The adult education department at South Arkansas Community College recently was recognized for having the highest student retention of any Arkansas program with less than 300 students in academic year 2018-2019.

The program had a retention rate of 82 percent, which marks a significant improvement from the rate that it had been carrying each year, according to director Amy Sturdivant. Sturdivant credited a shift in how the program is structured.

“Students are more informed of the steps to earn GED or WAGE up front through our orientation class, which is required before testing or class attendance,” she said. “Many other things have happened, such as improved curriculum, structured classes, new software and resources, online learning, etc.

“We are moving in the right direction in providing more quality services,” she said. “We’re so excited about this. We have a great team and I’m very proud of our faculty, staff and students.”

There are 25 different adult education programs in Arkansas. SouthArk provides services in Union and Bradley Counties.

South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk) is proactively extending spring break for students starting Monday, March 16, 2020 through March 27, 2020.   

• Unless the situation with the Coronavirus changes, students will return to classes on March 30, 2020.
• SouthArk’s campus operations will continue as scheduled with faculty and staff working their regular schedules.
• It is important to note that at this time, SouthArk does not have any cases of the Coronavirus. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
• The SouthArk executive team, staff, and faculty are working together to take steps for the protection of our campus family.
• SouthArk will continue to review the situation in the next two weeks and make an update no later than Friday, March 27, that will be released to the public via the College's website, social media channels, local press, and email.

Overview

While the United States is not experiencing large numbers of people with the novel coronavirus at this time, South Arkansas Community College is reviewing and updating our emergency management plans so that we understand what actions we would take should there be an outbreak in our area.

Will there be school closures?

We do not know yet if the virus will cause closures of colleges, schools, childcare centers, or offices in our area. But we are preparing so that we will be ready to take fast action if needed. Everyone’s health and safety is our highest priority.

Decision-Making

Unlike our local decision making with weather-related closures, our President will follow the advice and direction from local officials, the Arkansas Department of Health, and the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Notifications:

If we suspend operations, you will be notified through our institution’s website as well as through ALERTUS, the alert system South Arkansas Community College uses to send out calls, emails, and text messages to faculty, staff, and students. If you have previously opted out of this service or if your contact information has recently changed, please contact the Registrar’s Office to ensure your information is up-to-date.

Resources:

• Coronavirus.gov
• Resources for Institutes of Higher Education (CDC)
• Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet
• National Institutes of Health
• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Travel Health Notices
• CDC Print Resources (Handouts and Posters)
• What Happens If You Get The Coronavirus?
• When and How to Wash Your Hands

South Arkansas Community College center JeRodney Tubbs was recognized as second-team All-Region at the NJCAA DII Region 2 Tournament here over the weekend.

Tubbs (6-3, Junction City) often was a dominant force in the paint for the Stars (7-14) in the team’s first-ever season, averaging a Region 2-best 9.8 rebounds per game, second-best 61.7 percent from the field and 15.5 points. His field-goal and rebound averages placed him in the top 20 nationally. He was one of just two freshmen named to the All-Region 2 team.

“It’s pretty special to have him make this list with such an incredible group of student-athletes around him,” Stars coach Nate Davis said. “What a remarkable season this young man has had. I’m very excited to see what his future holds.”

JeRodney was also just named NJCAA Men's DII Basketball Player of the Week Feb 24-Mar 1, 2020.