Dr. Celya Taylor, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Henderson State, and Dr. Robert Shurley, ASUMH provost, signed the pathway agreement. Also pictured are, from left: Dr. Trey Berry, Henderson chancellor; Dr. Glenda Hyer, associate professor of special education; Dr. Charlotte White-Wright, dean of Henderson’s Teachers College; Kristina Radivojevich, interim dean of business, arts, and sciences at ASUMH; Laura Knox, director of education at ASUMH; and Dr. Bentley Wallace, ASUMH chancellor.
From Henderson State News
Henderson State University and Arkansas State University–Mountain Home announced a new transfer pathway agreement for teacher education degrees and have initiated discussions to also develop an aviation degree pathway to expand collaborative program opportunities for students.
Representatives of both institutions recently participated in the signing of a partnership agreement in teacher education.
“Today is a strong first step in what we see as a long-term partnership with a great ASU System partner in Henderson State,” said Dr. Robert Shurley, provost at ASUMH. “We’re excited about the teacher education pathway we’ve launched together and the early conversations around aviation, and we appreciate Henderson Provost Dr. Celya Taylor and her team for hosting a productive visit. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in ways that create more opportunities for students and strengthen the communities we serve.”
At the signing event, ASUMH and Henderson established a “2+2” transfer agreement in teacher education that will provide a seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in teaching. Through this partnership, students will complete their first two years at ASUMH, earning an Associate of Science in Education, before transferring to Henderson to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Special Education, Integrated Birth–Kindergarten.
“At Henderson, we are deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality academic programs that meet the evolving needs of students and communities across Arkansas,” said Taylor. “This partnership with Arkansas State University–Mountain Home reflects our strategic role in building transfer pathways that support student success from entry to career. By offering the Henderson portion of this program fully online and aligning our expertise in teacher education, we help create flexible opportunities that strengthen the educator workforce and enhance educational outcomes throughout the state.”
Additionally, ASUMH is identifying a program and career pathway that will align the aviation-related curriculum at Mountain Home High School with a degree at ASUMH and then on to Henderson as part of its existing bachelor’s degree in aviation – the only one in Arkansas. More details about the partnership and program launch will be developed.
The Henderson portion of the teacher education program will be offered fully online, allowing students to remain in the Mountain Home area while completing their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to fulfill residency requirements locally through partnerships with area school districts.
This degree program is designed to prepare future educators for licensure in both early childhood and special education, covering birth through kindergarten. Students may also have opportunities to pursue dual licensure or specialize in early childhood special education, further enhancing their qualifications.
“With the growing demand for teachers — particularly in special education — this partnership represents an important step in addressing workforce needs across our region and state,” said Dr. Bentley Wallace, chancellor of ASUMH. “Graduates of this program will be highly sought after and well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in classrooms and early childhood settings.”
The program will also support the needs of local early childhood centers, pediatric therapy providers, and pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, strengthening the educational foundation of communities across North Central Arkansas.
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