NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The National Guard Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson not only marks a significant milestone, but also a testament to its enduring legacy.
The event, which opens its gates to celebrate its 50th anniversary, is a poignant reminder of the center's rich history and significant changes over the past half-century.
“Over the decades, we have made very significant contributions, dedicated several additional buildings, and now have 450 employees,” said Kathy Cherry, commander of the Center for Professional Education. the colonel said.
Beginning in 1974, this unique training center considered 11 different locations before then-Governor Dale Bumpers suggested Camp Robinson.
“The governor of Arkansas said we want it here, we want to provide the building and the land, and it basically started from there,” Cherry said.
We started with 13 buildings and grew to 39 buildings, all to accommodate the growing number of buildings and provide more training.
“In 1975, we started with six instructors and that's when our first class started,” Cherry said.
The first graduating class was exactly 50 people. The center currently welcomes 20,000 students and event participants each year.
“Well, obviously, for 50 years, we've seen a lot of students over the decades, both military and civilian,” said Lt. Col. Jason DeSoto, executive officer.
For 50 years, change has continued as the Professional Education Center strives to stay ahead of the curve.
“I think in the future we’re going to be looking at innovative ways to use VR,” Cherry said.
We support practical instruction for students while making safety our top priority.
Another improvement is a new multipurpose facility. The facility will be adjacent to the current gymnasium and will allow students and faculty to continue their fitness training.
The Professional Education Center trains Army National Guard and Department of the Army civilians in the areas of cybersecurity, human resources, logistics, recruitment and retention, strategy and leadership development, and finance.
“Across all 54 states, territories and districts, these organizations will increase readiness, increase recruitment, increase headcount and essentially increase training for everyone,” DeSoto said. said.
The Center for Professional Education will open its doors to the public interested in learning more about its history, including a decades-long walk through campus and a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest building on May 16, 2024.
Click here for events that are open to the public. PEC.NG.mil.