Pulaski Tech adds dance-class credit
In collaboration with Ballet Arkansas, Pulaski Technical College will offer a new, three-credit-hour dance class in the fall.
Michael Fothergill, executive and artistic director of Ballet Arkansas, will teach the course, which is titled "Let's Get Moving: A Stimulating Introduction to the Fundamentals and History of Dance Performance and Dance Making."
Students will be exposed to the history of dance while being introduced to basic principles of dance movement and choreography, according to a news release from Pulaski Tech.
Those interested in signing up for the class can contact Barry McVinney at bmcvinney@uaptc.edu or call (501) 812-2383.
Ozarks university adopts iPads idea
This fall, the University of the Ozarks will be the first university in the state to provide its nearly 900 students, along with its faculty, with iPads.
The program, called Compass, began in the spring as a pilot with 70 students who were given iPad Pros, keyboards and pencils, according to university spokesman Larry Isch.
Students will be able to use a wide range of apps that will be sent to their devices for free and can use the iPad to read textbooks, engage with class materials, create and watch videos, or link directly to the school's online learning platform. Those who complete six semesters at the University of the Ozarks can keep the iPad.
The program will allow students to access content in a way that supports their personal learning style and increases accessibility, Isch said.
UCA fundraising drive tops $10.2M
The University of Central Arkansas has raised more than $10.2 million during the 2017-18 school year, the school said in a news release.
The university reached its initial fundraising goal of $6.5 million by midyear, so it established a stretch goal of $10 million, which was also surpassed thanks to gifts from donors and community partners, setting a school record.
"They are helping to provide opportunities such as scholarships, study abroad support, internships and research experiences, as well as ensuring that our students have state-of-the-art equipment and support while they pursue their degree," UCA President Houston Davis said in the release.
The UCA Foundation also surpassed $50 million in net assets for the first time, the school said.
PB college names development chief
Southeast Arkansas College has named Barbara Dunn as director of development, a news release from the school states.
Creating the Department of Development is the first step in the school's plan to engage in fundraising and strengthen community partnerships, according to the Pine Bluff community college.
Dunn, 51, joined the college in 1999 and most recently served as director of recruiting and admissions. She has also served on several boards and committees for Jefferson County and in the state, including the Arkansas Community College Leadership Institute, Arkansas International Educators, Economic Development Alliance, Pine Bluff School District Task Force and the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
Dunn holds a bachelor's degree in industrial technology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a master's degree in management and leadership from Webster University.
Summer art launch draws 24 teachers
A partnership between Arkansas Tech University and the Windgate Foundation provided a new summer professional development opportunity for kindergarten-through-12th-grade art education teachers, a news release states.
Twenty-four educators from 23 schools across the state attended the inaugural Windgate Summer Art Launch for Arkansas Educators in July to learn skills they could pass along to their students.
Teachers learned traditional and experimental techniques in watercolor, embossment, air-dry clay sculptures, papier-mache and Adobe Photoshop.
Metro on 08/12/2018