Higher Education

At this week’s gathering of three Arkansas college leaders, the subjects included DEI, free speech on campus, lottery funding and higher education's core mission. The panel discussion, hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Council, featured University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson, Northwest Arkansas Community College President Dennis Rittle and the president of the University of Central Arkansas, Houston Davis.

Food banks play a crucial role in efforts to alleviate food insecurity nationwide. On today's show, we discuss the importance of food banks in 2025. Also, today, TheatreSquared is staging a world premiere. Plus, an appreciation of volunteers for National Volunteer Month.

Yesterday, April 23, University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson, Northwest Arkansas Community College President Dennis Rittle and University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis shared a stage to discuss the role higher education plays in the state.

A 2022 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study identified one in 34 Arkansas eight-year-olds as being on the autism spectrum. On today's show, Ozarks at Large's Matthew Moore speaks with a researcher behind the project. Also today, a project to help Arkansas’ state butterfly survive and thrive. Plus, Northwest Arkansas Community College is staging its spring musical and joining with other colleges to consider higher education in the state.

The University of Central Arkansas’ enrollment is not limited to central Arkansas. This week, UCA officials are spending time in northwest Arkansas to remind people here that the school, its alumni and future students are part of this region’s fabric.

On today's show, we hear about a group of leaders and experts gathering this week to discuss wastewater solutions for a growing region. Also, University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis joins us to discuss the university's northwest Arkansas blitz. Plus, software engineer Karen Kilroy joins Ozarks at Large's Jack Travis to discuss the results of the No-Code Hackathon.

This week’s episode of the “I Am Northwest Arkansas” podcast previews a roundtable event and the UCA's presence in the region. Host Randy Wilburn talks with Paul Gatling, the senior director of northwest Arkansas engagement at UCA.

On today's edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Report, host Roby Brock speaks with Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, chairman of the House Public Health Committee, and Rep. Keith Brooks, chairman of the House Education Committee, about policy passing in the General Assembly that northwest Arkansans may want to pay attention to, including Medicaid and higher education.

The ACCESS Act for higher education could make funding available for college noncredit certificate programs and withhold it from institutions that do not comply with its racial preference and student indoctrination provisions.

The Arkansas Legislature may soon begin to discuss Gov. Sarah Sanders’ plan to reform higher education in the state.