The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), a historically Black educational institution, has entered into a partnership with Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK). The agreement will allow students to earn an associate’s degree at Southeast Arkansas College and a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff simultaneously.
Southeast Arkansas College, also in Pine Bluff, enrolls just over 1,300 students according to the latest statistics supplied to the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 57 percent of the student body.
Students may enroll in any two-year degree transfer program at SEARK and any undergraduate program at UAPB. Students enrolled in the program will also enjoy the eligibility and privileges offered at both colleges, including tutoring and academic skills support, library access and attendance at sporting events. The agreement allows students to enroll fulltime and earn a minimum of 12 credit hours — nine hours at SEARK and three at UAPB — each semester. Upon successful completion of 60 hours — 48 hours at SEARK and 12 at UAPB — with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, the student will receive an associate’s degree and be eligible to transfer to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Laurence B. Alexander, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, stated that “this historic partnership between UAPB and SEARK creates better opportunities for students to access higher education. I am thrilled to assist more Arkansans in building successful futures for themselves. By partnering with SEARK, we are also strengthening the Pine Buff community and the southeast region of the state.”
