Those Who Are Determined, Those Who Are Delaying and Those Who Will Settle for Nothing Short of the Future College Campus Destination for Dumas
Dumas is set to have the state’s only creative, digital, arts, technology and arts, edutainment college campus for traditional and innovative careers, retail, housing and much more. This mid-year report provides historical insights and progressive results on how this work is advancing.
“For those who will take time to read, pray, post, and invest in the works listed here, please know that we are grateful to you and for your faith in what is coming forth in Dumas/Desha/AR Delta. We by no means are unaware of the multiple challenges. Our vision/focus look at these and beyond to build for now and beyond our years. Our work has been strategic in grant writing, surveys, food distribution and pursuit of fundraising and joint-vision partners. We are desirous to work with the serious minded, who know that we are better together, who can set aside politics, supremacy and other matters and look to find ways ‘to do this’ rather than focus and spend time looking to find ways ‘for this not to be done.’ By faith in God, this too shall come to pass,” stated Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., at the time of this submission.
For nearly 10 years (2007—2018) the city of Dumas, Arkansas was out front with our Delta Technology Education Center more commonly known as DTEC. Millions of dollars went into the program operations and strategies to bring hope and demonstrative outcomes for a new education model. The model worked in some measures and benefits came forth. But like many technology programs, the work and innovation required to remain relevant and productive is no easy work. DTEC closed its doors in 2018. But this was not to be the end of innovation and creative advancement for Dumas, Desha, and the Delta.
Ahead of, and especially during the time of the closing, leaders from Dumas and other strategists who were seeking to place programs in DTEC were delayed and denied, time after time. And when the program was closed by the DTEC directors, the new developers determined to not let the vision die, but rather look positively at how to upgrade the model with new innovations and strategies. ‘Intro’ to what many refer to as ‘new franchise models’ in many industry settings. Meetings beyond the closure with founding members of the DTEC board and the city officials to discuss new development opportunities were unsuccessful or not granted. But the need to bring the campus and amenities were too great.
In 2019 the West Dumas Community Family Life Center, a twenty-seven-year non-profit public benefit corporation, (now known as THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas) applied for and was one of 47 nationwide recipients of the Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) grant award from the USDA. All certifications within the federal government have been met. A new educational model was submitted by The College of Aspiring Artists for a statewide program called, DAT—C, which stands for Digital Arts Technology College. DAT—C is moving forward as the new network for state and nationwide access. Funding to advance operations and start the pilot for the online work and development inside schools start summer 2021 has a 1.5-million-dollar budget that is currently being raised.
Recently, a meeting was held with Governor Hutchinson with leaders from Dumas and across the state who are determined to see the destiny of the campus made a reality. The governor advanced the meeting appointing a liaison. The new campus will bring in higher education, certifications, jobs, tourists, and economic impact to Dumas, SEARK and statewide region.
Hunt went on to say, “Currently, Dumas has money (6 million in the Peterson Trust). The officials and leaders (who for nearly three years) campaigned on how proposals would be requested, how the money would be used for ‘rainy days’, etc. We’ve seen the rain/flood and the pandemic. We’ve brought a credible program, a proposal and contract. Where are the requests for more proposals and the strategic reviews/advancements? We know the answers and we are not deterred or dismayed. Details for the college campus can be retrieved at www.thelegacycenterinwestdumas.org.
