In early 1979, the Arkansas Legislature approved the establishment of Mid-South Vocational Technical School (MSVT), and the institution selected a 30-acre tract on U.S. Highway 70, just off Airport Road, for construction of the facility. On October 30, 1980, MSVTS broke ground for the new school, and Bill Clinton, then Gov. of Arkansas, attended the ceremony.
The school opened on March 2, 1982, with two buildings housing nine classrooms. The vo-tech offered eleven-month courses in the areas of accounting, secretarial work, clerk/typing, licensed practical nursing, welding, diesel truck mechanics and truck driving.
For an institution that is just more than two decades old, ASU Mid-South has enjoyed phenomenal growth and local support, becoming one of the most evolutionary and innovative community colleges in the state and region.
While the number of students has risen dramatically, the College’s focus remains the same – to provide accessible, affordable, employment-relevant, world-class education. The institution remains aggressive and determined in its efforts to meet the current and future employment needs of the region so that students will be prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
With credit enrollment of nearly 2,000 students, ASU Mid-South continues to blaze a trail in meeting regional higher education needs.
For a more in-depth look at the history of ASU Mid-South, click here.
