UACCB Receives $368,614 Grant for Nursing Program Expansion and Enhancements

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) received a $368,614.26 grant from the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) Program to address the critical healthcare needs of North Central Arkansas. The award was one of 19 announced in a press conference Monday by Governor Sarah Sanders, Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, and Arkansas Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits. ALIGN was awarded through the Office of Skills Development utilizing remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding.

The ALIGN funding will allow UACCB to double the entry and exit points for Registered Nursing (RN) program from one to two annually, proactively responding to regional healthcare partners’ needs for a more consistent supply of new nurses. Additionally, UACCB will be able to increase the enrollment capacity for the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program by identifying and supporting current healthcare providers interested in advancing their education.

A key component of this strategy involves deepening collaborations with healthcare partners, such as White River Health, Woodlawn, and Mountain Meadows. These partnerships will be instrumental in supplementing faculty with nursing staff who can offer practical teaching and mentorship year-round. “We are grateful to have such incredible relationships with our healthcare providers,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor, “Our mission is to improve lives and quality healthcare plays a major part. These investments in our nursing program benefit our community and entire region.”

UACCB will be able to upgrade the Simulation and Med-Surg labs, including modernizing the 8 existing hospital rooms and adding 2-4 new rooms. Among these planned new spaces will be a birthing room, each fully equipped with the necessary resources to offer a comprehensive learning experience. The expansion allows for more intensive hands-on practice and individualized learning experiences, more closely mirroring the clinical settings of healthcare partners.

“Through this grant funding, UACCB is empowered to take a significant stride forward in addressing the pressing healthcare demands of our region,” said Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for academics. “By expanding our RN and LPN programs' capacity and enhancing learning opportunities through upgraded clinical simulation facilities and equipment, we are meeting the needs of our healthcare partners and providing invaluable opportunities for current healthcare professionals to advance their education. This investment enhances the quality of care and strengthens the backbone of our healthcare workforce, ensuring a healthier future for North Central Arkansas.”