U of A, ASU-Newport Partner to Strengthen Data Science Workforce

The U of A and Arkansas State University-Newport signed a memorandum of agreement on Nov. 11 to align the schools' data science curriculum and allow ASU-Newport graduates who earn an associate degree in data science to seamlessly transfer to the U of A to complete their bachelor's degree in data science. 

"This agreement with ASU-Newport reflects our shared commitment to preparing Arkansas students for successful careers in a rewarding, high-demand field that is driving economic growth across the state," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "We are grateful to ASU-Newport for partnering with us to support Arkansas students and strengthen the state's workforce and economy." 

ASU-Newport Chancellor Johnny M. Moore stated, "Given the rapidly changing higher education landscape, we face real challenges across the country, including the state of Arkansas. Critical business decisions will need to be made based on data, and improving customer experiences relies on data. Suffice it to say that today's world runs on data. We're pleased to partner with the University of Arkansas to provide Arkansans with the flexibility to work in the industry that interests and inspires them and make the world a better place." 

The agreement between the two schools is part of a statewide, multi-institution effort to bolster Arkansas' data science workforce. The Data Analytics That are Robust and Trusted (DART) program is funded by a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)* and $4 million in support from the State of Arkansas. 

The U of A — which in 2020 launched a first-of-its-kind data science program involving the College of Engineering, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the Sam M. Walton College of Business — serves as one of the DART program's three "hub schools," alongside the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State University. Those four-year hub schools are partnering with Arkansas community colleges to establish a common data science curriculum and create affordable pathways for Arkansans to enter a cutting-edge, high-demand field with a rate of growth that is expected to far outpace most other careers by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

"I'm so pleased to be working together with our partners at ASU-Newport to further expand the pipeline for data science students, whose skills are so valued and needed across business, industry and education," said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering. "This agreement helps to cement an affordable pathway for students to pursue a challenging career whose growth potential appears boundless." 

Chancellor Charles Robinson, Provost Terry Martin and Dean Kim Needy signed the memorandum of agreement on behalf of the U of A, while Chancellor Johnny Moore and Dean for STEM Education Monica Mobley signed on behalf of ASU-Newport. 

The event was attended by representatives of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, ASU-Newport and the U of A.       

Arkansas Division of Higher Education 

• Tina Moore, director of workforce development 

Arkansas State University-Newport  

• Monica Mobley, dean for STEM education 

• Johnny M. Moore, chancellor 

University of Arkansas 

• Karen Boston, senior assistant dean, Walton College 

• John English, director, data science program 

• Kristy Fink, assistant to the dean, College of Engineering 

• Bryan Hill, associate dean of student success, College of Engineering 

• Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development 

• Terry Martin, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs 

• David McNabb, associate dean, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

• Shauna Morimoto, accociate dean for research and infrastructure, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

• Kim Needy, dean, College of Engineering 

• Brian Raines, dean, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 

• Karl Schubert, associate director of data science and co-lead of NSF EPSCoR DART Education Theme 

• Lee Shoultz, assistant director of the undergraduate data science program, DART Education Theme program manager 

• Vasavi Surisetty, graduate research assistant of DART Education Theme, student in the Master of Applied Business Analytics program 

*This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. OIA-1946391. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.