Pulaski Technical College: two year community college in central Arkansas

Message from Harry Hamlin
 
When I joined the Pulaski Technical College Foundation Board in 2010, I already knew that the two-year college was a well-respected member of Arkansas’ academic family.  I also appreciated the fact that the school provided an affordable, quality education.  What I didn’t fully realize was the life-changing difference that the college makes for so many students – students who might otherwise find it impossible to reach their full potential.  This alone motivates my continued commitment and support of the school and its students.

Many people are not aware that Pulaski Tech receives the lowest Arkansas government funding per student of any other state college.  This is why Pulaski Tech relies on support from outside donors in order to fully fund its needs.  Our Foundation Board devotes itself to funding and developing programs, furnishing and equipping buildings, and securing financial aid for students.

I am pleased to say that Mitchell-Williams underwrites an annual student scholarship and that we hire Pulaski Tech graduates at our law firm.  The education provided in the college’s Department of Paralegal Technology is on par with that offered at any other educational institution in the state.  Professionalism is an integral part of the curriculum at Pulaski Tech, and perhaps the average student age of 30 leads to a maturity that is often missing in younger college students or graduates.
 
The Pulaski Technical College Foundation is devoted to helping students change their lives through education and I am proud to serve as its chair.  Great things are happening on each of our seven campuses – I invite you to learn more about this magnificent Arkansas resource!

Harry Hamlin
Chair
Pulaski Technical College Foundation Board

Message from Joyce Taylor

The PTC Foundation faced tremendous opportunities and challenges when it was formed in 1991.  The college was literally bursting at its seams and was in dire need of more space, better facilities, additional faculty members, and of course, funding.  The Foundation and its board went to work and have not stopped raising awareness, friends and money.  Today Pulaski Technical College is the largest two-year college in Arkansas and the state’s fourth largest college or university.

Under the leadership of PTC President Dr. Margaret Ellibee, the college is placing even greater emphasis on student retention and course completion.  We are pleased with enrollment growth, but we are even more excited each time a student completes requirements for graduation.  Our goal is to prepare students to become responsible and productive citizens.  We strive to offer students the help they need to excel in today’s economic environment.

Our successful grants program has allowed us to enhance and expand our educational opportunities and academic programs.  The PTC Foundation has proven itself a good steward of monies from private, corporate and governmental sources and raised more than $15 million in grant funding in the past five years.  We continue to apply for and receive grant funding from a variety of sources each year.
 
The PTC Foundation currently awards a large number of scholarships, yet from still meager funds, to students in need of financial assistance for tuition or textbooks each year.  A discretionary fund is also maintained by the Foundation to provide monies for students with immediate needs such as transportation. 

None of these activities or accomplishments would have been possible without generous community support generated by special events, in-kind or outright gifts and through planned giving.  The philanthropy of donors who continue to see potential in our two-year college has helped PTC to advance on every level.  We are forever grateful.

Joyce Taylor
Executive Director
Pulaski Technical College Foundation