Higher education notebook

Arkansas Tech renovating dorms

Arkansas Tech University is making $2.4 million in renovations to student housing this summer.

The majority of the renovation money is for waterproofing the roof and improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning at Caraway Hall -- which houses 88 residents -- along with painting walls and upgrading the floors in Paine Hall, which houses 216 students.

Other projects include new roofing, painting and flooring in Stadium Suites and new furniture in Nutt Hall and M Street Hall for reduced-rate triple beds. The Russellville university is also replacing 1,000 mattresses throughout the campus, re-painting and updating flooring at Tucker Hall, and fixing water filtration issues at Jones Hall, according to a news release.

The university's board approved the upgrades to its 16 housing options during a meeting in March.

Arkansas Tech had 11,894 students in fall 2016 and has a total residence hall capacity of 2,836 people.

UAMS adds duties for vice chancellor

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock has named a chief operating officer for its clinical side.

Tim Hill, who is currently vice chancellor for regional campuses at the academic medical center, will take on an extra role, serving as a member of the clinical executive leadership team, according to a news release. He will report to Dr. Richard Turnage, senior vice chancellor for clinical programs and CEO of the medical center.

He will earn $324,000 annually starting July 1, up from the $240,000 he was earning, UAMS said.

"His dual role is an opportunity to link Regional Campuses more seamlessly with UAMS as a whole and to better define our programs around the state as extensions of all components of our mission," UAMS Chancellor Dr. Dan Rahn said in a prepared statement.

"Tim brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge, hospital leadership experience, strong communication skills and an understanding of our mission. His relationships with hospitals and UAMS programs statewide will help us to improve the health and health care of patients across Arkansas."

Hill, who has 30 years of experience in health care finance and operations, started working at UAMS in 2011 as the director of its Center for Rural Health. He has held his current role since 2015.

UCA gets $30,000 to nurture startups

The University of Central Arkansas' public-private initiative that helps and supports startups and small businesses has received a $30,000 grant.

The grant is from Central Arkansas Planning and Development District Inc., with support from Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Bigelow, and Rep. David Meeks, R-Conway. The money will go toward UCA's Conductor, a public-private partnership that aids startups and small businesses with the help of Startup Junkie Consulting and Community Venture Foundation.

The Conductor will use the funds for several initiatives, including Brand Camp, High School Startup Day and other talent-development programs, according to a news release.

Metro on 07/16/2017

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