The Global Campus Expands Collaborative Connections

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Linda Beene Ballard, dean of the University of Arkansas Global Campus, spoke to The Rotary Club of Fayetteville Thursday, Jan. 22 about innovative new outreach programs and also unveiled the Global Campus’ new informational video. The Global Campus is the new descriptive name for the university’s School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach.

 “We’re excited about new educational programs and services that have emerged through collaborative partnerships within the university community as well as the larger local and state community,” said Ballard. “The synergy, which results from bringing together the resources of knowledge experts, technology and facilities, enhances our ability to provide better service to larger numbers at a reduced cost.”

The new two-minute informational video highlighting Global Campus programs and resources is available on the school’s Web site, www.globalcampus.uark.edu. 

As one example of the new programs, the university has recently expanded its presence in eastern Arkansas through the establishment of a Global Campus office at the Mid-South Community College University Center in West Memphis. This new office provides students and the community with a local personal connection for information about University of Arkansas academic programs and resources. These include the Global Campus’ online bachelor of science in human resource development, as well as graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, nursing, education and human environmental sciences.

A second new outreach involves the new Global Campus facility recently opened in Rogers to serve as home to two bachelor’s degree completion programs developed in partnership with Northwest Arkansas Community College. The Rogers facility was strategically built next to the Arkansas World Trade Center to facilitate access to and support of educational and business opportunities. The new global trade certificate program is an example of collaborative work between the Global Campus and the Arkansas World Trade Center aimed at equipping Arkansas’ businesses and individuals with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. This program uses the international standard curriculum available through the Forum for International Trade Training. It is designed to help participants become effective players in the international economy, adapt to new realities and adopt a global outlook.  The inaugural series of eight international business courses will be offered as two-day sessions throughout the spring and fall of this year.

In further collaborative efforts, the Global Campus has worked with the Professional Development Institute to enhance their on-line training programs. The institute is a program of the University of Arkansas Career Development Center that provides workshops, conferences, and innovative experiences for university students.  It helps students explore career options and learn job search strategies. The Global Campus and the institute plan to set up podcasting to deliver more training and information to student clients.

The Global Campus has also joined with the Center for Management and Executive Education at the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the human resources office to bring the Disney Keys to Excellence program to Little Rock in September 2009. This one-day program explores business practices at the Walt Disney World Resort focusing on leadership, management, service and loyalty. Using the successful management principles and business philosophies of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Institute provides a unique and compelling behind-the-scenes program for all managers and career-minded employees.

 The Global Campus and the university art department are also working together to feature student works and provide a visual treat for downtown Fayetteville visitors. “So…What Do You Think?” is the title of a wax sculpture exhibit by Apryl Okoroafor currently featured on the second floor lobby of the Global Campus building at 2 Center St. on the Fayetteville Square. In the current exhibit, Okoroafor’s works examine American women’s ideals of beauty, the ways we change our “face” depending on our situation and the pain women go through for the sake of beauty. All the faces are wax castings of the artist’s face from a mold made from a self portrait bust and are available for viewing from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Feb. 27.

For more information on these and the many other opportunities available from the Global Campus please visit globalcampus.uark.edu or call 1-800-952-1165.

CONTACT:

Christopher Erwin, business development

Global Campus

(479) 575-6287, cerwin@uark.edu

Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations

University Relations

(479) 575-3583, vorrhies@uark.edu