The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) has announced a new partnership with Central Methodist University (CMU) that will expand educational opportunities for students and provide valuable benefits for UAHT faculty and staff.

Through this agreement, UAHT and CMU will offer students 2+2 degree programs in Business, General Technology, Health Professions, and Nursing. Students will complete their first two years at UAHT before transferring to CMU to finish their bachelor’s degrees either online or on CMU’s campus.

The partnership is designed to create a smooth transition for students seeking to continue their education while improving access to career advancement opportunities. In addition, UAHT faculty and staff will be eligible to receive free tuition to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees online through CMU.

“The partnership with Central Methodist University opens new doors for our students and employees,” said UAHT Chancellor Dr. Ricky Tompkins. “By creating clear, affordable pathways to bachelor’s and graduate degrees, we are helping individuals in our region build stronger careers and improve their quality of life.”

The agreement focuses on facilitating the admission and transfer of qualified UAHT students into CMU’s bachelor’s degree programs while supporting workforce development across the region. Both institutions will work closely to align resources, maintain strong communication, and ensure long-term success for participants.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their academic and professional goals,” said CMU Provost Dr. Rita Gulstad. “We are proud to partner with UAHT to provide flexible, high-quality degree completion options for both students and working professionals.”

In addition to student transfer pathways, the partnership creates new opportunities for UAHT employees to complete unfinished degrees, recover credits, and pursue graduate education with tuition assistance from CMU.

Together, UAHT and CMU aim to build reliable, long-term pathways that support degree completion and career advancement for students and employees alike.

For more information, please contact the UAHT Purtle Advising Center at 870-722-8124 or visit https://www.uaht.edu/student-services/pac.php today.

About Central Methodist University
Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University is a four-year, private, liberal arts university. CMU's main campus, home to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), is located in Fayette, Missouri, enrolling 1,100 students. More than 4,000 students attend CMU's College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES), which offers classes online and at sites across Missouri and the region. CMU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and welcomes students of all faiths. To learn more, visit https://centralmethodist.edu/index.html.