U of A, SAU Tech Partner to Strengthen Data Science Workforce

The U of A and Southern Arkansas University Tech signed a memorandum of agreement on Feb. 25 to align the schools' data science curriculum and allow SAU Tech 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.  

"We are grateful for Southern Arkansas University Tech's partnership in expanding educational access and strengthening Arkansas' workforce," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "By aligning our programs, we're making it easier and more affordable for students to continue their education and build careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing fields." 

"SAU Tech is pleased to collaborate with the University of Arkansas to establish a direct pathway for our students to earn a bachelor's in data science," said SAU Tech Chancellor Jerry Thomas. "Our students will acquire key skill sets, preparing them for successful careers in critical sectors such as defense, advanced manufacturing and other data-driven industries vital to our region. This partnership not only strengthens our academic offerings but will also play a crucial role in building a skilled workforce that drives economic growth and fosters innovation throughout Arkansas." 

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.  

"As a land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas is committed to expanding access to education and fostering economic development," said Provost Terry Martin. "This agreement with SAU Tech advances that mission by creating new opportunities for students to succeed in a rapidly evolving, data-driven economy." 

Chancellor Robinson, Provost Martin and Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering, signed the memorandum of agreement on behalf of the U of A, while Chancellor Thomas signed on behalf of SAU Tech.  

The event was attended by representatives of the Arkansas Economic Development Council, SAU Tech and the U of A.        

Arkansas Economic Development Council 

• Jennifer Fowler, program director, Arkansas NSF EPSCoR 

• Brittany Hillyer, director of outreach and education  

Southern Arkansas University Tech   

• Divesh Acharya, faculty of computer information technology 

• Jodi Eppinette, associate vice chancellor of instruction 

• Jerry Thomas, chancellor 

• Valerie Wilson, vice chancellor for academics  

University of Arkansas  

• Karen Boston, senior assistant dean, Walton College  

• Jack Cothren, director of the Center for Advanced Spatial Technology and NSF EPSCoR DART Science principal investigator 

• Alan Ellstrand, associate dean for curriculum innovation and teaching effectiveness, Walton College of Business 

• Kevin Hall, associate dean for academics, College of Engineering  

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

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

• Shauna Morimoto, associate dean, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences  

• Kim Needy, dean, College of Engineering  

• Charles Robinson, chancellor  

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

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

*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.