The University of Arkansas Cossatot signed a memorandum of agreement with the Arkansas National Guard to establish a collaborative framework to increase student awareness of National Guard service and benefits at the De Queen campus, August 13, 2026.

“I just think that this is a wonderful, wonderful thing, and kind of historic,” said Dr. Steve Cole, chancellor of the University of Arkansas Cossatot. “We’ve been trying for this for, for many years. We just think that's good for the college. And, we think that it's good for our students to be able to see that there are some extremely wonderful benefits of [serving in the National Guard].”

The new partnership will build on the ties the community has with the National Guard armory in De Queen, Arkansas by providing a career resource office on the UA Cossatot campus for leadership and mentorship programs, as well as supporting students with resources such as tuition assistance, scholarship guidance and academic credit opportunities for military training.

“I feel like this is a testament to the commitment that you make to all of your students,” said Brig. Gen Michael Henderson, director of joint staff, Arkansas National Guard to a gathering of students, faculty, and state representatives at the UA Cossatot amphitheater. “We share your passion for the development of young people. We are strong believers that the engine for the state of Arkansas in terms of supporting Governor Sanders initiatives to prepare our young people through education, enlistment and employment for the future can be the Arkansas National Guard."

“It’s an investment in the future of the young people and the prosperity of Arkansans, and we're just so excited to have the opportunity to be here on your campus and partner with you to make lives better for the young people of Arkansas."

“And we want to keep them here in Arkansas, so that Arkansas continues to thrive and grow and develop. And the best way to do that, in our opinion, is through the Arkansas National Guard.”