The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have launched a new 2+2 transfer partnership that allows students to complete their first two years at UACCB and then transition seamlessly to UA Little Rock to earn bachelor's degrees in middle-level education and nursing without losing credits.
The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall, creates a clear and affordable pathway from associate to bachelor's degree while strengthening Arkansas's workforce in two of the state's highest-demand fields.
UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and the future of Arkansas.
"We're especially proud to be here with our colleagues from UACCB to celebrate this step forward together," Drale said. "Today's signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I'm excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state."
Provost Ann Bain said the agreement provides a practical solution for students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.
"Through this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at UACCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor's degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing — two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas," Bain said. "It provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities."
UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said the partnership connects students to the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs.
"Over the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor's degree," Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. "This partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families."
UACCB Provost Zach Perrine said the agreement ensures students can move smoothly from a two-year college to a four-year university without losing time or credits.
"2+2 partnerships like this ensure students can transparently and seamlessly move from their community college to a university," Perrine said. "By connecting students to critical pathways in education and health care, we are improving families, our community, and our state."
UACCB serves students throughout north-central Arkansas with affordable associate degrees and technical certificates, and the new agreement is designed to reduce transfer barriers while expanding access to bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields.
Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.
"It's easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students," she said.
