Arkansas Department of Higher Education ADHE

Overview

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) is the state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing higher education in Arkansas. Its mission is to advocate for higher education, promote a coordinated system of higher education in the state and assist publicly and locally supported institutions in improving the delivery of higher education services to the citizens of Arkansas.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

The ADHE was established to provide financial analysis, coordination and strategic planning for public higher education in Arkansas. It was created to address the state's need for a centralized body to manage higher education policies and funding. The agency operates under the authority granted by state legislation and is governed by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), which was created by Acts of 1997, No. 1114, abolishing the State Board of Higher Education and transferring its powers and duties to the AHECB.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The ADHE's mission is to advocate for higher education, promote a coordinated system of higher education in the state and assist each of the publicly and locally supported institutions of higher education in the state in improving the delivery of higher education services to the citizens of Arkansas.

Vision: The department envisions being an effective advocate for postsecondary education in Arkansas, believing that education enhances the quality of life for individuals and the state as a whole.

Objectives:

• Advocate for higher education policies that support the state's educational goals.
• Coordinate and oversee the allocation of state resources to higher education institutions.
• Ensure the quality and accessibility of higher education programs across the state.
• Provide support and guidance to institutions in areas such as academic affairs, financial aid and institutional planning.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The ADHE operates under the governance of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), which consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor to serve staggered six-year terms. The AHECB is charged by state law to coordinate higher education in Arkansas and to assure an orderly and effective development of each of the publicly supported institutions of higher education. The ADHE is administratively housed within the Arkansas Department of Education but functions with a degree of independence to uphold the objectivity and credibility of its coordination and oversight roles.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the ADHE does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of higher education in Arkansas. The agency oversees the authorization of degree-granting institutions in the state and collaborates with accrediting agencies to ensure that institutions meet established standards. The ADHE also monitors institutional performance, provides data and analysis on higher education trends and supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality of education provided to students.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The ADHE engages in international cooperation to promote global standards in higher education. Through partnerships with organizations such as the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), the ADHE facilitates the exchange of best practices and supports institutions in offering educational programs to students across state lines. These collaborations help enhance the accessibility and quality of higher education programs in Arkansas and contribute to the state's participation in broader educational initiatives.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The ADHE's impact on higher education is evident in its role in shaping policies and initiatives that affect students, institutions and the broader community. For example, the agency has been involved in implementing the Arkansas ACCESS Act, a comprehensive reform of higher education policies aimed at enhancing opportunities for acceleration, simplifying eligibility for admission, broadening scholarship opportunities and standardizing processes for institutions across the state. These efforts are designed to improve access to higher education, promote student success and align educational outcomes with workforce needs.

7. Summary

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education plays a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing higher education in the state. Through its governance structure, advocacy efforts and strategic initiatives, the ADHE works to ensure that Arkansas's higher education system meets the needs of students and contributes to the state's economic and social development. Its commitment to quality, accessibility and continuous improvement underscores its importance in shaping the future of higher education in Arkansas.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Arkansas Department of Higher Education?
  The ADHE is the state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing higher education in Arkansas, including managing scholarship programs, recommending institutional budgets and ensuring academic program quality.
• Who governs the ADHE?
  The ADHE operates under the governance of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), which consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor.
• Does the ADHE accredit institutions?
  No, the ADHE does not serve as an accrediting body. However, it oversees the authorization of degree-granting institutions in the state and collaborates with accrediting agencies to ensure institutional quality.
• What is the Arkansas ACCESS Act?
  The Arkansas ACCESS Act is a comprehensive reform of higher education policies aimed at enhancing opportunities for acceleration, simplifying eligibility for admission, broadening scholarship opportunities and standardizing processes for institutions across the state.
• How can I find accredited institutions in Arkansas?
  Information on accredited institutions in Arkansas can be found through the ADHE's official website or by contacting the agency directly.

Organization Name

Arkansas Department of Higher Education

Acronym

ADHE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1971

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

114 East Capitol Ave
Little Rock
72201 Arkansas United States

Phone

+1 (501) 371 2000

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Arkansas Department of Higher Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Arkansas Department of Higher Education's X page

LinkedIn

Arkansas Department of Higher Education's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Arkansas Department of Higher Education's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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