East Arkansas Community College (EACC) received official approval on Monday from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the continuation of accreditation as the institution becomes a member of the University of Arkansas System, the state's largest higher education system.

Both entities have been working together to meet state and federal requirements for the merger, which was a multi-step process with final approval required from the HLC. HLC is a one of six regional accrediting bodies and includes more than 950 member colleges and universities nationwide.

In February, the EACC Board of Trustees approved a resolution, presented by Board Chair Brent Howton and EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline, that directed the implementation of the merger agreement and plan of transition for the institution to become a member of the UA System. The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas approved the proposed agreement in March.

"We undertook this relationship as a strategic move to improve the college and ensure it will continue to thrive for the next 50 years. I am pleased that HLC recognized the forward-thinking nature of our decision," said Dr. Cline.

"This membership solidifies EACC's future and allows us to continue our mission and serve our constituents with the UA System's support and resources as higher education continues to evolve," said EACC Board Chair Brent Howton.

"I thank the EACC Board of Trustees and the UA Board of Trustees for their support.  Strong board leadership is imperative for us to succeed," said Dr. Cline. "I appreciate President Don Bobbitt, Vice President Chris Thomason, and all the UA system staff who have encouraged and supported EACC. Their wisdom and guidance made the process move smoothly and swiftly."

The HLC approval process required EACC and the UA System to submit a Change of Control application and participate in a site review visit by HLC peer reviewers on EACC's campus in August.

In becoming a member of the UA System, EACC's leadership, faculty, staff, educational programs, and cultural enrichment will not change. The College will continue to manage its own budget and personnel under the leadership of Dr. Cline and a local Board of Visitors, who will continue to advise on matters related to budgets and programming.

EACC will maintain its local identity and focus on the community. Transfer opportunities will continue with all colleges and universities in Arkansas and nationally, and no student will lose opportunities for successful transfer as a result of EACC joining the UA System.

"Receiving final approval from the HLC is a tribute to the hard work of teams from both sides, but it is really a reflection of Dr. Cline's leadership and the strong support she has from the EACC board," said Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the UA System. "Early in the process I had the opportunity to visit the campus and speak with several members of the institution's Governing Board. From those conversations, their sincere respect and appreciation for the institution and its mission to serve EACC students, their community and this State became very clear. I knew they would be a wonderful addition to the UA System and complement our exceptional portfolio of educational institutions and opportunities. The oral report I received after the HLC Evaluation Team's visit was among the most positive and laudatory I have heard in my almost 40-year career in higher education."

Through shared goals with UA System institutions, more opportunities have already resulted for easier transfer for students. In addition, EACC students will now have the opportunity to take advantage of the nationally recognized transfer scholarship program with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, that allows students who transfer with an associate's degree to pay the same tuition they were paying at their UA-affiliated community college.

EACC is already seeing additional benefits of the UA System membership including participation in the statewide workforce initiative and input in a standardized course numbering system, both projects led by the UA System. 

"The Higher Learning Commission's overwhelming approval of EACC joining the UA System is a testament to the exceptional work done by the team and leadership at East Arkansas Community College," said Chris Thomason, vice president for planning and development at the UA System. "From the beginning of the discussion, the EACC Board, President Cline, executive team, campus, and community outlined a process and committed the energy that demonstrated to all the importance of bringing EACC and the UA System together in their shared mission in serving Arkansas.  All of us in the UA System know that having the EACC family and community with us will truly make us all stronger together."

The final step in the EACC UA System membership process is to close the transaction within 30 days of the HLC action.