PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This 2000 Self-Study report is the product of a one-year self-evaluation by College personnel and constituents in an effort to significantly improve the institution. This report provides the information necessary to affirm that Southeast Arkansas College meets the requirements and criteria of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for reaffirmation of accreditation. Dr. Terry J. Puckett, our former President, was instrumental in spearheading the Self-Study during its initial phase. Having had the good fortune of being on campus since 1997 as Vice President and Dean of Instruction and having served as Chair of Criterion III prior to being named President, I am familiar with all stages of the development of this document and the team effort it reflects.

The result of this comprehensive effort has been the identification of a number of strengths and challenges, or opportunities for improvement, throughout the College. Plans have already begun to capitalize on the strengths and to address the challenges and opportunities for improvement. The College views assessment and continuous quality improvement as an on-going process. As a follow-up to the College's 1995 Self-Study, we believe the 2000 Self-Study process, and the resulting document contained herein, to have been comprehensive, factual, and extremely helpful to the College.

Observers and readers will find that this 2000 Self-Study has combined a more comprehensive traditional self-study approach with a more focused, special issue approach. The latter issue-oriented approach was integrated into our traditional self-study mid-way through the process following a visit by the College's NCA Staff Liaison and stimulated our own interest in the NCA Academic Quality Improvement Project. The dual self-study approach has allowed us to look at the college in a comprehensive manner, while providing an in-depth focused look at a few special, but very important, issues. We believe this course of action has served the College well.

Over the past nine (9) years, since receiving its state charter in 1991, the College has made great strides in realizing its goal of becoming a sound and serviceable institution of higher education for the citizens of southeast Arkansas. The process has been a challenge, but the concurrent growth and development of both the College's programs and people have been extraordinary. Today, the College is recognized as an invaluable resource for our community and a state leader in many areas of educational endeavor.

Finally, Southeast Arkansas College welcomes the NCA Evaluation Team to the campus. In addition to assessing the College in relation to the NCA Requirements and Criteria, we know that the advice and suggestions for institutional improvement offered by the team members will prove invaluable.

Philip E. Shirley, Ph.D.
President
August 2000

August, 2000

The Southeast Arkansas College NCA Self-Study Steering Committee acknowledges the untiring effort of all contributors to the creation of this document. All faculty and staff, working diligently as colleagues and teammates, researched, composed, and edited this Self-Study. The team approach with single-minded purpose resulted in a comprehensive and sincere evaluation of the institution we manage. The future of SEARK COLLEGE will be well-guided as the same authors of this report translate their findings into actions.

We hold in highest regard our primary customers, the students that we serve, as the beneficiaries of the institutional progress ensuing from our effort.

The 1999-2000 NCA Self-Study Steering Committee