Fort Smith, AR – The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) marks a decade of transformative growth and community impact, celebrating its journey from a 2014 groundbreaking to a major healthcare institution. Since its founding, ACHE has generated over $900 million in economic impact, addressing the region’s healthcare needs and providing world-class education.
In 2017, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) welcomed its first class of 150 medical students. Today, ARCOM has trained over 600 student doctors, with four graduating classes now contributing to healthcare across Arkansas and beyond.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Kyle D. Parker, JD, ACHE has expanded to more than 250 employees and added key programs, including the Master of Science in Biomedicine, the College of Health Sciences, which includes the School of Physical Therapy and School of Occupational Therapy, and most recently, a Master of Public Health program which focuses on rural and community health.
ACHE’s campus has grown to 542 acres, with notable developments such as The Residents student housing, the state-of-the-art Research Institute Health & Wellness Center (RIHWC), and vibrant spaces like the Celebration Garden and Wellness Park, and Heritage Community. The RIHWC, which opened its first floor in 2023, is already a hub for community classes, events, and advanced health science research and innovation. The Biomedical Resource Center and Center for Rehabilitation Research opened in November of 2024 at the RIHWC. These facilities will strengthen the healthcare landscape in our community and set a new standard for patient-centered research and education in Arkansas and beyond.
As ACHE celebrates its 10th anniversary, Fort Smith continues to grow and thrive, with over 4,000 new homes built and exciting new businesses flourishing in the Chaffee Crossing area. The future looks bright for ACHE as it builds on this momentum, expanding its programs, enhancing research opportunities, and deepening its connection throughout the community. Here’s to an even brighter and more impactful decade ahead!
CLICK HERE to watch our video celebrating ACHE’s incredible growth!
