Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled Arkansas ACCESS, a higher education reform bill aimed at modernizing the state’s college system, increasing affordability, and creating stronger career pathways for students. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18) and Representative Matthew Shepherd (District 97), seeks to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and standardize the system to improve student success.
Sanders emphasized that Arkansas ACCESS is designed to equip students with the skills and training necessary for real-world success. “After months of work with stakeholders around the state, I’m proud to announce Arkansas ACCESS, a targeted overhaul of our higher education system that will help every Arkansan get the education they need and prepare them for the in-demand careers of the future,” Sanders said.
Representative Shepherd highlighted the initiative’s focus on workforce readiness. “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. ACCESS will help create stronger career pathways, grow our economy, and ensure a brighter future for the next generation,” Shepherd stated.
Senator Dismang noted that the bill prioritizes students by cutting bureaucratic red tape that has long hindered educational achievement. “Much like the LEARNS Act, ACCESS is squarely focused on the student and prioritizes their individual success,” he said.
Following the passage of Arkansas LEARNS, which reformed K-12 education by increasing teacher pay, deploying literacy coaches, and expanding education freedom, Sanders is now turning her attention to higher education. Arkansas ACCESS focuses on six key areas: acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships, and standardization.
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva emphasized the need for systemic change. “Now that the early childhood and K-12 education systems have been aligned, I am excited to focus our attention toward higher education reform,” Oliva said. “For far too long, Arkansas’ higher education system has not been standardized. Through ACCESS, the system will be held accountable and streamlined to prioritize enrollment, enlistment, and employment, ensuring students have high-quality, affordable options to further their education and training.”
Dr. Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, welcomed the initiative as a necessary step forward. “Governor Sanders’ overhaul of the higher education system is a welcomed igniter of change. From streamlining the application process and making college credits more accessible for high school students to expanding scholarship opportunities and standardizing the course code numbering system, this legislation makes our system more user-friendly and places students at the center,” Warden said.
If passed, Arkansas ACCESS will introduce reforms aimed at improving affordability, simplifying credit transfers, and making higher education more responsive to workforce demands. The proposal is expected to be a major focus of the upcoming legislative session.