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Cossatot Community College |
Nelda Wilkinson Educational Center Opens
27 July 2004
FOREMAN – Learning to use a computer just got easier in Foreman. An Open House and Ribbon-Cutting was held at the new Nelda Wilkinson Educational Center on July 27, sponsored by Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas in partnership with the City of Foreman, and St. Matthew’s Baptist Church. Other contributing partners include the Foreman School District, Cowling Title Co., Horn Insurance, Pump Springs Graphics, First Assembly of God Church, First National Bank of Ashdown and De Queen, Rocky Comfort Masonic Lodge, and C.A.P.P.
The Center, named for the late Nelda Wilkinson, former mayor of Foreman, has eight computers available both for instruction in their use, and for public browsing of the Internet. In addition, donations from State Senator Barbara Horn and State Representative Ken Cowling helped purchase a laser jet printer for the center. The Center was named after the late Mayor of Foreman, Mrs. Nelda Wilkinson, because of her strong belief that everyone should have an equal opportunity for an education. Mrs. Wilkinson will always be remembered and forever missed in the hearts of all who live in and around Foreman and Little River County.
The event was attended by more than 50 people, including CCCUA Chancellor Frank Adams, Foreman Mayor David Wilkinson, Little River County Judge Clyde Wright, State Representative Ken Cowling, and St. Matthew’s Baptist Church Minister Rev. Ronnie “Shoebox” Keener.
St. Matthews Baptist Church and the city of Foreman will coordinate the list of volunteers to keep the Center open. Initially, the Center will be open evenings from about 4:00 PM to around 9:00 PM. Monday through Thursday. Times and days may change as more volunteers are recruited. Computer use at the Center will be monitored to provide a family-friendly environment.
Cossatot Community College offers both technical certification and Associate’s degrees in a wide range of fields on its campus at De Queen, at extension sites at Nashville and Ashdown, and at cccua.edu. It has an enrollment of more than 1,100 students, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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