Northark Board of Trustees approves potential merger with University of Arkansas System

Earlier this spring, North Arkansas College had announced its Board of Trustees authorized President Dr. Rick Massengale and Board Chair Luke Feighert to explore the potential for a possible merger with the University of Arkansas System. After a nearly two-month process, the board met again this week for its regular May session and unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Dr. Massengale and Chief Financial Officer Richard Stipe to finalize the necessary agreements for the potential merger.

According to the news release from Northark, college leaders have worked since March to hold a series of town halls in Harrison and Berryville, conduct a student forum on campus and meet with civic organizations and local government leaders, including the Boone County Quorum Court. Administrators have also engaged in detailed discussions with U of A System officials to assess the benefits and logistics of the merger.

If an agreement gets finalized, Northark would become the ninth college and the third-largest institution to join the U of A System, which currently includes 21 campuses, divisions and units throughout the Natural State. While the college would retain its local identity, it would gain access to the broader academic, administrative and financial support of the U of A System.

The Northark president says the merger will bring tangible benefits for both students and staff. Graduates with associate degrees from Northark will be eligible for a transfer scholarship that allows them to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville while continuing to pay Northark tuition rates.

In addition, employees pursuing further education will receive discounted tuition and gain access to a broader network of more than 28,000 U of A System employees, along with enhanced benefits programs. The merger would reportedly not result in any job losses, and Northark’s ongoing community programs and events will continue without interruption.

Dr. Massengale also addressed a concern some may have on the potential for tuition increases. He says, “The UA System has made it clear that keeping tuition affordable is a top priority – and we fully intend to honor that commitment.”

Before a merger becomes official, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas will have to approve an affiliation agreement, and the two entities would then begin working together to meet state and federal regulatory requirements, including accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission. The transition process would also include meetings with students, employees and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and transparent integration. Administrators anticipate the potential merger could be finalized in time for the Fall 2026 semester.

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