Copyright Arkansas Online
Public higher education in Arkansas and across the nation faces growing challenges: shifting demographics that affect enrollment, declining public confidence, and tightening financial resources. Within the University of Arkansas System, we recognize the need to adapt to a changing workforce and to meet new expectations from employers, policymakers, and taxpayers while staying true to our mission of serving Arkansas. Since arriving as UA System president in January, I have shared one message during visits to our 21 campuses, divisions and units: The UA System is open for business. This message, which I emphasized in a letter sent to Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce members this summer, reflects our readiness to partner with business and industry to strengthen the state's workforce. In my first 10 months here, I have seen impressive workforce development efforts by our institutions--through both credit and noncredit programs--that directly connect Arkansans to employment opportunities in an array of fields. I've challenged our chancellors to expand these efforts by training and certifying more skilled workers for growing industries and helping mid-career Arkansans gain new skills to thrive. Our fall enrollment numbers illustrate that this commitment is working. UA System enrollment rose 3 percent this semester to nearly 72,000 students, bucking national trends of stagnant or declining college attendance. These gains show our campuses are reaching more students and helping existing students persist to graduation. Notably, this enrollment gain includes more than 900 additional high school students earning concurrent credit--a 13 percent systemwide increase that demonstrates how the UA System is responding to one of the key policy goals of the Arkansas ACCESS Act to expand early college opportunities. Exposing high school students to college-level work not only prepares them for the next phase in their educational journey but also makes completing a college credential more affordable. These examples--outreach to the business community, addressing workforce needs and growing enrollment--demonstrate how the UA System is adapting to better serve Arkansas and deliver value to taxpayers, students, and families. This spirit of progress guided the UA Board of Trustees' recent adoption of a new mission statement, the first update since 1989, to reflect the system's evolution and future direction: "The University of Arkansas System is a publicly supported, multi-campus institution committed to advancing Arkansas through education, scholarship, and service. Rooted in the land-grant tradition, the UA System expands access to academic, practical, and professional opportunities, fosters intellectual growth and student success, promotes discovery and public service, and strengthens Arkansas' economy, health, and culture. It remains focused on continuous improvement through resource stewardship, statewide responsiveness, and strategic collaboration across its campuses, divisions, and units." Embedded in this mission are six strategic pillars: expanding access, supporting student success, advancing scholarship and research, stewarding resources responsibly, responding to statewide needs and priorities, and strengthening collaboration across our campuses, divisions and units. These principles will guide--and measure--our progress in the years ahead. As a new Arkansan, I'm deeply encouraged by the energy and optimism I've encountered among business and community leaders statewide. As our revised mission states, the UA System is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Arkansas' educational and economic future--and we are ready to get to work. Jay B. Silveria is president of the University of Arkansas System.
