Fall enrollment at East Arkansas Community College has increased for the fourth consecutive year.  Fall 2024 enrollment increased by more than 14% over last fall from an unduplicated headcount of 1,252 to 1,429.

"This is a record high for this institution," said Dr. Cathie Cline, President of EACC.

Student semester credit hours increased almost 21% over last year. This increase is an important indication of student success, as students who enroll in more credits are able to meet their educational goals more quickly.

Post-secondary enrollment saw the largest increase, with headcount increasing almost 24%. High school headcount increased almost 4%.

"We believe our pending affiliation with the University of Arkansas System and connection to the prestigious UA brand contributed to this enrollment increase," said Cline.

"The stability and upward trajectory of EACC were two of the things that stood out to the UA System when we began talking about bringing the campus into the UA System," said UA System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt.

"We're thrilled to see the continuance of that, and are excited about the many future possibilities of collaborations within the UA System that will only make EACC even more attractive to potential students as we expand the UA System brand in that part of the state moving forward. This growth trend is also a tribute to the excellent work and commitment to excellence consistently shown by the staff and leadership of EACC," said Bobbitt.   

"We have improved our student services, registration and admissions processes, instruction, and course offerings. The results of our efforts are showing," said Cline.

"We are working toward offering bachelor's degrees on our campus through a UA partner institution. This will be a life-changing opportunity for many people."                                                

"The UA System celebrates the efforts of EACC to provide world-class educational opportunities to its region," said Chris Thomason, Vice President for Planning and Development for the UA System.

"This historic enrollment streak not only symbolizes EACC's success, but it emphasizes the value of their programs and degrees to their community. We are enthusiastic about the partnership between the UA System and EACC as it will enhance our shared mission of moving all of Arkansas forward one student at a time," said Thomason.

"Enrollment grew across all areas of the campus. On campus, post-secondary, high school: all areas increased. We are really proud that no one area drove the record enrollment, but that all areas worked together and experienced growth," said Adam O'Neal, Vice President for Student Services.

"EACC's LPN and RN programs continue to be extremely successful and enrollment continues to increase.  Career and technical programs have grown and continue to be a focus in order to expand the skilled workforce in our area," said Jack Hill, EACC's Vice President for Academic Affairs.

"We are breaking barriers with two female instructors in non-traditional skilled professions (CDL and Welding) and an increased number of women enrolled in our skilled trades programs.  Our diesel program ranks 13th in the nation in the Chrysler-Daimler Get Ahead program.  We have added a Hybrid/EV credential that is unique in Arkansas.  The number of short-term programs that we offer has increased, and we foresee many more in the near future," said Christine Williams, EACC's Dean of Career and Technical Education.

EACC serves a 6-county service area including Cross, Lee, Monroe, Poinsett, St. Francis, and Woodruff counties. It is currently in the process of working toward becoming the 8th community college in the University of Arkansas system.