The View from Economic Development

Last week nearly 4,400 students participated in the spring commencement ceremonies at the University of Arkansas. Combined with December graduates, the University of Arkansas class of 2023 includes about 6,000 students.

Graduation is a time for students and their families to celebrate. It’s a major life accomplishment and the culmination of years of hard work and commitment. It is a time of celebration and pride for the faculty and staff that had the opportunity to work with these students during their time at the University of Arkansas.

Graduation is also a time of excitement because of the large impact these 6,000 graduates will have in the future. 

We certainly hear this expressed during our visits with industry and community leaders when they tell us one of the most important ways the University of Arkansas impacts the state and beyond is the preparation of a talented workforce. Employers know that the skills and knowledge gained in and out of the classroom and the career-related services provided across campus prepare our students well for the jobs of today and well into the future.

Each year, graduates are asked to fill out a survey indicating their post-graduation plans. While we won’t have the results from this year’s class for a few months, we know from prior years that nearly two-thirds of our graduates enter the workforce soon after graduating and another 20% continue to graduate school.

Whether it is through our talented graduates moving into the workforce or continuing their education through the pursuit of advanced degrees, their impact will be immediate, significant, long-lasting, and of great benefit to the State of Arkansas and beyond.