gathered in the James H. Clark Auditorium on Sept. 19 for an announcement and formal signing to solidify a new partnership. 

The partnership provides Conway High School students in various career and technical education (CTE) programs through Conway Area Career Center (CACC) the ability to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in those programs at no cost. 

The ceremony featured remarks from both institutions, including a welcome from Conway High School Principal Dr. Kate Worley. Conway School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum spoke of the partnership helping “close the opportunity gap.” 

“Usually, when we talk about concurrent credit, career and technical education (CTE), and career and military readiness, we end the conversation with ‘Yes or …’ ‘Yes, you can do this, or you can do that,’” said Collum. 

“Today we are having the discussion about ‘Yes and yes.’ Yes, you can do this and pursue that opportunity.”

UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg discussed UACCM’s relationship with Conway and the several colleges within the city. “We appreciate that higher education in Conway has included us in the tagline as being part of the City of Colleges. We are a complement to those other institutions and to your educational journey,” she said. 

CACC Supervisor Karey Smith discussed the impact the partnership will have on students, saying, “We currently have 18 welding students, 34 auto collision students, and 27 drafting students getting concurrent credit. This number is only going to increase in the spring.” 

“By the time students graduate, they’ll be able to earn 21 hours of concurrent credit starting off at no cost.”

UACCM Vice Chancellor of Academics Dr. Richard Counts stated that the partnership is possible due to the quality faculty of Conway High School.

“A key component to making this happen is the amazing faculty that Conway employs, we couldn’t do this without them.”

“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to work with the leadership on additional programs and courses to expand,” said Counts.

UACCM Vice Chancellor of Student Services Darren Jones discussed the cost efficiency of the agreement, stating, “We all know that college is not free, but when we are able to come together and put students first, we are able to provide these opportunities at no cost.” 

Attendees at the ceremony included several members of the Conway School District, faculty, students, and UACCM officials.