Two University of Arkansas System colleges have been named as a pair of 200 institutions nationally that are eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, in Mena, and University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) are among the top 20 percent of colleges nationwide named to the roster of colleges eligible to move forward in the distinguished process. The 200 colleges, announced Oct. 28, were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be included amongst the top community colleges nationwide competing for the Aspen Institute prize, and I congratulate both (UA Rich Mountain) Chancellor (Phillip) Wilson and (UACCB) Chancellor (Brian) Shonk and their teams for their hard work to be economic and educational forces within their communities and regions,” said Jay B. Silveria, president of the University of Arkansas System. “While this honor is admirable for UA Rich Mountain and UACCB, it’s a testament to the UA System’s entire slate of colleges that strive to embolden students within their communities by providing opportunities that lead to successful outcomes.”

As a whole, the 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Phillip Wilson, Ed.D., UA Rich Mountain’s chancellor, said it’s the second consecutive time his institution has been named, and consistency is what stands out to him.

“It’s such an honor to be nominated in back-to-back cycles for this preeminent award,” Wilson said. “This recognition shows that we are consistently doing amazing work—both inside and outside the classroom. It belongs to every faculty member, staff member, and student who contributes to our mission each day. It truly takes all of us—working together—to create the transformative learning environment our institution is known for. It reflects the outstanding efforts of our entire UA Rich Mountain community and reinforces that what we are doing truly makes a difference.”

Community colleges educate nearly six million students nationwide. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges, including UA Rich Mountain and UACCB, are now qualified to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. During the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation, and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

Brian Shonk, Ed.D., chancellor at UACCB, said this cycle’s honor also is not the first time his institution has been included.

“It is an honor to be recognized once again by the Aspen Institute for the dedication and achievements of our students, faculty, and staff,” Shonk said. “The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is the highest recognition for community colleges nationwide and earning a spot among the top 200 institutions serves as powerful affirmation of the outstanding impact we continue to make in our community and in the lives of our students.”

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges become eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, more than 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

More Info on the Aspen Prize:

• The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage.
• To read more about the selection process, visit pn/prize.