ASUMH receives USDA Grant to Expand Distance Learning

ASUMH Receives $720,298 USDA Grant to Expand Rural Distance Learning and Workforce Training

MOUNTAIN HOME, AR, November 2, 2026 —

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) has received a $720,298 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program to expand access to education, student support services and workforce training across rural north-central Arkansas.

The project represents a total investment of $828,343, including a $108,045 match from ASUMH. The funding will modernize distance learning and student support technology to serve approximately 14,319 rural residents, helping reduce barriers to education and workforce opportunities caused by geographic isolation, long travel distances and limited access to local resources.

The project will expand distance learning capabilities at ASUMH, Marshall High School, North Central Career Center and the Benny Magness Unit Correctional Facility. Upgrades will include classroom technology, videoconferencing, and collaboration tools designed to create more interactive learning environments and connect students with educational opportunities regardless of their location.

“Access to education and workforce training can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our region,” said Dr. Bentley Wallace, ASUMH chancellor. “This investment will help us strengthen our ability to reach rural communities, support students as they work toward their educational goals and prepare more individuals for careers that are important to the economic vitality of north-central Arkansas.”

In addition to improving classroom instruction, the project will expand access to virtual student support services, including academic advising, enrollment assistance, financial aid guidance, and academic support. These resources will help students navigate the college experience and stay on track toward completing degrees, certificates, and other credentials.

The grant will also strengthen workforce development by increasing access to healthcare, technical education and skilled trades training aligned with regional labor market needs. By improving the technology available at participating locations, ASUMH and its educational partners can provide more opportunities for individuals to develop the skills needed to enter or advance in the workforce without the added burden of extensive travel.

A key component of the project will support correctional education at the Benny Magness Unit Correctional Facility in Calico Rock, AR. Secure instructional technology and a virtual reality welding simulator will provide additional opportunities for incarcerated learners to develop technical skills and prepare for workforce reentry. The project will also provide professional development and training for faculty, educators, and correctional education staff to support effective use of the new technology.

"Projects like this are never the result of one person," added Dr. Robert Shurley, ASUMH Provost. "They are made possible by a team of dedicated individuals. We're grateful to former employees, Dr. Sandra Massey and John Lemoine for helping launch this effort, as well as Tabatha Simpson-Farrow, Waynna Dockins, Nathan Luek, Dr. Kristina Radivojevich, and Dr. Jessica Camp for their leadership and support throughout the process. I especially want to recognize our Director of IT, Tamya Stallings, whose work was instrumental in securing this grant. This achievement belongs to all of them, and now the real work begins."

The investment reflects ASUMH’s commitment to serving the educational and workforce needs of the region through partnerships with schools, training centers, and other organizations. By expanding access to instruction and support services, the project is designed to improve educational attainment, credential completion, workforce readiness and long-term economic mobility for residents across rural north-central Arkansas.

The USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine program supports projects that use technology to connect rural communities with educational and healthcare resources. Through this grant, ASUMH will build on its role as a regional education and workforce training provider while helping extend opportunities to residents who might otherwise face significant barriers to participation.

Photo: Left to right front row: U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford, ASUMH Provost Dr. Robert Shurley, ASUMH Chief Information Officer and Director of IT Tamya Stallings, USDA State Director David Branscum. Left to right back row: ASUMH Director of Secondary Center Nathan Lueck, ASUMH Academic & Student Operations Manager Tabatha Simpson-Farrow

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