On Tuesday, November 7, voters will have the opportunity to pass a bond issue that could greatly benefit current and future students of higher education in Arkansas with no expense to taxpayers and no additional annual debt service for the state. These bonds are necessary to ensure that the state’s public colleges and universities are adequately funded so that every person in Arkansas who desires a quality college education can receive one without leaving the state.  A vote of “Yes” on the Referred Question 1, or ACT 1, “Arkansas Higher Education Technology and Facility Improvement Act of 2005,” will allow the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to issue up to $250 million in college savings bonds for much-needed improvement of technology and expansion of facilities in higher education. Overall, the bond sale will give $150 million to the state’s public institutions of higher education. The remaining $100 million will be used to refinance the existing bond issue from the 1989...

Southwestern Energy Presents First Installment of $200,000 Three-Year Commitment to Establish UACCM Petroleum Technology Program  From left to right: Senior VP for SEECO, INC. John Theater presents $75,000 to UACCM Chancellor Nathan Crook, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Raye Pearce, and U of A System President Dr. B. Alan Sugg. New jobs and careers are under way for dozens of students enrolled in the first semester of the petroleum technology program at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, thanks to Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN).  On October 23, the company delivered a check to college officials for $75,000 – the first installment of a three-year, $200,000 pledge -- to fund the establishment of the new program and associate degree.  The company was honored at a special reception on campus for its support. During the reception, attendees heard remarks from Nathan Crook, UACCM chancellor; John Thaeler, senior vice president, SEECO, Inc., a ...

UACCM Foundation Fundraiser Set For November 2 The fifth annual  Just Desserts  fundraiser for the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Foundation will be held from 5:00  p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, in the UACCM Plaza and adjoining courtyard. Just Desserts  will feature all-you-can-eat desserts donated by area bakeries and restaurants, as well as UACCM faculty, staff, and Foundation Board members. There will also be a gourmet coffee bar, a sugar-free dessert bar, and a table of savory snacks including  meat and cheese trays, assorted crackers and other appetizers. There will be live and silent auctions featuring items donated by businesses and individuals. UACCM Foundation Board member Les Miller will serve as the evening’s auctioneer. Regional jazz band MJ-4 will provide the entertainment. Door prizes will be awarded every half hour, and remaining uncut desserts will be auctioned off by Miller at 7:45 p.m. Just Desser...

Piano Concert By Classical Pianist Dr. Rosilee Walker The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton will host a free piano concert by classical pianist Dr. Rosilee Walker at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 19 in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. Walker is the Artist-in-Residence and Director of Keyboard Activities at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.   Walker is one of the premier pianists of the 21st century. As a solo artist, she performs extensively throughout Arkansas as a member of the Arts on Tour Program, sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, and plays nationally as a touring member for the Heartland Arts Fund.  She has appeared as recitalist at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, guest pianist at the White House, and performs throughout the United States at major colleges and universities and performing arts centers. A unique feature of Dr. Walker’s concerts is the combination of the weight and substance of standard repertory with the froth and effer...