ASU-Mountain Home Partners With Henderson for Teacher Education, Aviation Degrees

Arkansas State University–Mountain Home and Henderson State University announced a new transfer pathway agreement for teacher education degrees and have initiated discussions to also develop an aviation degree pathway to expand collaborative program opportunities for students.

Representatives of both institutions recently participated in the signing of a partnership agreement in teacher education. “Today is a strong first step in what we see as a long-term partnership with a great ASU System partner in Henderson State,” said Dr. Robert Shurley, provost at ASUMH. “We’re excited about the teacher education pathway we’ve launched together and the early conversations around aviation, and we appreciate Henderson Provost Dr. Celya Taylor and her team for hosting a productive visit. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in ways that create more opportunities for students and strengthen the communities we serve.”

At the signing event, ASUMH and Henderson established a “2+2” transfer agreement in teacher education that will provide a seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in teaching. Through this partnership, students will complete their first two years at ASUMH, earning an Associate of Science in Education, before transferring to Henderson to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Special Education, Integrated Birth–Kindergarten.

Additionally, ASUMH is identifying a program and career pathway that will align the aviation-related curriculum at Mountain Home High School with a degree at ASUMH and then on to Henderson as part of its existing bachelor’s degree in aviation – the only one in Arkansas. More details about the partnership and program launch will be developed.

The Henderson portion of the teacher education program will be offered fully online, allowing students to remain in the Mountain Home area while completing their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to fulfill residency requirements locally through partnerships with area school districts.

This degree program is designed to prepare future educators for licensure in both early childhood and special education, covering birth through kindergarten. Students may also have opportunities to pursue dual licensure or specialize in early childhood special education, further enhancing their qualifications.

“With the growing demand for teachers — particularly in special education — this partnership represents an important step in addressing workforce needs across our region and state,” said Dr. Bentley Wallace, chancellor of ASUMH. “Graduates of this program will be highly sought after and well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in classrooms and early childhood settings.”

The program will also support the needs of local early childhood centers, pediatric therapy providers, and pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, strengthening the educational foundation of communities across North Central Arkansas.

Attending the signing ceremony for the education program agreement were Dr. Trey Berry, chancellor of Henderson; Dr. Bentley Wallace, chancellor of ASUMH; Dr. Celya Taylor, provost at Henderson; Dr. Robert Shurley, provost at ASUMH; Dr. Charlotte White-Wright, dean of Teachers College at Henderson; Ms. Kristina Radivojevich, interim dean of business, arts and sciences at ASUMH; Mrs. Laura Knox, director of education at ASUMH; Dr. Glenda Hyer, assistant professor of special education at Henderson; and Dr. Kenneth Taylor, director of teacher education admissions/clinical experience at Henderson.

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Pictured: 

(Back row) Dr. Trey Berry, Chancellor (HSU); Dr. Glenda Hyer, Associate Professor of Special Education (HSU); Dr. Charlotte White-Wright, Dean of Teachers College (HSU); Kristina Radivojevich, Interim Dean of Business, Arts, and Sciences (ASUMH); Laura Knox, Director of Education (ASUMH); Dr. Bentley Wallace, Chancellor (ASUMH)

(Front row) Dr. Celya Taylor, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (HSU); Dr. Robert Shurley, Provost (ASUMH)