ANC One of Eighteen Nationwide Recipients of the Metallica Scholars Initiative Grant

 

Bytheville, Arkansas – Arkansas Northeastern College has announced its selection as one of 18 nationwide recipients this year to join the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). This honor comes as part of the largest expansion of the initiative to date, supported by a generous $75,000 grant aimed at enhancing the technical programs offered by ANC to better prepare citizens for the growing workforce in the region.  

“We are thrilled to be part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative and to receive this generous support,” said Dr. Christopher Heigle, president of Arkansas Northeastern College. “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide top-notch career and technical education, opening new doors of opportunity for our students. The impact of this initiative is profound, and we are excited to see our students thrive in their chosen fields.”

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with ten colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Additional curricula will include construction, health care, and engineering, contributing to 30 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.

James “Papa Het” Hetfield, Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative's growth: “When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills. Trade skills are vital to society, and what’s even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. I am so proud - we all are - to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and it’s great that we’re able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce. We are reaching even further for year six of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This year, our program will be in 60 schools in all 50 states! All thanks to your support.”

“I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholarship Initiative colleges. The sustained investment in workforce education by the All Within My Hands Foundation has benefitted thousands of community college students,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. “This work helps to advance skills education and the nation’s workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers.”

 

By the end of year six, MSI estimates that it will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. AWMH and AACC aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while utilizing the community college system, which is the most affordable, flexible, and industry-relevant applied-learning training provider in the country.

“Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working,” stated Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. “Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to be able to announce entrance into all 50 states as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect.”

For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) is a comprehensive, two-year state institution of higher education, dedicated to providing relevant programs and services to its community. Proudly offering the lowest tuition in the state, ANC has campuses in Blytheville, Leachville, Osceola, and Wilson, serving Mississippi County and beyond. ANC is committed to preparing individuals for the workforce or further educational opportunities, ensuring access to quality education for all.

 

About All Within My Hands

All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Since its inception, AWMH has raised over $15 million, providing significant grants to career and technical education programs, combatting food insecurity, and aiding disaster relief efforts.

 

About AACC

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the voice of the nation’s community colleges, delivering educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students. AACC advocates for community colleges to ensure they have the resources needed to increase economic mobility for all.

 

DARING Program Established

Pictured (Left to right around the table) Agent Justin Barnes, Agent Amanda Cutler, Agent Stephanie Wofford, Agent Jonathan Jackson, Agent Tiffany Polk, ANC Director for Outreach Willie D. Williams Jr., and ANC DARING Success Navigator Daryl Young

DARING Program Established

Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with the Arkansas Division of Community Correction Parole and Probation to establish the DARING Program (Deferred Adjudication Resulting in New Growth). This program is designed to assist justice-involved students who desire to pursue their GED, technical certificate, or associate degree, or those wishing to enroll in the WORK to Wage program. This program is housed under the Community Relations Division overseen by ANC Vice President Dr. Blanche Hunt. Several students have completed the DARING Program and earned their short-term technical certificate and WORK to Wage certificate. For more information concerning the DARING Program contact ANC Director for Outreach Willie D. Williams Jr. at 870-623-5521.

ANC Board of Trustees Meeting held June 19, 2024

 

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met Wednesday, June 19, 2024, for their regularly scheduled meeting, where members approved The Wilson Facility Usage Committee’s recommendation that the college occupy the donated facilities in Wilson Arkansas.

The Wilson Facility was developed into The Delta School in 2014 by Gaylon Lawrence and his family. In the spring of 2024, Gaylon Lawrence generously offered this facility as a gift to the Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) Foundation. The facilities total approximately 40,000 square feet under-roof and is located on approximately 30 acres. The property is valued at $29 million. Following the initial offer for the facility’s donation, the Wilson Facility Usage Committee was established to evaluate the best uses for this tremendous asset. Through a series of comprehensive meetings and facility tours, and leveraging insights gained from a detailed member survey, the committee has formulated strategic recommendations for the facility's use. The primary focus has been on aligning the facility's use with ANC’s mission to support both the educational framework and the local community's economic needs. The committee proposes that the Wilson Facility be utilized to host industry-specific training programs, particularly for the steel industry and agricultural technology, reflecting the economic backdrop of Mississippi County. Additionally, the facility is ideal for community and educational events, dual credit and early college programs, and could serve as a new hub for agricultural programs that may lead to further educational and community collaboration. The discussions have also outlined several challenges, including the need for sustainable funding, maintenance, and operational scalability. However, these are viewed as manageable with strategic planning and community engagement.

ANC Vice President for Student Affairs Mindy Walker, presented the Board with a report of summer enrollment. The College a significant increase in enrollment for the summer with a headcount of 469 compared to 411 in 2023, and with 2,056 credit hours being taken this summer compared to 1,825 in the summer of 2023. Students still have time to enroll for the fall term.

In other news the Board approved the Blue and You Capacity Building Grant for the 100 Families Initiative grant award for fiscal year 2024-25. Restore Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce incarceration and the need for foster care through a community-driven approach. Restore Hope works with individuals and organizations from the private, public, and social sectors to work together toward building better communities within the state. This nonprofit was established in 2015 and began the 100 Families Initiative in 2018 in Sebastian County, AR. In the past three years, the 100 Families Initiative has been launched in Pulaski, Crawford, and White Counties. 100 Families is a community-wide initiative that uses existing community resources to help struggling communities and families. The 100 Families Initiative accomplishes this mission by training organizations in collective impact, using a collaborative case management system for analyzing data and outcomes, and training and recruiting case managers within existing organizations to provide holistic case management. This initiative strives to coordinate existing services in a community so that more families in crisis are more quickly able to become stable and ultimately thrive and find careers. Arkansas Northeastern College has been issued a grant award for approximately $60,000 to launch the 100 Families Initiative in Mississippi County, which will cover salary and fringe for a case manager position and software to provide holistic case management. Restore Hope is the grantor of a Blue and You Capacity Building Grant for the 100 Families Initiative. The Blue and You Foundation is stepping in and providing seed funds in Mississippi County. The grant is normally funded by TANF through the Department of Human Services and should be provided through TANF in subsequent years.

The Board also approved acceptance of the Adult Education Grant award and approval of its 2024-2025 budget, authorization of existing Adult Education positions and the addition of two full-time Adult Education Instructors. The College received notification of grant continuation from the Arkansas Department of Career Education for the Adult Education program in the 2024-2025 academic year. This award includes funding of five grants to be used solely for Mississippi County. These funds include: ABE: $184,263.97 GAE: $137,372.83 D&E: $76,401.54 C&I: $45,000 Special Projects: $27,339.85.

A personnel report was given and the Board welcomed new employee Jennifer Perkins as the newest ETS Advisor. Additionally, Kammie McGee will become the Executive Assistant to the Board/President, and Dianne Miller Assistant Professor/Associate Degree Nursing Instructor. Several promotions, to begin July 1, 2024, were announced, including: Courtney Fisher as Chief of Staff to the President, Jennifer Johnson as Associate Vice President for Finance, Tonya Pankey as Associate Dean, Allied Health, Mariana Reyes as Controller, and Willie Williams as Director of Outreach.

The Board also approved the retirement of Marlene Banks, a long-time employee who served as Assistant to the Board of Trustees and President. Dr. Heigle commended Banks for her unwavering dedication and invaluable support during his transition into the presidency. The Board echoed Dr. Heigle's sentiments, expressing gratitude for Banks' outstanding 21-year tenure with heartfelt appreciation.

ANC Board of Trustees Meeting Held April 17, 2024

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, where members the College’s operating budget for the 2024-2025 year.

Based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Board passed the College’s Operating Budget for 2024-25. The budget reflects the College’s budget development process, which considered department funding requests in support of personnel operations, services, and equipment. There will be no tuition increase for the year with tuition rates remaining at $75 per credit hour (for the first 18 credit hours) for in-county residents, $85 per credit hour for out-of-county residents including Missouri Bootheel, and $135 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. Despite increases in technology usage, the College will not raise its technology fee from its current amount of $15 per credit hour. ANC’s annual tuition/mandatory fee rate will remain the lowest among Arkansas’ colleges for 2024-25.

The Board also approved the Academic Calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year. Registration for both the Summer and Fall Semesters is currently underway. The new calendar shows that registration for the Fall 2024 semester will end on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with classes for the Fall 2024 Semester beginning on Monday, August 19. Early College classes will begin on Monday, August 26.

In other business, the Board also approved a new Career Coach Position at KIPP Blytheville College Preparatory School for the 2024-2025 academic year. ANC currently has Career Coaches who serve the Armorel, Blytheville, Gosnell, Osceola, and Rivercrest school districts. The Career Coach Program is designed to motivate and support Arkansas students in achieving their goals related to college and career planning through intensive hands-on programs and services. Career Coaches work with students in grades 7-12, collaborating with Career Development Instructors and School Counselors to develop and revise college and career plans. The program provides essential assistance and information in areas such as academic tutoring, career counseling, college preparation and admission, financial aid guidance, mentoring, and other supports necessary for post-secondary education/training access, retention, and success.

It was reported that a recent review was completed of the Allied Tech career and technical program degree and certificate plans. As a part of that process, changes in the sequencing of courses were identified which would allow for the completion of additional certificates of proficiency and technical certificates. Four new technical certificates were created in the areas of criminal justice, computer information systems and aviation. In addition, two new certificates of proficiency were created in the areas of HVAC and welding. The Board approved the following, newly created technical certificates and certificates of proficiency: Technical Certificate in Criminal Justice, Technical Certificate in Security and Analytics, Technical Certificate in Aviation Airframe Maintenance, Technical Certificate in Aviation Powerplant Maintenance, Certificate of Proficiency in HVAC Electrical, and the Certificate of Proficiency in Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG).

ANC President Dr. Christopher Heigle reminded members of the Board of the College’s upcoming commencement exercises with the Nucor Diploma Squared Graduation being held on Thursday, May 9th , and the ANC Commencement occurring the following day on Friday, May 10, 2024.

 

Wilson Works Foundation Set to Donate The Delta School Property to Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation

 

Wilson Works Foundation Set to Donate The Delta School Property
to Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation 

The Delta School will close after the current academic year with focus turning to  
expanded programming for college and career readiness

WILSON, AR (April 05, 2024) – The Wilson Works Foundation has agreed in principle to donate The Delta School property to the Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation. Once terms of the agreement are approved by the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees, the donation is expected to create an opportunity for the college to further support the region by offering affordable education pathways to college and career readiness.

The Delta School property, valued at $27.5 million and will serve as one of the nation’s largest-ever gifts to a community college, was launched in 2014 under the visionary leadership of Gaylon Lawrence Jr. The school was designed to serve students as an incubator for intellectual thought, healthy relationships, and character development. Lawrence says that the donation will build upon the foundation established by The Delta School and give Arkansas Northeastern College an opportunity to create a new academic environment that will prepare the region’s students for success in college, career, and life.

“Our job as community leaders is to aggregate, acquire and align the resources to help students in rural communities like Wilson and those throughout northeast Arkansas develop the capacity to succeed along their academic and vocational journey,” said Lawrence. “This is an exciting example of those collective efforts and presents a sustainable path forward that combines excellent academics with career exploration and training in a way that does not currently exist for our students.”  

According to Arkansas Northeastern College President Dr. Christopher Heigle, the college will explore a path forward for the property that offers college and career training to the region. “We’re grateful for this tremendous gift and appreciative of the philanthropic and academic seeds that Mr. Lawrence and the leaders at the Wilson Works Foundation have planted over the last decade,” said Heigle. 

“We see this as an opportunity to consider a postsecondary focused mission that could open the doors to a greater number of college and career-focused students. By leveraging partnerships with our education, community, and industry leaders, we can prepare students in new and advanced ways for life after high school.”

As industry and manufacturing continues to expand across the county, Great River Economic Development Foundation President Clif Chitwood sees the donation as an economic driver for the region. “The world is changing at a rapid pace, and we need to have educational programs and service offerings available to our young people that prepare them for jobs and careers with our industry partners today and in the future,” said Chitwood. “Education and the economy are equal partners in helping to raise the bar as we position our region as one that is prepared to support industry expansion.”  

Delta School Board Chair Brittany Sugg believes a transition to college and career programming can change expectations and outcomes for both students and the labor force in the region. “This is an opportunity to take a step forward in addressing the critical needs of employers who are looking to hire our students,” said Sugg. “This is also a tremendous opportunity for our students who want to be on a college and career trajectory, and it signals to the rest of the region that we are serious about equipping students for success in northeast Arkansas.”   

Students and faculty at The Delta School will be able to complete the current academic year before the school is closed. More information about the transition of the school for current students and enrollment opportunities and requirements for prospective students will be provided in the coming weeks. 

# # #

About the Wilson Works Foundation

The Wilson Works Foundation is a 501c3 founded by the Lawrence Family and dedicated to the overall growth and development of Wilson, Arkansas, and the region. Its focus areas are to provide technical assistance and advocacy for the Town of Wilson; to promote educational opportunities through financial support to The Delta School and its partners; and to advance economic development and job creation in Wilson and northeast Arkansas. 

About the Arkansas Northeastern College Foundation

The ANC Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that was created in 1977, is a separate entity for the college and is directed by a Board of Governors made up of individuals who have an interest in providing Arkansas Northeastern College with financial assistance. Arkansas Northeastern College has many needs that can only be met through the receipt of private gifts and, as a college foundation, the ANC Foundation guarantees that funds will be used in the public interest. Therefore, the Foundation plays an extremely important role in assisting the College in providing educational opportunities at an affordable cost to the citizens of this region. 

ANC Board of Trustees Held Meeting December 13, 2023

 

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met Wednesday, December 13, 2023, for their last meeting of the year. Director for Human Resources Tabatha Hampton addressed the board regarding a new wellness program for employees. The Board approved the voluntary WellYou Program for full-time employees. The goal of WellYou is to increase the health and well-being of all ANC employees through a comprehensive program designed to promote mental and physical health. Through the program, employees will be granted a two-hour time waiver per week to participate in wellness activities, and eight hours of Wellness Leave per calendar year for a wellness exam. In addition to the employee benefits of a healthier lifestyle, ANC could benefit through better performance and lessened medical claims.

Hampton also presented a change to the College’s Catastrophic Leave Policy that was recommended by the Catastrophic Leave Committee and The Administrative Affairs Committee. The College maintains a bank of unused leave by employees that can then be utilized by employees needing leave for catastrophic illnesses or events. ANC’s current policy does not include maternity leave. Act 182 of 2017 established paid maternity leave through the catastrophic leave bank program. The Act allowed eligible employees four (4) weeks of paid leave after the birth of the employee’s child or placement of an adoptive child in the employee’s home without having to exhaust leave. The Board approved adding the Maternity Leave Act to the Catastrophic Leave Policy as well as changing the current waiting period from two (2) years to one (1) year to align with FMLA Guidelines.

In other news, new Vice President for Instruction/Chief Academic Officer Ryan Perkins presented a change for faculty hours. As the search for qualified faculty becomes more challenging, the staff considered opportunities to make the College’s instructional positions more competitive. As a part of this process, the policy regarding faculty workload was reviewed. The current policy 4.39 requires 15 credit hours of instruction per week and 15 hours of office time per week. This is equivalent to a thirty (30) hour work week for fulltime faculty. A survey was conducted with two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the state, and it was determined that Arkansas Northeastern College currently requires more office hours than the majority of other institutions. Additionally, a number of institutions allow for a number of the office hours to be virtual. After consideration of similar policies and practices in higher education, the staff recommended a change to the Faculty Office Hour Policy. The following changes were reviewed and approved by both the Academic Affairs Committee and the Administrative Affairs Committee. The Board approved reducing the number of office hours per week from (15) to ten (10) and that, of the ten (10) office hours, two (2) could be virtual. This would define the fulltime faculty work week as twenty-five (25) hours. Faculty are still expected to be available and participate in departmental, division, and college-wide meetings and/or activities that may exceed the twenty-five (25) hours per week. As per the current policy, faculty would continue to be required to have office hours, either live or virtual, Monday through Friday to meet contract obligations and to offer afternoon and/or evening hours.

In his President’s Report, Dr. Christopher Heigle discussed the College’s need for a new roof for the John P. Sullins Building. The advanced age of the roof is making it more difficult to manage all the needed repairs. This will be a significant cost, and Dr. Heigle wanted the Board to know that he and staff were developing a plan to not only provide for a new roof but to also tend to other deferred maintenance issues at the College.

In closing, Dr. Christopher Heigle thanked everyone for a wonderful year. He invited everyone to the ANC Choir concert being held in the A Concourse of the John P. Sullins Building on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm and shared that there would be an opportunity for pictures with Santa beforehand, starting at 4:30.

ANC Board of Trustees Meeting Held August 16, 2023

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, marking the first official board meeting under to tutelage of new ANC President Dr. Christopher Heigle.

ANC Vice President for Administration Don Ray presented the financial report for the College with the Board approving the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June, 2023. 

In other news, the Board was given a personnel update. Three faculty members earned rank. They are Dustin Kemper Professor/History Instructor, Dianne Miller Assistant Professor/Practical Nursing Instructor, Gloria Stromire Assistant Professor/Practical Nursing Instructor. Additionally the Board approved the following new hires: 

• Jonathan Carmack, English Instructor 

• Courtney Kueter, Associate Degree Nursing Instructor 

• Jessica Smith, Computer Information Systems Instructor 

• Sonia Smith, Admissions Counselor/Recruiter 

• Kelsey Stallings, Career Coach 

The Board also approved acceptance of four grant continuations. The Career Pathways Initiative (TANF) Grant 2023-2024; Educational Talent Search (ETS) Grant Award Notification 2023-24; Arkansas Career Coach Grant Award Notification 2023-24; and Adult Education Grant Award 2023-24, were all presented.

The Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) is an employability program that provides residents in Arkansas with assistance in obtaining the education and training necessary for gainful employment. The CPI program operates under a case management approach to provide individualized academic and career advising, as well as financial support for tuition/fees, books, childcare, and transportation. In 2022-23, the program served 323 students with 131 completing at least one credential and 96 percent going to work. Based on this successful performance, the College was notified that the Career Pathways Initiative Grant Award has been awarded $642,756 for the 2023-24 fiscal academic year.

The Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program is an access program designed to assist school-aged children in grades 6-12 in programs and activities that guide them to college and careers. The program requires the advisors to serve 1,068 participants in 14 public schools in 3 counties throughout Arkansas and Missouri. Services include ACT preparation, financial literacy, FAFSA assistance, college tours, study skills enhancement, and more. All services are offered at no cost to the students. ANC was notified that its Educational Talent Search program has been awarded $616,172 for the FY2023-24 fiscal year which is a 4% increase from 2022-23. The Board approved acceptance of the grant award in the amount of $616,172.

Arkansas Northeastern College has been awarded program continuation for the Career Coach grant from the Arkansas Department of Elementary & Secretary Education (DESE) - Career & Technical Education in the amount of $245,744.00 for the 2023-24 academic years. This grant is designated for the purpose of ensuring that area students in grades 8-12 have the opportunity and support needed to increase their knowledge, skills, and educational attainment by providing them with college and career guidance. This grant from DESE will provide 50% of the funds needed to support full-time career coaches at Armorel, Gosnell, Blytheville, Osceola, and Rivercrest. The remaining costs for the program will be divided between the school district partners and the college. Activities supported by the grant will include career exploration, college visits/enrollment assistance, and workplace readiness experiences.

Notification was also received by the College of grant continuation from the Arkansas Department of Career Education for the Adult Education program in the 2023-2024 academic years. This award includes funding of four grants to be used solely for Mississippi County. These funds total $374,443.45.