NorthWest Arkansas Community College

NWACC's Paramedic Pinning Ceremony was held Friday, June 12, in the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies. Congratulations, graduates!

To see more images from the event, go to: 203394132@N05/albums/72177720334215530" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/203394132@N05/albums/72177720334215530

This month, NWACC successfully hosted its 2026 LIFE Summer Program, welcoming more than 80 high school students from across Northwest Arkansas for three days of learning, connection and personal growth centered around the theme “Finding Community.”

LIFE (Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment) is designed to support area high school students as they explore their future goals, whether or not they are currently considering college after graduation. Through mentorship, encouragement and educational opportunities, LIFE helps students build confidence in their ability to achieve their dreams.

During the 2026 LIFE Summer Program held June 2-4, students learned about the resources and opportunities available at NWACC, heard inspiring stories from current and former LIFE mentors and engaged with community leaders and guest speakers. Participants gained valuable life lessons, practical information and meaningful connections designed to help them succeed in college and beyond.

OZ Trails Bike Park officially opened today! The state's first chairlift-served mountain bike park represents the next chapter in Northwest Arkansas's transformation into a globally recognized cycling destination.

On hand from NWACC were, from left: Alex Vasquez, chief of staff and executive director of government and public relations; Lori Greminger, Trails Technician Program director; and Dr. Anthony Kinkel, senior VP of enterprise relations.

As part of the NWACC Library's Summer Reading Club, a Gab 'n' Go was held Wednesday. Employees joined Library and Human Resources staff to get outside and get steps in while enjoying some book talk with their campus colleagues. 🙂 📖 👟

Going to Bentonville Bike Fest this week? Look for our Bicycle Technician Program tent and come say hi! 👋 (Make sure to ask about our new NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician microcredential!)

Learn more: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/microcredentials/bicycle-service-technician

If you’re going to Bentonville Bike Fest this week, look for the NWACC tent and come say hi! 👋 We’ll tell you all about our Bicyle Technician and Trail Technician programs, including our new NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician microcredential designed for bike techs looking to level up their skills.

We’ll be at Bike Fest Friday-Sunday, and we’ll also be on the A Street Promenade in Downtown Bentonville on Thursday for E-Mobility Day.

Learn more about the new microcredential: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/microcredentials/bicycle-service-technician

Three NWACC employees were honored as Excellence Award winners during NISOD's 48th Annual Spring Conference in Austin, Texas:

1. Tessa Hale, part time coordinator, Mental Health, Counseling & Wellness
2. Shankar Ravi, associate professor, Business and Computing Information
3. Kate Sosna, advisor/student services specialist

Also, NWACC was recognized as one of the winners of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges. On hand to accept the awards on behalf of the college was Alex Vasquez, chief of staff and executive director of government and public relations (pictured, holding the award).

The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development's Excellence Awards are highly regarded program that honors the extraordinary contributions of faculty, staff and administrators who shape the futures of community and technical college students.

Congratulations to all three award winners, and to all NWACC faculty and staff who work so hard to positively change the lives of those we serve.

This week, our Bicycle Technician Program director will be discussing our newest microcredential at the National Bicycle Dealers Association Summit. It's designed for bike techs looking to level up their skills.

Learn more: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/microcredentials/bicycle-service-technician

Brandon Andrews, our Bicycle Technician Program Director, will be at the NBDA Retailers Summit this week. Along with the program, he’ll be discussing our newest microcredential designed for bike techs looking to level up their skills.

If you’re a bicycle technician or shop owner looking to elevate efficiency, quality, and profitability for your service departments, click the link below to learn more. Enrollment is now open for the NBDA Certified Bicycle Service Technician microcredential!

https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/microcredentials/bicycle-service-technician

Because the self-paced coursework is held online and the in-person assessments can be completed in a two-day period, bicycle technicians from anywhere can enroll in and quickly complete the program.

Registration is open! Summer and fall classes are filling quickly, so now is the time to lock in your schedule and stay on track toward your goals.

Apply and Register at the Link in Bio.

The ninth annual Power of Play Conference will be held Saturday, July 18, at NWACC. The conference is a one-day professional development event designed for early childhood educators across Northwest Arkansas, who are committed to developmentally appropriate, play-based learning practices.

Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/4ojjCPp

The keynote speaker for the event is Mindy McLeroy, director of education for the Scott Family Amazeum. The theme of this year’s conference is "Building Hearts, Brains and Futures.”

Congratulations to Brooke Brewer, our Executive Director of Athletics and Institutional Branding, for being named to the Arkansas Business 40 Under 40!