Op-Ed: The Critical Link Between Road Infrastructure and Access to Education
On September 12th, Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) had the honor of hosting a joint meeting and policy summit with the Arkansas Highway Commission, leadership from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, and local elected officials. It was a highly collaborative and positive event, bringing together experts from various sectors to discuss the importance of infrastructure in our state’s future. What became clear in our discussions was the deep connection between good roads and economic opportunity—especially when it comes to education.
Before transitioning to higher education in 2006, I spent many years working in the transportation sector. I managed warehousing and third-party logistics operations, as well as large fleets in both solid waste hauling and over-the-road trucking. During that time, I saw firsthand how essential infrastructure was to Arkansas’ economic growth, but I also witnessed the significant costs of maintaining our roads. When I began working in higher education, it was to train thousands of new CDL holders for companies desperate for safe, qualified workers. That combined experience in both fleet management and workforce development gives me a unique perspective on how our built infrastructure and human capital development must work hand-in-hand to support Arkansas’ growth.
ASUMH is a comprehensive community college focused on providing career opportunities through a wide variety of certificate and degree programs. Through general education associate degrees and short-term, direct-to-work certificate options, local people are being prepared for local jobs. While college enrollment numbers for the fall semester are promising across the state, we are facing an ongoing challenge known as the “enrollment cliff.” After 9/11 and the Great Recession, birth rates declined, which means fewer high school graduates today. In response, if we are going to create a talent pipeline to support the high-wage, high-demand jobs in our region, we must reach out to a different demographic—25- to 45-year-olds who are underemployed and need upskilling. Many of these individuals live in rural areas, requiring them to commute longer distances to access education.
This is where infrastructure plays a crucial role. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that driving on roads in need of repair costs Arkansas drivers an average of $700 annually in vehicle maintenance. While many of us in well-maintained vehicles may not feel that cost as deeply, it’s a significant burden for underemployed individuals or young students. At ASUMH, with students from 136 different zip codes this fall, many struggle to balance family, work, school, and the cost of transportation. This financial barrier can prevent students from obtaining the education they need for those high-wage, high-demand jobs.
There are 22 community colleges across Arkansas (with instructional sites in 65 of 75 counties) working tirelessly to remove barriers to education. Our colleges are essential to educating Arkansans in rural areas, preparing them for excellent careers as nurses, welders, teachers, truck drivers, technicians, and many other lucrative opportunities. By bundling the economic levers of infrastructure and education, we create a powerful ripple effect that boosts the entire state. But, without good infrastructure, those efforts are hindered. Education is a key driver of economic growth, and there is a direct link between road infrastructure and access to that education.
By investing in our roads and highways, we’re not just supporting local economies; we’re also ensuring that more students can access education and enter the workforce development pipeline. Strong infrastructure leads to more graduates, more people in high-demand jobs, and ultimately, stronger communities.
ASUMH is committed to working with ARDOT, the Arkansas Highway Commission, and other partners to ensure that our infrastructure supports educational access and economic growth. The recent summit was a great step forward in fostering collaboration between all of us who are dedicated to improving the future of our region. With sustained investment in both education and infrastructure, we can make a lasting difference for everyone in north central Arkansas.