ASU-Mountain Home (ASUMH) will significantly enhance its distance learning capabilities thanks to a $720,298 USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant. The grant was formally announced with a presentation attended by USDA Rural Development Arkansas State Director David Branscum, Congressman Rick Crawford, and ASUMH Provost Dr. Robert Shurley, along with other university staff.
The USDA Rural Development initiative aims to improve access to educational opportunities for rural Arkansas residents. Congressman Crawford emphasized the grant’s potential to bridge gaps in education and telehealth access across the region. "This investment will directly benefit the rural areas around the Twin Lakes, helping communities overcome challenges related to geographic isolation," Crawford noted.
The funding will support distance learning advancements at multiple sites, including ASUMH, Marshall High School, North Central Career Center, and the Benny Magness Unit Correctional Facility. These improvements are expected to strengthen workforce development by broadening access to technical education, skilled trades training, and healthcare programs tailored to regional job market demands.
Dr. Robert Shurley, ASUMH Provost, expressed gratitude for the collaboration that led to the grant's approval. "This project represents a shared commitment to improving educational access for the communities we serve," Shurley stated. He also highlighted how the initiative aligns with ASUMH's mission to promote lifelong learning and economic growth.
The grant underscores the role of partnerships in addressing rural challenges. Through the expanded distance learning network, rural students and workers will have greater access to resources essential for personal and professional development, ensuring that underserved regions of Arkansas remain competitive in an evolving economy.