Tech board OKs starting 3 projects
Arkansas Tech University is moving forward with three renovation projects at its Russellville campus following approval by the school's board of trustees on Thursday.
The school will put $305,750 toward renovations and upgrades to the former Russellville Public Works building on North El Paso Avenue. Arkansas Tech recently acquired the building to house its Department of Public Safety and is considering using parts of the property for academic programs.
The university will earmark $300,000 toward a new roof and waterproofing for the Doc Bryan Student Services Center, while $146,832 will go toward improvements to the Chartwells Women's Sports Complex.
Williams Baptist to provide iPads
Starting fall 2019, Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge will provide iPads to all on-campus students.
The university started the initiative by supplying iPads to faculty, coaches and administrators last week, according to a university news release. Williams Baptist University personnel will spend the coming months learning how to incorporate the devices into their classes.
The cost of the devices to be provided to students will be covered by student fees, and students will be able to take the iPads with them after four years. Students who graduate or leave the university before four years will have the option of buying their devices for a reduced price.
Brad Baine, Williams Baptist vice president for academic affairs, said the iPads will be integrated into the learning experience. The devices will come equipped with educational apps, and electronic books and articles will be available to students.
College announces 2 department heads
The University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College has selected two new department directors, the college announced.
Pamela Bowie, 33, will start Nov. 5 as the college's director of admissions. She currently serves as associate director of admissions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She holds bachelor's degrees in broadcast journalism and sociology from Texas Christian University and a master's degree in mass communications from Arkansas State University, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in higher education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Sharon Cantrell, 48, started as the college's director of workforce development and community education Oct. 8. She previously served as assistant vice chancellor for technical education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology McGehee. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Bowie will earn $60,000 per year and Cantrell will earn $65,000 per year, a spokesman said.
Metro on 10/23/2018