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About UACCB

The words

Mission

Improve lives by empowering the people of North Central Arkansas through education and skills development.

A CDL student sits in the cab of a red UACCB training truck while an instructor stands beside the vehicle, giving guidance during a driving lesson.

Vision

Empowering people to thrive through student success, organizational excellence, community engagement, and economic prosperity.

A group of UACCB students sit and stand around a table in the student commons, collaborating and talking while other students socialize in the background.

Values

  • Caring - We engage with respect and compassion to foster a sense of belonging.
  • Integrity - We commit to accountability, transparency, and trust.
  • Learning - We promote lifelong learning, curiosity, and discovery.
  • Transformation - We drive advancement through resilience and innovation.

History of UACCB

The two-year college is a distinct American innovation in higher education, and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) has served as a vital part of this mission since 1991, when it was reorganized as Gateway Technical College. As one of 14 vocational-technical schools transitioned into technical colleges or university branches by the Arkansas legislature, UACCB has remained committed to expanding access to quality education in north central Arkansas.

UACCB offers a broad range of programs, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for transfer, technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees in occupational fields, customized training for business and industry, continuing education, and adult education services.

In October 1997, Gateway Technical College joined the University of Arkansas System, and with the support of a local sales tax initiative, became UACCB in March 1998. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Since becoming part of the University of Arkansas System, UACCB has steadily expanded its academic offerings and facilities. The campus has seen significant growth, including the construction of the Arts and Sciences Building (1999), Independence Hall Conference/Student Center (2001), and a consolidated Plant Maintenance Facility (2002). The Adult Education Center was renovated in 2002, and subsequent expansions included additional classrooms, offices, a gazebo, and campus infrastructure improvements. In 2005, the Roy Row, Sr. and Imogene Row Johns Library and Academic Building opened, named in honor of a generous private donation. The Nursing and Allied Health Building, UACCB’s first two-story structure, opened in 2011, followed by the Cosmetology Building in 2015.

UACCB earned secondary area career center status in 2018 and completed a state-of-the-art Workforce Training Center (WTC) in 2020. The WTC supports skilled trade programs such as welding, HVAC, industrial technology, and commercial driving, as well as training in heavy and compact equipment operation.

In 2023, UACCB acquired the Gateway Center at 2210 Main Street in Batesville. This milestone was made possible through generous support from local businesses and grants to renovate the facility. In 2024, the college received a $5 million HIRED grant to launch a Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) program, with classes beginning in Fall 2026. UACCB continues to grow and evolve, with a clear mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and workforce training that meets the needs of the region it serves.