August 26, 1974

The first classes for East Arkansas Community College (EACC) opened in a temporary facility at the corner of Izard and Court streets near the courthouse in Forrest City (St. Francis County). In 2017, EACC merged with the nearby Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute (CRTI), and EACC assumed the property, personnel, and funding of CRTI. In 2024, EACC began exploring a partnership with the University of Arkansas System; that same year, the Higher Learning Commission gave its approval, making it the University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College (UAEACC). UAEACC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in Arkansas, and the majority of its students are non-traditional. In addition to the regular students, hundreds of area residents of all ages participate in non-credit community education courses each year.