“Higher education is the tip of the spear with regard to education and economic development.” -Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, Oct. 6, 2008, AAPU Higher Education Conference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the Arkansas Association of Public Universities. The AAPU was created by a group of visionary leaders who realized that the future of our state depends on a knowledge based economy and that elevating higher education in the minds of Arkansans is critical to the future economic success of our state. 

Presidents and Chancellors of member institutions understand cooperation and collaboration are imperative in delivering the quality of academics, research, community service, and economic development our students deserve.

As Executive Director of the AAPU, my task is to ensure that state leaders and those in public policy positions are acutely aware of the integral role public universities play in higher learning and in the overall betterment of the state.

We must all come together and take whatever action is necessary so that Arkansas no longer educates and trains its young people only to have them relocate to other states to gain the experience they need to be successful. It is vital to the future of Arkansas that those opportunities are available to them here in Arkansas.

On behalf of all of our member institutions, I thank you for seeking out the AAPU. We want to be your first step through the door of higher education and to a prosperous future in Arkansas.

Sincerely,

Tim Wooldridge
Executive Director
Arkansas Association of Public Universities

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