The Sam M. Walton College of Business and the University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain announced a formal articulation agreement to assist students transitioning from a two-year associate degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree through the Turn 2 into 4 program.
Starting in spring 2023, UA Rich Mountain students pursuing an Associate of Science in Business may transfer their class credits to the Walton College to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Details of the agreement were announced Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the main campus of UA Rich Mountain in Mena, Ark.
“This is a great way for students who aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree in business to plan their journey from Rich Mountain to Fayetteville, and the added benefit of Rich Mountain being part of our growing Transfer Achievement Scholarship Program makes this program attractive to prospective students at both institutions,” said Charles Robinson, interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas. “This agreement maps out a pathway that will allow business students to get from UA Rich Mountain to Walton College as efficiently as possible.”
The Turn 2 into 4 program encourages students at the community college level to complete their degree while keeping costs at a minimum. It gives assurances that Walton College will accept specific college courses, allowing students to graduate on time.
A complementary initiative, the Transfer Achievement Scholarship Program, allows qualifying UA System community college graduates in all academic disciplines to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville or the same base tuition rate as the two-year institution.
Phillip Wilson, chancellor of UA Rich Mountain, expressed his appreciation for the partnership.
“This is a tremendous achievement to benefit UA Rich Mountain students,” Wilson said. “I am grateful for a strong relationship with UA Fayetteville and with the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Each of our colleges continue to look for ways to partner and break down barriers for today’s community college graduates who choose to continue their educational goals. Today’s signing is another example of those efforts.”
Along with Robinson, U of A officials including Jim Gigantino, interim vice provost for academic affairs; Anne O’Leary-Kelly, senior associate dean, Walton College; Karen Boston, senior assistant dean for student success and chief student officer, Walton College; and Jeff Hood, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, Walton College, were on hand for the formal announcement of the partnership on behalf of the U of A.
Representing UA Rich Mountain along with Wilson were: Krystal Thrailkill, vice chancellor for academic affairs; Chad Fielding, vice chancellor for student affairs; and Lisa Rackley, director of student support services.
Walton College comprises eight academic departments with bachelor’s and graduate degrees in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, strategy entrepreneurship and venture innovation, and supply chain management, along with those with an international business focus. The college also offers online bachelor’s degrees in accounting, general business, management, marketing and supply chain management.
The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain is a comprehensive community college providing a broad range of educational programs and learning opportunities in Polk, Montgomery and Scott Counties. It offers associate degrees with a focus in general business administration and information technology/office systems as well as others in the arts, manufacturing, medical, science and teaching fields. Its mission to provide educational opportunities for the region guides the community college’s programming, services and involvement in its communities.
For more information about the Turn 2 into 4 program, visit Walton College’s website or email transfer@walton.uark.edu.
