Rogers-Lowell Area News

Gift from Entegrity Partners Supports NWACC Construction Technology Program

A gift from Entegrity Energy Partners has enabled NorthWest Arkansas Community College to purchase an important piece of equipment for its construction technology program.

Entegrity, a sustainability and energy services company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects, is the first organization to donate cash to be used for purchasing specific equipment for construction technology education.

Entegrity’s gift of $1,000 enabled NWACC to buy a sieve shaker, an instrument that is part of the analytical testing students will learn related to particle sizing.

Bob Beeler, construction technology program coordinator, thanked Entegrity Energy Partners and John Coleman, Entegrity’s regional director in Fayetteville, for support of his students.

“This represents a valuable part of training in the construction industry,” Beeler said of the gift. “It’s critical in this field for students to be able to implement and practice the techniques and processes we cover in the classroom setting. It provides them with invaluable experience.”

Coleman said he and his organization have worked with Beeler for almost a decade in the construction industry. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for his vision and leadership in the industry,” he said. “With the booming economy in NWA, it's important to have educated professionals in the construction workforce and this program is critical to making that happen.”

Coleman pointed out that northwest Arkansas continues to be ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. “With that reputation comes investment in the built environment, which should reflect the quality that we expect in the construction industry,” he said. “Contractors in both the residential and commercial market are clamoring for high quality professionals and NWACC’s program is at the leading edge.”

NWACC began its construction technology program in fall 2016 with 31 majors. That number increased in January at the start of a new semester, and Beeler expects another 20 or so students to enroll in the introductory course for the fall 2017 semester.

Keith Peterson, dean of workforce development at NWACC, said, “The growth curve for our construction degree program has exceeded our expectations. Investment from partners like Entegrity is a testament to industry’s commitment to our students and vital to our program’s success.”

As those students who enrolled last fall progress toward completing an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology, the college will add more equipment and technology so that advanced level classes reflect the environment graduates will be working in.

Beeler said area construction organizations and businesses have been generous partners for the program and he believes that support will continue as the program moves forward. Purchases on the horizon include a concrete composition testing machine, air entrainment test equipment and precision scales.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a smart choice for students wanting to pursue quality higher education. As an accredited institution through The Higher Learning Commission, NWACC is a public two-year institution that seeks to empower lives, inspire learning and strengthen community through accessible, affordable quality education. For more information, visit www.nwacc.edu.