Ricky Hill — Ricky Hill is recognized by the chair and then asks questions about the competitive bidding process, specifically whether website hosting was separated from the original contract when it was rebid and how it was itemized in the prior contract.
Ricky Hill — Senator Hill asked what was different in 2024 compared with 2025 and 2026, noting 2024 was a record year.
Ms. Strong / Sharon Strong — The chair invites Sharon Strong to present the Miles Partnership item.
Sharon Strong — Introduces herself as Executive Director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
Sharon Strong — Returns to present the director's report for July.
Nick Fuller — Nick Fuller, Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Higher Education, introduced himself and began presenting the annual scholarship/student characteristics report. He apologized for the sideways format of the printed materials, invited questions on the Challenge Plus Scholarship report, and clarified that the net proceeds trust account shown in the report reflects only the Academic Challenge portion, while the Workforce Challenge and Access to Acceleration Scholarship are fully funded through lottery revenues.
Cindy Crawford — Representative Garner was recognized and asked a follow-up budget question, specifically why the budget is expected to be lower next year and whether any changes are driving that expectation.
ADHE / Arkansas Division of Higher Education — Explained the reimbursement request for administering scholarship programs.