Arkansas State University-Newport announced Wednesday that the school has been ranked as the top two-year college in Arkansas by BestColleges.com.

BestColleges.com helps prospective students find the school that best meets their needs through proprietary research, user-friendly guides, and hundreds of unique college rankings.

Since its establishment as a stand-alone campus in 2001, ASU-Newport has shown significant growth and expansion, adding its Marked Tree and Jonesboro campus locations in 2008.  In 2009, the college topped 2,000 in enrollment, and in 2015 celebrated “2,500 Strong” and continued to set enrollment records. 

With over 20 technical programs, the college has earned the reputation of being innovative and flexible, working with industry leaders to ensure that its curriculum aligns with the evolving needs of the modern workforce. This collaboration has led to the development of niche programs in response to industry demand, and prepares graduates to obtain high-wages in high-demand careers.   ASU-Newport also offers numerous general education college-level courses.

“ASU-Newport’s success would not be possible without dedicated faculty and staff who have placed students first, and remained connected to, and involved in communities that have consistently supported our institution,” said ASUN Chancellor Dr. Sandra Massey.  “It is a great honor to be recognized in such a significant manner, but the greatest honor of all is to be a catalyst in the life of a student and to see the positive changes an education can provide.  Our students have been, and will continue to be, our primary focus and daily it is our privilege to serve them.” 

In the Fall 2016 semester, ASU-Newport launched its new IGNITE (Investing in Gen Next Industrial & Technical Training) Academy, partnering with four area high schools to offer credentials in Computer Network Technology, Welding, Diesel Technology or Phlebotomy/Certified Nursing Assistant.  The IGNITE Academy pilot program provides an opportunity for high school students from Newport, Jackson County, Bradford and Cedar Ridge school districts to earn workforce-ready credentials upon graduation.

ASU-Newport also recently announced that the college would launch a modern education program entitled Northeast Arkansas Educating Agriculture Technology, or Northeast Arkansas EAT, with the goal of developing a program of study that would coordinate secondary and postsecondary education to mitigate the growing skills gap in the agriculture industry.

BestColleges.com partners with HigherEducation.com to provide interested students with direct connections to schools and programs suiting their educational goals.