Steven Bloomberg the President of Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) joined Talk Back Live with Floyd Donald on 99.3 The Beat and discussed new housing, responded to speculations of combining with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and debt forgiveness funding provided for students who had an outstanding balance during the pandemic.
In regards to housing, Bloomberg talked about the different barriers that students face when pursuing higher education including access to safe and affordable housing and transportation. He added that their new housing development will help eliminate some of those barriers.
SEARK also received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that a portion was used to help eliminate student debt for students enrolled in the Spring semester of 2020 through the summer of 2021. Bloomberg spoke about how the college used those funds and how much debt they were able to eliminate.
After being asked about suggestions of combining with UAPB, Bloomberg responded stating, “..the mission of each institution is very different”.
