Credential awards
down at colleges
Arkansas colleges awarded fewer credentials to students in the past academic year than the year before, according to data presented Friday by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
They awarded 47,753 overall, less than during the 2018-19 academic year's 48,175, but significantly more than the three academic years before that, in which about 43,000 to 45,000 credentials were awarded each year.
It's the first time that the number of credentials being awarded has declined since the 2011 and 2012 academic years. The division reported that the drop likely was because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which delayed graduation for many students who originally planned to graduate in the spring this year.
Bachelor and associate degrees awarded were flat year-to-year. The drop in credentials awarded came from certificates -- predominantly awarded by community colleges -- and master's degrees. Certificates of proficiency dropped to 7,277, or 2.5%, and technical certificates dropped to 5,804, or 3.4%.
This fall, Arkansas community colleges have experienced some of the biggest drops in fall-to-fall enrollment, which experts have largely attributed to the burden of child care during the pandemic.
High school grads
up in state college
More, but still less than half, of 2019 Arkansas public high school graduates entered Arkansas colleges last fall, according to data presented Friday by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
About 48.5% of the 32,325 graduates -- 15,674 -- enrolled at Arkansas colleges. About 2,000 graduates attended colleges in another state.
The increase in the Arkansas college-going rate last fall was the first after years of decline, although it's still lower than the rate a few years ago. The rate was 47.1% in 2018, 48.2% in 2017 and 49.8% in 2016.
No data exists yet for this fall. However, preliminary data on overall Arkansas college enrollment is down from last fall and has been declining for years.
Enrollment this fall hasn't gone down as much in Arkansas as feared, division Executive Director Maria Markham said.
Lackie on the job
in UCA dual role
The University of Central Arkansas' new vice president of university advancement and president of the UCA Foundation began her job last month, the university has announced.
Mary Bane Lackie was hired for the positions after serving as interim vice president of university advancement and, before that, assistant vice president for development.
Lackie had a similar position at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, as vice chancellor for university advancement. She's worked in higher education administration for more than 30 years, according to the UCA announcement.
In her new position, Lackie will be responsible for fundraising initiatives and will oversee 30 employees across multiple departments.
Professor at UALR
gets Sun Belt nod
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock instructor has been named the Sun Belt Faculty of the Year, UALR announced Friday.
Casey Rockwell, assistant professor of marketing and advertising, was selected among nominees from the 12 universities in the athletic conference.
Rockwell won the UALR Faculty of the Year award, which qualified her for the Sun Belt award. The Sun Belt award recognizes faculty excellence, as well as attendance at athletic events and school spirit.
According to UALR, Rockwell works well with student-athletes, accommodating their busy schedules.