To commemorate the newest addition to the Arkansas Tech University family, an open house was held Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Arkansas Tech Career Center, which merged with Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus this summer.
Formerly the Russellville Area Career and Technical Center, ATCC offers programs in 10 career and technical fields to more than 500 students from 11 area high schools in Pope, Yell and Johnson counties, making it one of the largest secondary career and technical centers in Arkansas.
Education and business representatives from throughout the River Valley area were given tours of ATCC by its faculty and students, who explained the programs and the different aspects of the fields being taught. Because of the partnership between ATCC and Arkansas Tech-Ozark, participating high school students can receive concurrent college credit for classes taken.
ATCC Director Pat Edmunds described the merger as a “whirlwind of great things” for students, the community and economic development in the River Valley area.
Arkansas Tech-Ozark Chancellor Jo Alice Blondin said, “Make no mistake about it, our campus and Arkansas Tech are true believers in vocational and technical education, and this merger proves that.
“We promise that we will expand the programs here. We promise that these students will get a college transcript for the good work they’re going to do here and have an opportunity to pursue a degree at either Russellville or Ozark.”
High schools that partner with ATCC include Russellville, Dover, Pottsville, Hector, Atkins, Dardanelle, Danville, Two Rivers, Western Yell County, Lamar and Clarksville.
Programs at ATCC include automotive technology, computer engineering, construction technology, cosmetology, criminal justice, drafting technology, horticulture, culinary arts, medical professions and metal fabrication.
Bruce Sikes, chief academic officer for Arkansas Tech-Ozark, said, “We’re very excited about the opportunities the Arkansas Tech Career Center will provide students and the community of the River Valley.”
]]>
