About SouthArk

South Arkansas Community College is a public, two-year institution with an open-door policy, providing educational programs, services, and resources for the residents of Union, Ashely, Bradley and Chicot counties and their surrounding areas. With a philosophy that affirms the value of education, the importance of academic freedom for students and faculty, the worth and dignity of each individual, and an abiding belief in the ideals of a democratic society, the college encourages innovation, excellence, and leadership in its mission as a comprehensive community college.

SouthArk offers a wide-range of degrees and certificates in health sciences, industrial technologies, liberal arts, and business. For students who want to obtain two years of education and transfer to a four-year college, SouthArk offers the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, and a number of associates degrees with professional emphasis. SouthArk is a leading institution for training health care professionals in Arkansas. Programs include, but are not limited to: Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology, Health Information Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Surgical Technology.

SouthArk’s Corporate and Community Education Division provides training via the classroom and on-line so that employees from the region’s various businesses and industries are able to access training they need to upgrade skills. The Center also provides training to dislocated workers, underemployed workers, and those changing careers. Local businesses and industries contract with the Corporate and Community Education to provide customized training, recognizing the value of helping their employees acquire new skills so they can remain competitive in the global economy.

Affordability and convenience bring many students to SouthArk, but the quality of education and personal attention keep them here. SouthArk is the most affordable choice for higher education in the region. SouthArk offers financial assistance including grants, loans, student employment, a tuition payment plan, and numerous scholarships.

Mission Statement

South Arkansas Community College promotes excellence in learning, teaching, and service; provides lifelong educational opportunities; and serves as a cultural, intellectual, and economic resource for the community.

VisionStatement

South Arkansas Community College will be a regional leader in education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Collectively, we will build and maintain an accessible, inclusive and attractive environment that provides leading-edge technology and dynamic service to a diverse student body on campus, in our communities and at a distance. We will convey enthusiasm for our mission and continuously endeavor to increase opportunities for learning, teaching, mentoring and service, in an atmosphere which fosters academic freedom. Through systematic analysis, ongoing communication and outreach, we will address unmet needs in our service area; provide academic, professional and occupational curricula, as well as opportunities for cultural enrichment and maintain rigorous standards of excellence.

Purposes of the College

To provide an environment that fosters excellence in learning and teaching.
To provide a university transfer program of high academic quality for students who plan to continue their education.
To offer degree and certificate programs to develop or enhance occupational skills that prepare learners for a changing global economy.
To provide developmental courses to prepare students to do college level work.
To provide adult education and workforce development.
To provide comprehensive student services to enhance students’ success.
To promote the civic and cultural life and the economic development of the community.
To make education accessible through innovative instructional methods.

Values
The college has identified six values statements that serve as guiding principles in fulfilling the Mission Statement.

Excellence in Education
We are committed to providing students access to a highly competent, innovative, and supportive faculty and staff; modern facilities equipped with current technology; and high-quality academic and occupational programs.
Student Learning
We are committed to providing support, respect, and encouragement, thereby enabling students to achieve their educational goals and develop skills for lifelong learning.
Contribution to the Community
We strive to serve the academic, occupational, and enrichment needs of the community; enhance its quality of life; and support economic development in South Arkansas.
Quality of Work Environment
Recognizing that everyone contributes to the learning process, we value each member of our college community; foster respect, trust, and support among faculty, staff, and students; encourage responsible, creative risk-taking and innovation; and recognize and reward exceptional performance and integrity.
Respect for Diversity
Believing that everyone should have an opportunity to learn and succeed, we value intellectual and cultural diversity in the classroom, in the workplace, and in the community.
Commitment to Accountability
We are committed to continuous evaluation of our institution to address the needs of the present and to meet the challenges of the future.

Historical Summary
South Arkansas Community College, known locally as SouthArk, is a public, comprehensive community college with an open-door policy, providing educational programs, workforce development, civic and cultural enrichment, and support services to students and residents in its service area.

Formed from a merger of Southern Arkansas University, El Dorado Branch (SAU-EB), and Oil Belt Technical College (OBTC), South Arkansas Community College was approved by a 62 percent majority vote in Union County in March 1992. Then Governor Bill Clinton appointed a nine-member Board of Trustees, and all assets and liabilities of Oil Belt and SAU-EB were transferred by June 30, 1992, to SouthArk. The former OBTC became known as the East Campus and SAU-EB the West Campus.