NWACC Board of Trustees Votes to Approve Campus Master Plan

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NorthWest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve a visionary and comprehensive Campus Master Plan to guide the next five to 20 years of growth and expansion for the Bentonville college 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.”

NWACC’s plan envisions ambitious growth in academics and integrated learning, athletics and the arts, on-campus housing, and enhancement of its community presence by offering facilities and open spaces for public use solidifying its role as a valuable local asset.

“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 C. 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 through the Walton Family Foundation Design Excellence Program for the design services. Plans for the 130 acres of the Bentonville campus were designed by Lake|Flato Architects, a highly regarded Design Excellence selected firm based in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. 

Lake|Flato worked closely with the college and the community to identify NWACC’s current and future infrastructure needs and develop a campus vision. Significant input was obtained from current and future students, faculty and staff, business, industry, philanthropic and educational partners, NWACC Foundation Board members, and the NWACC Board of Trustees. A representative Campus Master Plan Steering Committee provided ongoing support and feedback as the plan was developed.

“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.”

“We are exceedingly grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for their generous investment into the future of NorthWest Arkansas Community College,” said Liz Anderson, Executive Director of Advancement and the NWACC Foundation. “The final campus master plan created by Lake|Flato is an amazing representation of our vision for the campus.”

The campus, as a flexible and innovative asset for the region, will support NWACC’s aspirational growth while strengthening partnerships with local industries, responding to workforce needs, and driving economic development. By aligning with the region’s evolving economy, the plan ensures NWACC remains a leader in education and workforce training, and equips students with the skills needed to thrive in Northwest Arkansas.

“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.”

About NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC):
NWACC is an accredited, public two-year institution that serves and strengthens its surrounding communities by helping students maximize their potential and exceed expectations. With state-of-the-art facilities, NWACC provides excellent academic instruction, workforce training and personalized attention from highly respected faculty, staff and administrators. For more information about NWACC, visit www.nwacc.edu.

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