Southern Arkansas University is hosting a meeting of the Vision 2025 Commission on the Future of Higher Education from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Reynolds Center Grand Hall.
The public is encouraged not to miss this opportunity to participate and contribute in planning the future of Arkansas higher education. It will be a “town hall” format, and drop-ins are welcome.
Attending meetings of the Vision 2025 Commission on behalf of SAU has been Marla Strecker, director of educational leadership and director of transitional studies at SAU. She will be facilitating a panel discussion Friday regarding innovative ways SAU is meeting the needs and challenges of Arkansas college students.
“On Friday, SAU will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges our students face and to offer our community an opportunity for direct participation in an important higher education improvement initiative for the state of Arkansas,” said Strecker. “This is an unprecedented opportunity for our region.”
Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-31st), SAU alum and former Little Rock school teacher, was appointed to co-chair the Vision 2025 Commission along with Sen. Johnny Key (R-17th) of Mountain Home.
Formerly Act 1082, Vision 2025 was established with the goal of improving higher education in the state of Arkansas for the purpose of increasing student access and success. Committee members include the leaders of the Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and other leaders across the state who have a vested interest in supporting higher education.
The primary purpose of the commission is to establish a plan and priorities to facilitate an increase of college graduates in Arkansas from 25% to 50% by the year 2025. The Vision 2025 Commission is visiting various parts of the state to hear from stakeholders.
