Page 2 - SouthArk25th

2 – Sunday, July 9, 2017 – El Dorado NEWS-TIMES
Contributed Photo
Party: Oil Belt Technical School secretaries Judy Tomlinson, Doris Sneed and Joyce White Amis pose for a photo during a Christmas party in what’s now known as the Billy McGehee Classroom Building. (Contributed by Joyce White Amis).
Before the merger: Former Oil ABelt secretary recalls college
Retrieved from the archives, a bro- chure from 25 years ago promotes the approval of a Union County millage tax to form a communi-
ty college in El Dorado.
“This college is now simply a dream, but it’s reality that could change the lives of you and your neighbors,” the brochure pro- claims.
In the quarter
century since that
tax passed and
that college —
South Arkansas
Community
College — transi-
tioned from dream to reality, it has indeed changed lives. Looking forward to the next 25 years — and beyond — we find ourselves dreaming again about what your local college can do for you.
A new plan
This spring, college leaders and communi- ty stakeholders came together to set down our institutional philosophies and priori- ties for the next half decade: our five-year strategic plan. Many people from different backgrounds independently arrived at some of the same thoughts and conclusions about the future direction of SouthArk. We must evolve to meet the needs of a changing world and become the region’s first choice in edu- cational resources. We will be focused on pathways, connections, enrichment, experi- ences and excellence. We are excited about what lies ahead.
A vote of confidence
Earlier this year, we learned that SouthArk’s accreditation had been reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission. This is a com- parison against national standards and comes in 10-year cycles. It requires an enormous amount of work from many people at the college, but in reality, it is based on the things
that we do every day: developing curriculum, guiding students toward their goals, training the area’s workforce, partnering with the community. This process has given us time to reflect on our successes, make needed improvements and determine future possi- bilities.
Opportunity for expansion
Since its opening, SouthArk roughly has doubled in geographic area. Over the next decade, we visualize new facilities that will further meet the needs both of our student body and area employers. The new Hays Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, under construction now, will be finished later this year. The McWilliams House is being refitted for hosting events and for instructional purposes; it also will be fin- ished this year. These projects and more are part of a master facilities plan that guides our potential growth and renovation.
Opportunities for learning
As new employers move into town and current ones expand, SouthArk is respon- sive, poised to educate and train. For exam- ple, SouthArk is collaborating with the new Murphy Arts District to identify and meet workforce needs with culinary and hospi- tality programs. We are providing nationally recognized credentials to local chemical and timber facilities. We are working to expand our transfer agreements with area univer- sities. And of course, we continue to pro- vide education in health care, manufacturing, business, education and a host of other fields.
Opportunities for experiences
SouthArk understands the need for student engagement beyond the classroom and is in the process of adding new activities and events to give students an enriched college experience. New student organizations, club sports and other offerings are being consid- ered to engage the diverse interests and abil- ities of our student body.
Just as was the case in 1992, we’re looking forward with excitement to a world of possi- bilities. SouthArk intends to continue chang- ing lives in positive ways, which not only is good for the individual, but, ultimately, also our community.
lthough it was some time ago, El Dorado had an Oil Belt Vocational-
Technical School. This school assisted many students in finding their way to a career path in which they could excel, gain self-confidence and which they thoroughly enjoyed.
I worked at Oil Belt Vocational-Technical School for 17 years and observed the difference in many students from the time they enrolled until they graduated from the course of their choice. Oil Belt had excellent instructors and staff. They were all friends and worked together for the benefit of the students.
Many El Dorado companies were pleased to call Oil Belt and find students who were trained and job ready.
Joyce White Amis
Yes, I am convinced El Dorado could benefit from another vocational-technical school.
Joyce White Amis is the for- mer secretary for the Oil Belt Technical College director of instruction/financial aid.
Jones: SouthArk ‘has
indeed changed lives’
Reflecting on the past while looking toward the future
Dr. Barbara Jones