New Initiative Aims to Improve College Readiness Across Arkansas and Enhance Diversity on Campus

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas office of diversity is launching a new effort, College Access Initiative, to extend college readiness outreach across the state and increase the number of diverse and underrepresented students enrolling at the university.

During the 2009-10 academic year, Charles Robinson, vice provost for diversity, traveled around Arkansas, building relationships with key high schools. His goal was to determine how the university could provide better services. One result of these conversations is the College Access Initiative, which will consolidate existing ACT outreach efforts and extend new services across the state, allowing the University of Arkansas to take the lead in providing support to students looking to make the transition to college.

“It was clear to me that we could be doing more for underrepresented high schools,” said Robinson. “We are planning to offer ACT workshops, summer camps, service learning opportunities for undergraduates that would get them working in high school classrooms, and more. What we ultimately do will be determined by the schools. We want to meet their needs.”

Bryan Hembree and Leslie Yingling have been appointed to direct the College Access Initiative. Both directors are University of Arkansas alumni with experience in college access and readiness.

Yingling has been a program director for pre-college programs for the past three years. She has extensive experience working with underserved high school students to prepare them for college. She has established herself as a campus expert on developing on-campus academic enrichment programs, and this summer hosted the office of diversity’s inaugural ACT Academy for rising high school juniors and seniors.

“Students who participate in the College Access Initiative are in for a wonderful experience,” said Danny Pugh, vice provost for the Division of Student Affairs and the dean of students. “Leslie and Bryan are truly talented educators who will bring their knowledge and passion to the aid of these individuals.”

Hembree comes to this position after directing the academic scholarship office for the past five years. During his tenure, he led multiple new initiatives including ACT outreach programs, a new scholar retention effort and multiple scholarship programs serving underrepresented students.

“I have enjoyed working with Bryan Hembree over the last five years,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment. “He has done a terrific job as the director of the academic scholarship office, and I know he loves working with students who are preparing for college. He believes strongly in providing access to college to as many students as possible. I have watched a wide range of students improve their performances on the ACT with his guidance. It is very impressive.

“Leslie Yingling also brings a lot to this program,” McCray continued. “Her experience with pre-college programs will be a real asset to this effort. Both were undergraduates here, and I think that adds to what they can offer students as they reach out across the state. It’s a great program with great leadership. I look forward to seeing more students in the near future who already qualify for admission when they apply.”

The College Access Initiative has earned interest and financial support from the central administration as well as from multiple University of Arkansas colleges and administrative units. The following list includes College Access Initiative Partners, which have committed support to the program for three years:

• Arkansas Alumni Association

• College of Education and Health Professions

• College of Engineering

• Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

• The department of intercollegiate athletics

• Division of Agriculture

• Division of Student Affairs

• Fay Jones School of Architecture

• Graduate School

• Honors College

• J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

• Multicultural Center

• The office of admissions

• The office of diversity

• Sam M. Walton College of Business

• School of Law

• University Libraries

“Charles Robinson was instrumental in bringing the campus together to support this important initiative,” said Provost Sharon Gaber. “His vision for what the university can and should be doing in this area was a persuasive argument.”

“I am pleased and impressed to see the level of commitment and support for this initiative,” said Robinson. “It suggests that the University of Arkansas has moved to a new phase with respect to diversity. We want to see results.”

The College Access Initiative office opened Sept. 1. Yingling and Hembree will begin visiting communities immediately and plan to host a limited number of workshops during the fall semester. They will roll out a full complement of offerings starting in January 2011.

“The College Access initiative will expand the university’s talent pool and also help students compete for scholarships and gain admission to the Honors College,” said Bob McMath, dean of the Honors College. “The Honors College is proud to be part of this effort, and we appreciate all the good work that Charles, Bryan and Leslie have done to get it off the ground.”