Fikes Truck Line and the University of Arkansas Community College of Hope (UACCH) have joined together to develop a transportation curriculum, with Fikes vp of operations Jim Honea teaching Introduction to the Transportation Industry during the 2008 spring semester.

The class will give an overview of the commercial transportation industry and discuss regulations, economics, characteristics, employment opportunities and development in major transportation modes.

“We initially approached UACCH about a transportation program because we were experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals,” said Honea, “but as our conversation has evolved this partnership has become an opportunity to interest local students in a viable career in Southwest Arkansas.”

 “Opportunities for our graduates are plentiful in the transportation industry,” said Jennifer Methvin, chancellor for academics at UACCH. “Introduction to the Transportation Industry is an investigative step that could lead to a Transportation and Logistics degree program.”