The University of Arkansas was ranked 11th out of 150 schools in the nation that offer degree programs online. 

• Consumer opinion: Between July 26 and Sep. 13, 2021 for their 2022 inaugural survey based ranking, Newsweek and consumer data company Statista surveyed 9,000 students who studied online to earn academic degrees. 70% of the ranking criteria was based on student opinion.
• In a top slot: Offering more than 70 online degrees, the U of A Online program earned a 5 star rating and ranked higher than 139 other institutions including institutions like Arizona State and the University of Florida.

Read more about the U of A's success HERE.

And that's a wrap on the first week of 2022! Here is a list of events and activities happening this weekend in NWA...

• One more round: It's the final weekend of An Officer and a Gentleman at the Walton Arts Center.
• Local market: Check out the indoor Farmer's Market @ Record this Saturday in Bentonville.
• Bikes: The final All Cross event of the season is this weekend in Bentonville.
• Flips: The first Gymbacks meet of the season is tonight in Fayetteville.
• On display: Go check out the Springdale Gun and Knife Show this weekend.
• Day to learn: The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville is always a family friendly, learning activity.
• Tunes: Chill out with some live music at the Taproom tonight or Georges in Fayetteville.
• Group fun: Paint like Picasso during a night of entertainment in Rogers on Sunday.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful weekend! We'll see you Monday!

A new parking deck is set to start construction in Fayetteville and the city is inviting the community to the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday (Jan 10) at 2p. 

• The significance: The parking deck is going to be on the northwest corner of Dickson St. and West Ave. It will serve the Entertainment District of Dickson St. as well as The Ramble, a new outdoor public space that is currently under construction. 
• Phases: The current surface parking lot directly west of the Walton Arts Center will be repurposed as part of The Upper Ramble featuring an event lawn, public plaza, and gardens. This spring, improvements on The Lower Ramble will be made, which includes the new parking deck.

For more information, click HERE. 

The city of Springdale has grand plans for it's downtown and it would appreciate your input.

• Done and doing: The masterplan was adopted in 2015 for the revitalization of downtown. As result, the City has invested in projects such as The Apollo on Emma, Walter Turnbow Park at Shiloh Square, and The Jones Center campus renovation, but there is more.
• Surveys and workshops: The city wants to check-in and hear from downtown business and property owners, residents, and visitors what makes downtown Springdale great. There are public workshops coming up in the spring as well to have more hands-on involvement. 

You can learn more about Springdale's grand plans and submit your feedback HERE.