MALVERN, Ark. (AP) - A two-year college in central Arkansas is hoping to join the state university system next year, with administrators saying it would benefit students and faculty.
Board members for the College of the Ouachitas in Malvern unanimously voted to join the Arkansas State University System on Tuesday, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
“The bottom line is there was not a bad choice to be made,” said Ouachitas board member Bill Fowler. “We just made the one that we felt like was a more comfortable fit for our students and our staff and our communities that we serve.”
A system would be able to provide legal and human resources support that a smaller school may not have access to, Fowler said.
“I think small schools that have joined systems have come to realize the benefits,” he said.
College of the Ouachitas had about 1,700 students enrolled during the 2017-18 academic year, according to the state Department of Higher Education.
ASU System President Chuck Welch said adding the college will allow the system to expand its geographic footprint.
“The college has researched system alignment for several years and conducted a very thorough analysis of available options,” Welch said. “I am absolutely thrilled they concluded the ASU System is the best fit.”
Officials from both organizations will work to create a merger agreement, the ASU System said. The college could officially become a part of the system next January, pending approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and the ASU System board of trustees.
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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com
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