Page 38 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

EDUCATION

ATU-Ozark, Van Buren Schools

Forge New Partnership

Van Buren High School students now
have the opportunity to study automation
technology and gain college credit
through a partnership with Arkansas Tech
University-Ozark Campus that began in
the 2024-25 school year.
Participants will complete 15 credit
hours in Fundamentals of Electricity,
Introduction to Industrial Automation,
Introduction to Industrial Robots and
Programmable Controllers. The courses
were available to Van Buren High School
students beginning in fall 2024.
“These courses are crafted to
impart a foundational understanding
of automation principles and practices,
preparing students to excel in this high-
demand career field,” said Dr. Sheila
Jacobs, ATU-Ozark Chancellor. “At ATU-
Ozark, we are dedicated to fostering
innovation and excellence in education.
This partnership with the Van Buren School
District exemplifies our commitment
to partnering with K-12 schools and
promoting workforce development in our
region and state.”
Dr. Joe McLean will serve as
collaborating instructor on behalf of the
Van Buren School District. Officials representing VBSD and ATU-Ozark sign a Memorandum of Understanding forming
Upon successful completion of the a new partnership intended to further high school students’ technical education and earn
15 credit hours, Van Buren High School college credit and certifications. Pictured left-to-right are: (front row) Dr. Harold Jeffcoat,
students will receive a Certificate of
Proficiency in controls fundamentals. The Van Buren School District Superintendent; Dr. Sheila Jacobs, Arkansas Tech University-
credit hours can also be stacked toward Ozark Campus Chancellor; (back row) Cody Harkness, ATU-Ozark Automation Technology
an associate degree from ATU-Ozark. instructor; Brianna Ingram, ATU-Ozark Assistant Director of Academic Affairs; and Myron
“The Van Buren School District is proud Heckman, Van Buren School District Director of Secondary Learning Services.
to partner with ATU-Ozark to provide our Photo courtesy ATU-Ozark
students with this unique educational
opportunity,” said Dr. Harold Jeffcoat,
Van Buren School District superintendent.
“Receiving college credit along with
industry level certification in such a high-
growth career field allows our students to
be better prepared to transition to their
respective colleges or careers following
graduation. We would like to thank ATU-
Ozark for joining our district in this effort
and we look forward to additional creative
partnerships in the future.”
Learn more about ATU-Ozark Campus
at www.atu.edu/ozark.

38 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org