Harding University and ASU-Beebe signed a memorandum of understanding on Aug. 9 at Harding University, expanding academic offerings for students of both schools and across White County. The signing of the MOU formalizes and expands the existing cooperation between the two schools and streamlines the enrollment and course transfer process for students between the two universities.

“The MOU is a big step towards a vision that has been developing among leaders at both institutions for more than a year now to bless our community by working together in a larger way. We want to provide more members of the community with options to raise their level of educational attainment in ways that are appropriate for their goals and ability,” said Dr. Marty Spears, provost and chief academic officer. “Working together, Harding and ASU-Beebe can partner with industry and leadership in the community to understand the workforce needs and provide a wider range of academic and technical offerings to strengthen the workforce.”

The MOU, effective fall 2019, will expand educational access for ASU-Beebe students by providing pathways for students who are enrolled in a two-year program to transfer seamlessly to a four-year program at Harding. New 2+2 affiliation agreements are already being developed under the MOU to connect existing programs of study, and the institutions are discussing adding new programs made feasible through their combined resources. The agreement will also benefit students participating in existing programs such as Harding’s ROTC program offered under ASU-Beebe’s A-State Red Wolf Battalion, as well as those concurrently enrolled at ASU-Beebe and Harding. Students will have more options and courses to meet their schedule needs or degree requirements, and in time will have a seamless billing and articulation process. Concurrently enrolled students can take advantage of amenities and activities on both campuses, further enriching their educational experiences.

“Providing our graduates with multiple pathways to further their education is such an important part of what we do as a comprehensive community college,” said ASU-Beebe Chancellor Jennifer Methvin. “Through this expanded partnership with Harding University, ASU-Beebe graduates gain some very valuable options for seamless transfer into baccalaureate programs. When neighboring institutions of higher education like ASU-Beebe and Harding work together to better serve our communities, everybody wins.”