21 May 2018 UACCM hosts dedication for training center

Posted at 10:54 PMh in LIFE Pics by

Sonja J. Keith photos

More than 300 people crowded inside the Tyson Training Hall on April 26 to hear Gov. Asa Hutchinson and others celebrate the opening of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton’s new Workforce Training Center. 

Other speakers included Sen. Jane English (R-North Little Rock), University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, Prospect Steel Plant Manager Steve Belew, Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Smith, UACCM Foundation Board Chair Scott McKennon, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Doug Brandon and UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis. 

“I can’t tell you what a joy it is to be here in Morrilton and see the pride in the community, the way the community has come together to say, ‘We want to enhance our future through a strong workforce training center such as this,’” Hutchinson said. “You’ve invested in it, you understand the importance of it, and you accomplished it, so today is a day of celebration and I congratulate this community on what you’ve done and what you’ll do for the next generation.” 

The $15 million facility, the largest construction project in UACCM history and the first new building in nine years, will begin housing a complete slate of courses in the fall semester. Courses include paths to professional certificates and two-year associate degrees in high-demand, high-wage areas such as Automotive Service; Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC); Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance; and Welding. 

“The support of the citizens of our county and the UACCM’s service area has proven invaluable in helping us achieve our capital campaign goal and we view this ceremony as a way to recognize and thank many of those involved,” Chancellor Davis said.

Earlier in the week, UACCM hosted a reception in the training center for major donors, which included a sneak peek before the grand opening.

To schedule a tour of the Workforce Training Center and other facilities on campus, contact the UACCM Admissions Office at 501.977.2053. 

  • Participating in the ribbon-cutting at the new Workforce Training Center: UACCM Board of Visitors member Joe Canady, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Chair Shawn Halbrook, UACCM Foundation Board Chair Scott McKennon, UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Doug Brandon, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Smith, Sen. Jane English, Conway County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair Rich Moellers, Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart and former UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Raye Pearce. (Austin DuVall photo courtesy of UACCM)

  • Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer (from left), Kay Osborne, Courtney Stell, Teresa Stell and Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart.

  • Lisa Willenberg (from left), Morgan Zimmerman, Mary Newsome and Scott McKennon

  • Dr. Larry Davis (from left), David and Mara Cawein, Mike Miller and Susan West.

  • Diana and Joe Arn.

  • Chris (from left) and Mary Magie with Ashley and JR Congine.

  • Charles Nabholz (left) and Greg Williams.

  • UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis and Dr. Linda Birkner.

  • Anne Cadle, Carlene Davis and Mary Clark.