Ed Adams

The 2018-2021 Strategic Priorities Progress Report for East Arkansas Community College focuses on fostering student success through retention, completion, and student-friendly processes. It aims to increase enrollment via community outreach, marketing, and recruitment, and to improve communications between the college and community, as well as internally. Key outcomes include increased graduation rates, enrollment, and student satisfaction, along with improved facilities and program offerings.

The strategic plan for EACC focuses on providing affordable and accessible learning opportunities to promote student success and strengthen the community. Key priorities include learner success through program enhancement and academic technology support, student experience by expanding holistic services and engagement, operational excellence via campus culture and institutional capacity building, and community and workforce engagement through regional partnerships and authentic learning opportunities. The plan aims to empower students and the community through business and industry collaborations, cultural enrichment, and educational programming.

The EACC Strategic Plan 2022-2027 outlines four strategic priorities: Learner Success, Student Experience, Operational Excellence, and Community and Workforce Engagement. Learner Success focuses on providing educational and career pathways with support for students, enhancing program offerings, improving academic technology and progression. Student Experience aims to provide a personalized experience through accessible services and engagement opportunities, expanding holistic student services, increasing student engagement, and improving re-enrollment and retention strategies. Operational Excellence prioritizes a strong campus culture, broad leadership and professional development, building institutional capacity, and enhancing employee recruitment and retention. Community and Workforce Engagement focuses on leading the region in workforce development, expanding authentic learning opportunities, and strengthening community relations. The plan includes specific goals and objectives under each priority, with key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress toward achieving the stated outcomes.

The board meeting focused on approving the recommendation for the East Arkansas Community College (EACC) mascot. After gathering input from students, faculty, staff, and the community, the board voted to adopt the "Delta Dragons" as the official mascot. The vote was conducted via email to comply with FOIA laws, with the media included in the email chain. The meeting also included a "Save the Date" announcement for the Welcome Center opening and a capital campaign kickoff event.

The meeting included an annual foundation report, covering scholarships, grants, fundraising events, and awards. Updates were given on mascot design, construction projects (Welcome Center, connectivity trail, 1326 E. Broadway property), and financial reports. Personnel matters included resignations, terminations, retirements, and new hires/changes in duties. Summer I and II enrollment data were presented, showing increases in overall enrollment and specific programs. The board approved the 2023-2024 college catalog and several grant awards (Student Support Services TRIO, Career Pathways Initiative, Delta Regional Authority, Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission Education and Training, Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement, and Eastern Arkansas Literacy Project). The president's report covered student orientation, program achievements (100% RN pass rate), the "Truman Experience," and participation in a steel-making boot camp training.