At Monday’s Hope Lions Club meeting, the program presented by University of Arkansas-Hope Texarkana Chancellor Christine Holt and Social Science Faculty/Title III Project Director John Hollis was a discussion meant to provide input into the school’s strategic plan for 2025, its 60th year. 

Holt told the Lions, “We're speaking with different groups so that we can get feedback from you in terms of how we can improve as a college.” 

Hollis led the discussion based on a series of questions on a survey form, printouts of which were given to Lions members. “You all are considered one of our external focus groups. We're also doing this in Texarkana,” he said.  Then he asked Lions members to comment on what they believe students need to know today. 

Among the comments were “life skills,” “learning how to work,” “They don’t understand about who’s the boss and knowing how to act, etiquette.” 

One suggestion was that students needed consistent transportation to campus. Another was for groups of students to contribute to the off-campus community. 

“I've had a couple of students in my home, and I think there is almost a fear for young people today, about what does the future hold, and they're very concerned that what they're taking in college is going to prepare them for a specific career,” one member said. 

Other suggestions were to establish campus housing and athletic teams. 

“There’s a great need for electricians, plumbers, carpenters in this community. Some locals can make as much money as a college degree student can, and there's a great need for that, plus mechanical engineering or mechanical. These factories are having to really reach out and and find somebody to fill these slots,” one  member said. 

The discussion went on for about half an hour. 

At the end of the meeting, new Lions member Jeremy Ward, Store Director for Super One Foods, was inducted into the club. 

Above photo: Jeremy Ward is inducted into the Lions Club.