NWACC approves Bentonville campus master plan

NorthWest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees recently approved a campus master plan as a guide for the next five to 20 years of growth and expansion for its Bentonville campus.

“We recently approved measures to help provide a brighter future for the college’s staff and faculty,” said Todd Swartz, chair of the NWACC Board of Trustees. “By approving the campus master plan, we are being good stewards of the properties and facilities the college is blessed to have as a result of the generosity of those who have come before us and those supporting us now and into the future.”

The plan shows growth in academics, integrated learning, athletics, arts, on-campus housing, and facilities and open spaces for public use.

“We are innovating and expanding the college to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of our region and beyond,” said NWACC President Dr. Dennis Rittle. “The campus master plan provides the necessary physical and structural framework to host the programmatic and enrollment growth we are already experiencing. We are thankful for everyone in our community supporting the college as we grow.”

NWACC received a grant from the Walton Family Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program for the design. Plans for the 130-acre campus were designed by San Antonio, Texas-based Lake Flato.

“NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s new campus master plan is a bold vision for how thoughtful design can enhance student success,” said Meredith Bergstrom, senior program officer at the Walton Family Foundation. “By prioritizing innovation and accessibility, this plan will expand NWACC’s impact on the region for years to come.”

“The NWACC campus master plan establishes a cohesive campus identity, balancing academic, residential, and recreational spaces to create a seamless blend of learning, living and social engagement,” said Andrew Herdeg, partner at Lake Flato. “Designed as a walkable and pedestrian-friendly environment, the plan fosters connections between people, programs and nature while leveraging the natural beauty of the Ozark landscape and existing campus setting.”