AETA News & Announcements

AETA: Arkansas’s Mandated Environmental Training Center

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:13:56 GMT

Arkansas’s Mandated Environmental Training Center

The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy (AETA) serves as the state’s mandated environmental training center, providing essential education and resources for water, wastewater, and environmental professionals across Arkansas.

With a focus on practical, high-quality instruction, AETA plays a critical role in supporting certification, compliance, and ongoing professional development for operators statewide.

Supporting Arkansas Through Training

As the designated environmental training center, AETA is committed to delivering accessible and reliable training opportunities that meet state requirements. From initial certification to license renewal and continuing education, AETA ensures that operators have the tools and knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively and safely.

Through a combination of in-person, online, and Zoom-based training, AETA continues to expand access for individuals and organizations across the state.

A Strong Partnership with SAU Tech

AETA operates in partnership with Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech), strengthening its ability to provide high-quality training in a structured academic environment.

This partnership allows AETA to:

Utilize modern classroom and lab facilities
Leverage campus resources and technology
Support a wide range of training programs and services
Maintain a strong connection to workforce development

By working alongside SAU Tech, AETA is able to enhance both the quality and reach of its programs while continuing to serve the evolving needs of Arkansas communities.

Committed to Excellence and Growth

As industry standards and technology continue to evolve, AETA remains focused on adapting its programs to meet current demands. From upgraded classrooms to expanded training formats, the academy continues to invest in providing effective, real-world learning experiences.

Serving Communities Across the State

AETA’s impact extends beyond the classroom. By training and supporting environmental professionals, the academy plays a role in protecting public health, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring safe water systems throughout Arkansas.

Explore Your Options

With continued support from partners like SAU Tech and a commitment to innovation, AETA will remain a leading resource for environmental training in Arkansas.

Whether you're beginning your career, maintaining your certification, or seeking additional training, AETA is here to support your success.

AETA Launches New Website

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:06:13 GMT

AETA Launches New Website

The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy is excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website.

Built with our students, partners, and communities in mind, the new site offers a more streamlined experience, making it easier to find training opportunities, view course schedules, and access important information.

What’s New

Our updated website includes:

Improved navigation for quicker access to courses and schedules
A more user-friendly layout across all devices
Expanded information on training programs and services
Easier access to facility rentals and resources
New sections for news, updates, and staff highlights

Designed for Better Access

As AETA continues to grow and adapt, this new platform helps us better serve operators across Arkansas. Whether you're looking for in-person, online, or Zoom-based training, the updated website makes it easier to stay informed and connected.

Stay Connected With Arkansas Environmental Training Academy

We encourage you to explore the new site and check back regularly for updates, training opportunities, and announcements.

If you have any questions or feedback about the new website, we’d love to hear from you.

Meet the Director: Randy Harper

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:55:29 GMT

Meet The Director Of AETA: Randy Harper

At the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy (AETA), leadership is rooted in experience, dedication, and a strong commitment to serving communities across the state. As Director, Randy Harper plays a key role in guiding AETA’s mission and ensuring continued access to high-quality training for water and environmental professionals.

About Randy Harper

Title: Director, Arkansas Environmental Training Academy
Phone: 870-574-4590
Email: rharper@sautech.edu

Randy Harper leads AETA with a focus on expanding training opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and adapting to the evolving needs of the industry. His work helps ensure that operators across Arkansas have access to the resources and education they need to succeed.

A Message from Randy Harper

Welcome to AETA. I hope things are going well for you and that you’re ready to take on another year.

Our team is committed to continuing to provide operators statewide with training opportunities for state licensing and license renewal. We also offer continuing education units for individuals working to obtain or maintain EHS credentials.

We’ve recently completed renovations to our Zoom-enabled classrooms on our main campus, allowing students to participate in real-time, instructor-led training without leaving their facility. By continuing to adapt and evolve with technology, AETA remains a leading training provider in Arkansas. Any course originating from our main campus that does not require a hands-on component can now be attended via Zoom.

AETA is proud to continue our partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division to provide wastewater training statewide, as well as Retail Water Provider Board training.

Whether you're looking for in-person, online, or Zoom-based training, you’ll find flexible options in our schedule. We can also come directly to your facility to provide customized training for your team.

If there’s anything AETA can do to better serve you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

— Randy Harper

Director, Arkansas Environmental Training Academy