By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The base and community celebrated the latest of its 50 year-plus partnership at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Jacksonville - Little Rock Air Force Base University Center Feb.1.
The $15 million education center will allow both communities to seek educational goals from the most basic skill levels to higher education needs.
“We celebrate today the cooperation between the City of Jacksonville and Little Rock Air Force Base,” said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe. “This is one more manifestation of the long history of the love, support and interaction that exists [between the base and community].”
Combining $5 million from Jacksonville taxpayers with nearly $10 million from the Air Force has resulted in what’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind facility anywhere in the Air Force and demonstrates the support the people of Jacksonville have for the men and women of Little Rock Air Force Base.
“There is a long track record of this community and this base being the first-of-its-kind in virtually every positive thing that integrates the town and the uniform,” said Governor Beebe. “It’s appropriate and fitting that all of Arkansas salute and say thank you to the leadership of Jacksonville, both present and past, and to the leadership of Little Rock Air Force Base, both present and past.”
Located at the corner or Vandenberg Drive and First Street where Jacksonville and the base meet, the University Center is a visual reminder of the storied Jacksonville - Little Rock Air Force Base partnership.
“It’s fitting that this location happens to sit on top of a hill, making it a reminder to all the people who drive along the interstate that education is a top priority for our city, so important that we were willing to tax ourselves $5 million to push a dream into reality,” said Jacksonville Mayor Gary Fletcher.
The facility offers more than 46,000 square feet of educational space including six 32-student classrooms; two 40-student classrooms; 18 24-student classrooms; one 22-student classroom; one 20-student classroom; two 16-student classrooms; two state-of-the-art laboratories and common areas.
“To know the positive impact that this institution will have on students who desire to deepen their knowledge and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families is very exciting,” said Mayor Fletcher.
The University Center is a tremendous educational opportunity to Little Rock Air Force Base and the community of Jacksonville. The new facility will not just offer degrees for military, but also the civilian community.
The University Center idea was hatched by area attorney Mike Wilson, former Jacksonville mayor Tommy Swaim and now-retired Maj. Gen. Paul Fletcher, who was the base’s commander more than 10 years ago. City residents voted to tax themselves $5 million to fund their part.
Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, thanked Arkansas’ Congressional delegation for its support, including Sen. Mark Pryor, former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Rep. Mike Ross, former Rep. and current Sen. John Boozman and former Reps. Vic Snyder and Marion Berry.
“As great as this building is and as enormous as the sacrifice that the citizens of this community made, it is one chapter in an over 50 year legacy served that has been the benchmark for support for an Air Force base, and we could not be more appreciative,” said Colonel Minihan.
The resident universities include Arkansas State University-Beebe; Park University; University of Arkansas - Fayetteville; Southern Illinois University; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Webster University.
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