History

History

About Us

Founded in 1974, North Arkansas College (Northark) is a public two-year college offering transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of proficiency, customized business and industry training, adult basic education (GED) classes and non-credit community education courses. In addition, partnerships with area universities provide the opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree in Harrison, Arkansas. You can even get your degree online. Northark also offers online associate degrees, associate of applied science degrees and certificates.

Northark has North and South campuses as well as the Carroll County Center in nearby Berryville, Ark., and a location on Main Street that houses the College's business offices as well as Educational Talent Search.

We pride ourselves in providing a successful academic experience to our students at an affordable price. Northark has consistently high rankings from both state and national organizations.

We’re especially proud that 95 percent of our students would recommend Northark to a friend or family member.

Northark is more than just a college. It’s a community.

A variety of student organizations allow students to maximize learning experiences outside of the classroom. A partnership between the Buffalo National River, Northark and the University of Central Arkansas turns the classroom into an outdoor learning lab in the Buffalo National Park in Ponca, Ark. Students test water, soil and study natural resources. 

Pioneer athletics draw sports fans, student athletes and visitors to Pioneer Pavilion on the South Campus each year. The college field teams in basketball, baseball, softball, esports and soccer. Northark was the site of the NJCAA Division II National Women’s Basketball Tournament from 2017 to 2019. 

A disc golf/cross-country course on campus and frequent community events paired with nearby attractions such as the Buffalo National River and Branson, Mo., provides opportunities to explore the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Northark History

In 1973, a group of citizens met in Harrison to discuss the methods for establishing a community college. In November of that year, the voters of Boone County approved a millage to finance permanent facilities for North Arkansas Community College. The college opened its doors in 1974 with 225 students.

After the construction of the Pioneer Pavilion, student center, and additional classrooms in 1980, a library and classroom construction project was completed in 1992. One year later, Northark was a partner in a “first” for Arkansas: North Arkansas Community College and Twin Lakes Technical College became the state’s first community college-technical college union. The facilities housing the former Twin Lakes Technical College became the North Campus of the college, which was renamed at the time North Arkansas Community/Technical College. On July 1, 1997, North Arkansas Community/Technical College was renamed North Arkansas College.

The Carroll County Center opened in 2008 in Berryville, Ark. The facility makes the college’s programs and services more accessible to citizens of its second-leading feeder county.

An 11,000-square-foot, $3 million Allied Health Addition opened in 2010 on the south campus. The new area houses classrooms and labs for medical laboratory technology, surgical technology, and nursing, plus a computer lab for allied health students.

Just a few months later the Bradley Student Center was dedicated on the south campus. The Bradley Student Center offers a “one-stop-shop” for student services. It also provides an updated, more comfortable student lounge, including the College Grill, as a place for students to relax between classes. The facility is named in memory of Dr. William and Cora Bradley, grandparents of William P. Stiritz, in recognition of a major gift for the project from Stiritz and his wife, Dr. Susan E. Stiritz.

In 2014, the Science Building, which houses two labs and a 60-seat auditorium-style classroom, opened its doors.

Over the last several years, Northark has garnered national attention for academic quality, affordability and online offerings. The college is growing and is now examining the feasibility of adding residence halls to further expand access to education.

Our vision is to be a premier institution, achieving excellence through innovation, technology, continuous improvement and quality instruction. Northark has a rich history, and the College is focusing on the future by preparing students for successful careers to answer workforce needs.
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