UACCM Announces Workforce Education and Training Changes


  

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) has named new leadership in key areas of Workforce Education and Training.

 

Dr. Jessica Freeman has been named Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Education and Training, Brad Coffman has been named Director of Workforce Education and Training, and Michael Switlik has been named Assistant Dean for Workforce Education and Training.

 

“Each of these professionals exhibits a commitment to both Workforce Development and Professional Skills Training,” said UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg. “Along with a very strong work ethic, proactive mindset, and proven leadership, each also maintains a laser focus on responding to our constituents to nimbly expand programming to align with the state of Arkansas and business and industry’s greatest needs.”

 

Freeman has been with UACCM since 2009 and most recently served as the Dean of Workforce Education and Training. Freeman holds a Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning with an emphasis in Community College Leadership. She is a member of the Leadership Arkansas Class XXI, a program of the State Chamber/AIA.  

 

Coffman brings more than 26 years of experience in education, leadership, adult education, and workforce development to UACCM. Most recently, he served in leadership roles with the Russellville School District. Coffman is a National Board-Certified Teacher and is actively involved in education as the LOCAL Liaison for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education. He also serves on the College Board Southwestern Regional Council and the ACT Central Regional Council.

 

Switlik has served in education and healthcare leadership positions with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He has also held adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), UCA, and Nashville State Community College (NSCC), and he spent over a decade as the Head Athletic Trainer at UALR.

 

“I could not be more thrilled to welcome and work alongside these professionals in their new roles with UACCM,” Willenberg said. “We not only train students for meaningful careers, but we are also committed to attracting the best talent and developing staff to be successful in positions of increasing responsibility. UACCM remains blessed to have such dedicated, quality professionals on campus.”

Posted by at

Popular posts from this blog

UACCM Sets Record Fall Enrollment for Second Straight Year

Image
  The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) has reported a second straight year of record enrollment for the Fall semester, with 2,776 credit students for Fall 2026.   The enrollment of 2,776 is a 2.8 percent increase over Fall 2025, which saw a significant jump of 20 percent over Fall 2024. Fall 2026 marks a fourth consecutive fall of increased enrollment for UACCM.   From Fall 2021 to Fall 2026, UACCM has seen a 42.1 percent increase in enrollment, which is the fifth highest among all Arkansas two-year colleges, and above the average of all Arkansas two-year colleges, which is 24.3 percent.   UACCM is also posting a 3.6 percent increase in student semester credit hours over last fall, with 23,839. Both retention and graduation rates are also improved, at 63 percent and 51 percent respectively.   “I am extremely humbled by another record enrollment. We are so grateful to our students for continuing to look to UACCM fo...
Read more

Alexis Thacker Crowned Ms. UACCM 2026

Image
  Alexis Thacker, 19, of Conway was crowned Ms. UACCM 2026 after competing in the eighteenth annual UACCM Pageant on Saturday, November 7, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton’s Auditorium. Thacker is the daughter of Ricky and Sabrena Thacker of Conway. She is in her third semester, earning an Associate of Science in Business degree. Thacker was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the UACCM’s Chancellor’s Office, a $20 gift certificate from Merle Norman & More, a floral bouquet courtesy of Plummer’s Flowers and Gifts, a gift bag from Noted Stationery Studio, and an alignment from Roberson Tire, all of Morrilton. In addition, she received a 10” bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a $25 gift certificate from Yours Truly, both of Conway. The first runner-up, Abigail Woodward, of Morrilton, was awarded a $500 scholarship from the UACCM Chancellor’s Office and a $20 gift certificate from Merle Norman & More of Morrilton. She is the daughter of Jeremy an...
Read more

UACCM Foundation Awarded $50,000 from Windgate Foundation

Image
    The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) is proud to announce that the UACCM Foundation has secured a $50,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation. The funds will support scholarships for students in the UACCM Practical Nursing (PN) and Registered Nursing (RN) programs beginning in Spring 2027.  “It is an honor to receive this grant from the Windgate Foundation,” said UACCM Development Officer Lauren Bryan. “They share a commitment to education and recognize the transformative power of investing in future generations, and this grant will have a tremendous impact on the college, our students, and the community."  Since 2021, the UACCM nursing program has produced 205 PN graduates and 166 RN graduates while also training approximately 100 Certified Nursing Assistants per year. Over the last three years, UACCM has ranked among the top programs in Arkansas regarding National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates, boasting a 99% pass ...
Read more