Digital Arts Technology College (DAT—C) is now online as a Higher Education Campus in Dumas, AR with a new location in progress at the Legacy Center in West Dumas, AR. Photos here are from the live digital presentation on February 1, at the Dumas Chamber meeting. The digital presentation shown from www.dat-c.org is featured all month long on the site gave people who were attending the live meeting insight on the new campus but expanded the audience through various social media platforms including the Chambers Facebook page but also pages connected to DAT—C, The College of Aspiring Artists and the Eventbrite registration to attend the lunch online or in person.
Thousands saw what was happening in Dumas (real time) and thousands more will see it as this news release hits the stands and the online platform. This is the strength of our combined media in Dumas and the new campus to promote Dumas. DAT—C is a part of the REDI, Rural Economic Development Innovation, strategic plan for Arkansas.
DAT—C’s mission is education with a special focus on creative and innovative careers. Our core mission is providing educational opportunities for students who are 13 and older, primarily in low-income situations, giving them the tools they need to be successful business executives or entrepreneurs inside creative fields. Two-year to four-year degrees can also be achieved at DAT-C. The next term begins in March.
“The model of DAT-C is destined for success based on God’s desire for His people in the rural towns to prosper by having, yes, His Spirit, but also strategies and programs, (we call these visions and dreams) that He gives to His leaders to bring the works forward. In order to get the optimum, leaders and citizens must see God as ONE God and remove ourselves from divisions of all types. Denominationalism, Racism, Political divides and any all things that block our vision of unity and love in our community.
Terry Hawkins, (formal publisher of the Dumas Clarion) in his one of his last Opinion Editorials stated that if the new leadership in 2018 did not do things differently, we could expect similar results from the new council and mayor. It has and remains my prayers that we see a new vision now or we have no choice but to decide differently in the 2022 elections,” stated Rev. Hunt regarding Dumas embracing the new DAT—C campus at THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas.
How DAT-C succeeds includes many strategies but here’s one that the city and community cannot forsake.
“THE POWER OF ONE” is the critical thinking that understands why sometimes rural communities survive when you see only ‘ONE’ of the vital systems, institutions, franchises, restaurants, hospitals, in operation. The science and rationale are based on feasibility to a great degree. One McDonald’s, One High School, One Hospital and the list goes on. People must utilize the strength of seeing how our DAT-C model on a campus themed and operating as a Legacy Center is strength for all of Dumas and all of Arkansas.
The Higher Education Model, Digital Arts Technology College Online Campus is now operating from Dumas. The Legacy Center mini-Campus is underway. A model that accommodates multiple programs including Radio/TV/Recording/Film Studios, Retail, Dining, Housing and much more is all contained.
In addition, the backbone partner, ASC Property Management with infrastructure of housing and 40-years of economic contribution to the City of Dumas opens the doors for poverty reduction and elimination like never before. All of this from Dumas, Arkansas. Add the strong outreach in food distribution of over $750,000 during the pandemic is proof that REDI is an asset to Dumas.
DAT-C going forward is advancing two things to Honor the Peterson Legacy. First, we are producing the Merle and Deloris Peterson Film Documentary. Timing is critical to capture the history of their legacy and especially among those who remain alive to share their encounters and experiences with them. The documentary has a curriculum to teach students how and why Mr. Peterson was successful and how his endowment paves the way for others. A film crew will begin contacting leaders who will share their experiences they had with the Petersons and discuss what they think the Mr. Peterson would want to see today in Dumas and SEARK.
Secondly, we are providing the Inaugural Merle Peterson REDI Scholarship Program Initiative to certify Merle Peterson Scholars for Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Up next is the 2022 “Come Home to West Dumas: Reunion-Homecoming and Convention set for March 18-20. DAT-C will be the official media platform bringing people home to Dumas. More on this in next weeks edition.
Funding is needed for scholarships, operations to support REDI, The College of Aspiring Artists and program partners to continue the works from Dumas to DC. A two-year request has been submitted to the Dumas City Council for funding from the Peterson Trust and is long overdue a decision.
To get involved visit www.dat-c.org or contact us at 501.683.8555 or allofdumasunited@gmail.com
