Governor Attends WTC Grand Opening, Courses to Begin Fall 2018

More than 300 people crowded inside the Tyson Training Hall on Thursday, April 26 to hear Gov. Asa Hutchinson and others celebrate the opening of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton’s new Workforce Training Center. 

Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaking in Tyson Training Hall

Other speakers included Sen. Jane English (R-North Little Rock), University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, Prospect Steel Plant Manager Steve Belew, Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart, City of Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jerry Smith, UACCM Foundation Board Chair Scott McKennon, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Doug Brandon, and UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis. 

“I can’t tell you what a joy it is to be here in Morrilton and see the pride in the community, the way the community has come together to say, ‘We want to enhance our future through a strong workforce training center such as this,’” Hutchinson said. “You’ve invested in it, you understand the importance of it, and you accomplished it, so today is a day of celebration and I congratulate this community on what you’ve done and what you’ll do for the next generation.” 

Hutchinson and other guests had the opportunity to tour the new building, during which the governor spoke with some UACCM faculty and students. 

“I got to see the equipment that industry partners have invested here, I got to see the incredible facilities that have been built, but the most exciting thing was when I saw the students and I see the smiles on their faces,” Hutchinson said. “They see their future, because this is what they want to do. They want to work with their hands. I ask them where they’re from and they’re from right here in this community. They see their future here and their opportunities bright in a community that they love.”

Gov. Asa Hutchinson meets with UACCM Welding Instructor Zack Freeman (left) and UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis (right) inside the new WTC Welding Lab

The $15 million facility, the largest construction project in UACCM history and the first new building in nine years, will begin housing a complete slate of courses beginning in the fall 2018 semester. Courses include paths to professional certificates and two-year associate degrees in high-demand, high-wage areas such as Automotive Service; Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC); Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance; and Welding. 

“The support of the citizens of our county and the UACCM’s service area has proven invaluable in helping us achieve our capital campaign goal and we view this ceremony as a way to recognize and thank many of those involved,” Chancellor Davis said. “We are excited to show this beautiful facility to the public and prospective students, and let the state know about the training opportunities available now at UACCM.”

(L-R) Joe Canady, UACCM Board of Visitors member; Allen Lipsmeyer, Mayor of the City of Morrilton; Shawn Halbrook, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Chair; Scott McKennon, UACCM Foundation Board Chair; Dr. Larry Davis, UACCM Chancellor; Gov. Asa Hutchinson; Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System President; Doug Brandon, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair; Jerry Smith, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; Sen. Jane English (R-North Little Rock); Rich Moellers, Conway County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair; Jimmy Hart, Conway County Judge; and Raye Pearce, former UACCM Board of Visitors Chair. 

To schedule a tour of the Workforce Training Center and other facilities on campus, contact the UACCM Admissions Office at (501) 977-2053. Tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Individuals are asked to schedule their visit at least one day in advance and specific their preferred time in order to ensure than an admission representative is available to give a guided tour.