The college is located on a 72-acre site originally obtained by the citizens of the area for Red River Vocational-Technical School, which was established in 1965.

In 1995, the Arkansas Legislature passed an act that provided for the merger of state two-year colleges and universities.

On March 5, 1996, the citizens of Hempstead County approved a 1/4-cent sales tax to support the expansion of the college.

Four years later, the Arkansas Legislature passed an act that provided for the merger of state two-year colleges and universities.

On March 5, 1996, the citizens of Hempstead County approved a 1/4-cent sales tax to support the expansion of the college.