Page 52 - 2026 VB Community Profile

EDUCATION

community that has welcomed them so
warmly. Each year, they dedicate countless
hours to volunteering, offering health
screenings, participating in community
wellness events, and lending a hand
wherever it is needed. This spirit of giving
back not only strengthens local partnerships
but also reinforces the compassionate
foundation of their future careers.
Spaces that Inspire Wellness
and Discovery
ACHE invests not only in academic
programs but also in spaces that enrich
both the student experience and
community well-being.
• Celebration Garden and Wellness
Park – a serene outdoor environment
designed for encouraging healthy
lifestyles for students and the public Aerial view of the picturesque Arkansas Colleges of Health Education campus in nearby
alike. The park honors ACHE’s anatomical Chaffee Crossing. Photo courtesy Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
donors. Their profound gift stands as ACHE and the surrounding community. Arkansas and the greater region. Its
a constant source of inspiration for the A Growing Force for Good students, faculty, and staff are not only
entire ACHE community. With water With rapid growth, strong community shaping the future of healthcare but
features, a walking trail, playground, ties, and bold plans for the future, ACHE also creating healthier, more connected
and pavilion, the park provides a place stands as a beacon of opportunity in communities today.
of reflection, recreation, and connection
that fosters well-being for everyone.
• ACHE Research Institute Health &
Wellness Center – The RIHWC further
extends ACHE’s mission as a state-of-
the-art hub advancing health research,
innovation, and clinical education,
underscoring ACHE’s commitment to
improving lives. Hosting art receptions, www.perezcollisioncenter.com
workshops, weddings and more, the
RIHWC Event Center and conference
rooms are also all available for rent for Phone: 479.242.2108 • Fax: 479.242.2109
public events. PEREZ COLLISION CENTER
• Economic Development – Over the
past decade, the ACHE campus has grown 3740 Midland Blvd Fort Smith, AR 72904
to 542 acres, now home to The Village at
Heritage, a vibrant neighborhood with
restaurants, retail, and wellness facilities.
The campus also includes Mercy Clinic and
Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital, providing
critical services to the community
while serving as training sites for ACHE
students. Since ACHE’s establishment
in 2014, the Chaffee Crossing area has
experienced remarkable growth, with
more than 4,000 new homes and a thriving
mix of businesses and restaurants nearby.
Projects such as the new Harps grocery
store, bank, physical therapy clinic, and
daycare will continue to support both

52 Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org