Governor Sanders Announces Arkansas ACCESS Higher Education Reform Bill

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, late last week, unveiled the Arkansas ACCESS bill, a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s higher education system. Spearheaded by former Speaker and Representative Matthew Shepherd and Senator Jonathan Dismang, the bill aims to streamline the education process, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and create stronger career pathways for Arkansas students.

“Arkansas students should graduate with more than just a degree—they should have the education, skills, and training necessary to thrive in the real world,” said Rep. Shepherd, a key proponent of the bill. “ACCESS will help grow our economy and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.”

ACCESS, which stands for Acceleration, Common Sense, Cost, Eligibility, Scholarships, and Standardization, focuses on making higher education more efficient, accessible, and aligned with the needs of Arkansas students. Among its provisions, the bill will expand high school coursework options, create a unified college application system, and eliminate barriers to scholarships. It also aims to streamline the admissions process, improve funding for non-degree credentials, and standardize course numbering across all state-supported institutions.

Governor Sanders, who previously revamped the state’s K-12 education system through the Arkansas LEARNS initiative, expressed her excitement for the future of higher education reform. “With ACCESS, we are focusing on ensuring students have affordable, high-quality options for advancing their education and careers,” she said.

The bill’s sponsors and Arkansas education leaders, including Dr. Ken Warden, Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, emphasized the importance of making higher education more accessible, efficient, and responsive to student needs.

The Arkansas ACCESS bill will now move through the legislative process, with leaders across the state committed to advancing the reforms and ensuring a stronger educational foundation for the future.