Gov. Sarah Sanders announced plans to expand access to higher education in Arkansas during her State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 14, marking the start of the 2025 legislative session. Her proposals include funding college credits for high school students, expanding scholarships for associate degrees and non-degree credentials, and revising the state’s higher education funding model to support a wider range of educational options.

“Higher education can be the difference between a life in poverty and a life of great success, and it should be available to every single person in our state no matter what their background,” Sanders said. “Today, let us commit to making that happen.”

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is uniquely poised to adapt to this new program, which Sanders emphasized as a key component of her initiative to increase opportunity for all Arkansans.

“The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the Arkansas Access program announced by Governor Sanders this morning,” said UAFS Chancellor Terisa Riley. “We look forward to learning more about the specific ways this program will provide education to our state’s future leaders.”

For nearly 100 years, UAFS has prioritized accessible and affordable education for Arkansans. The university is the most affordable four-year institution in the state, offering a range of educational pathways to meet diverse student needs, from certificates of proficiency to master’s degrees.

“Whether students come to UAFS straight out of high school or return later in life, whether they’re seeking a master’s degree or a single certificate, we know the education our faculty provides them is exceptional, intentional, and accessible,” Riley said.

Gov. Sanders’ announcement highlighted concurrent enrollment programs, which enable high school students to earn college credit before graduation. UAFS is already a leader in this area, with more than 1,350 high school students currently enrolled in its concurrent programs.

“We believe in giving Arkansas students a head start on college and their careers,” Riley said.

In addition to degree programs, UAFS also supports workforce development through its Center for Economic Development, which offers specialized non-degree credentials to help Arkansans advance in their careers. Sanders said her administration will prioritize funding non-degree credentials alongside traditional degree programs. Just last year, UAFS trained more than 1,000 individuals at the CED through the Center for Business and Professional Development, the Jim Walcott Family Enterprises Center, and the Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center. 

“Together, we will expand Arkansas’ access to higher education and non-degree credentials, whether straight out of high school or further down the line,” Sanders said.

Riley emphasized the alignment between Sanders’ vision and UAFS’ mission. “We have built our curriculum with the understanding that the path to a degree isn’t always a straight one. Our certificates of proficiency and associate degrees pave the way to future bachelor’s degrees while opening doors to immediate higher earning potential,” she said.

The governor’s plans also include addressing the rising cost of higher education, a challenge UAFS has long worked to mitigate through affordability and strategic curriculum design.