Institution and Merger History

The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC), formerly Forest Echoes Technical Institute, is a public two-year post-secondary institution that provides academic and occupational/technical programs, services, and resources for the residents of a seven-county service area. On September 2, 1975, classes opened on campus at 1326 Highway 52, West in North Crossett. UAM-CTC is located on a 36-acre plot that is 4.5 miles northeast of Crossett and 9.5 miles southwest of Hamburg and includes five buildings totaling approximately 43,000 square feet of floor space appropriately equipped for instruction and training.

The original structure was destroyed by a tornado on January 19, 1988. Salvageable equipment was quickly relocated to five different temporary locations, and all classes were resumed within four days. With overwhelming community, business, and industry support, the Board (then the Arkansas Board of Vocational Education), approved the rebuilding of the institution. An aggressive rebuilding plan led to occupancy of the reconstructed facility in November 1988. In 1993, another classroom/laboratory facility was constructed, and in 1999 the new facility was expanded to include a media center and a compressed interactive video classroom.

In the fall of 2002, meetings began in earnest regarding the potential merger of Forest Echoes Technical Institute with an institution of higher education. Effective July 1, 2003, Forest Echoes Technical Institute became a campus of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. This merger has proven to greatly benefit the college's ability to offer expanded services and more comprehensive educational opportunities.