An inflatable logo featuring UAHT's mascot, the Iron Horse (a nickname for the steam locomotive), stands prominently at the groundbreaking ceremony for UAHT's new facility in Texarkana.

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana broke ground on a new facility on Thursday afternoon in Texarkana. The facility will house a welding program, the Secondary Career and Technical Education Center, the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy, and more.

A crowd gathered at the location for the new building near the fairgrounds at Texarkana to hear Chancellor Christine Holt's inspiring words about how the new facility will serve students, allowing them to complete their collegiate aspirations closer to home at an affordable rate. She praised UAHT's commitment to setting their students of all ages on a path for success, paving the way for great things to come.

After remarks from Donald Bobbit, president of the University of Arkansas System, as well as Carol Dalby from the Arkansas House of Representatives, who both were exceptionally proud of the work that UAHT is doing, the crowd heard from Texarkana, Arkansas, Mayor Allen Brown. Brown spoke about the bond that Hope and Texarkana share with the university, and the many years of partnership to come.

Ethan Miller, a senior-year student at UAHT, gave his thoughts on the collegiate program that has allowed him to attain great academic success at the university, and shared his hope that many more students will have a similar opportunity. Dr. Holt closed the program, offering her thanks to all the sponsors and partners who made the new facility possible.

• UAHT's Chancellor Christine Holt makes opening remarks at the groundbreaking.

• A line of ceremonial golden shovels stand ready to break ground at Texarkana.

• Dr. Donald Bobbit speaks to the crowd at the groundbreaking.

• Allen Brown, mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas, addresses the crowd.

• Student Ethan Miller gives his thoughts on UAHT.

• The Texarkana, Arkansas, High School cheerleaders call the Hogs at UAHT.

• The groundbreaking gets under way at UAHT's new facility at Texarkana.