A Rare Shot at Gunsmithing School in Arkansas
🔫 Black River Technical College Joins Elite NRA Gunsmithing Roster 🔫
In a rare feat, Black River Technical College (BRTC) in Arkansas has earned a place among an exclusive group of U.S. institutions. It now ranks as just the fourth school in the nation approved by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to offer short-term gunsmithing courses—a credential reserved for programs with the highest standards in precision, safety, and hands-on training.
While most NRA-approved gunsmithing schools have operated for decades, BRTC’s program is a relative newcomer, launching in 2020. Yet despite its youth, the program has already proven its mettle. A review team—drawn from three long-standing gunsmithing institutions—visited BRTC to assess its facilities, curriculum, and adherence to NRA’s rigorous benchmarks. Their verdict? "Excellent."
Still, the review highlighted a key challenge: building a high-caliber program from scratch without nearby industry partners is no small feat. Undeterred, BRTC now offers specialized certificates in riflesmithing, shotgunsmithing, and pistolsmithing, alongside an associate degree. To date, over 125 students have earned credentials, a testament to the program’s rapid success.
🎓 Leadership Transition at U of A – East Arkansas Community College
While BRTC’s gunsmithing program makes waves, another Arkansas institution is preparing for a leadership change.
This summer, Cathie Cline will step down as chancellor of University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College (UA-EACC), leaving the school in need of its next top executive. Three finalists—each with deep roots in education and leadership—are vying for the role:
- A rural health academy leader, bringing expertise in specialized workforce development.
- A student services veteran, skilled in fostering academic growth and support systems.
- A first-generation college graduate, who ascended the ranks of academia against the odds.
Though their paths differ, all three candidates share a commitment to expansion. UA-EACC has been on a tear, with student enrollment surging over 11% last year—the fastest growth in Arkansas over the past five years. Yet challenges remain, particularly in rural education, where access and resources often lag.
The new chancellor will inherit a school on the rise but still navigating the complexities of serving a rural student base with evolving needs.
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