The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) and Southern Arkansas University (SAU) have officially signed three new 2+2 articulation agreements creating seamless transfer pathways in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Through these agreements, students who complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Advanced Manufacturing at UA Rich Mountain can transfer directly into one of three bachelor’s degree programs at SAU:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science – Industrial Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science – Engineering Technology
Under the 2+2 structure, students complete their first two years at UA Rich Mountain before transferring to SAU to finish their bachelor’s degree. The pathway allows students to transfer up to 60 credit hours and complete their remaining coursework at SAU, depending on their chosen program.
The collaboration addresses growing workforce demand in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automation, and industrial operations. Graduates will be prepared for careers involving mechanical systems, industrial automation, manufacturing processes, engineering design, and operations leadership. By intentionally aligning coursework between the two institutions, this partnership removes common transfer obstacles and gives students a clear, efficient path toward high-skill careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
UA Rich Mountain Machine Tool Instructor Jonathan Lunsford, who has long advocated for expanded transfer opportunities in advanced manufacturing, emphasized the significance of the milestone.
“This has been a dream of mine for many years,” Lunsford said. “This partnership creates a tremendous opportunity for UA Rich Mountain students pursuing advanced manufacturing and engineering. It is also a milestone for the state of Arkansas, representing the first seamless transfer of Machine Tool credit hours from a two-year Advanced Manufacturing degree into a Bachelor of Engineering program.”
Leaders from both institutions met at SAU to formalize the agreements and mark an important step forward for students in our region. The collaboration underscores a shared focus on student opportunity and workforce growth, with built-in review processes to keep the programs current and responsive to industry demands.
For more information about UA Rich Mountain’s Advanced Manufacturing program and the new 2+2 transfer pathways, contact the Office of Admissions or visit www.uarichmountain.edu/transfer-success-center.html.
UA Rich Mountain provides transformative education to all learners.