As used in this subchapter:
(1) “Alternate retirement plan” means a retirement plan based on the purchase of contracts providing retirement and death benefits for the employees of Arkansas State University, the Division of Higher Education employees, and employees of Arkansas's state-supported universities, colleges, or junior colleges that are not a part of the University of Arkansas system;
(2) “Board” means the governing body of a college;
(3) “College” means any one (1) of the state-supported universities, colleges, and junior colleges not a part of the University of Arkansas system, and Arkansas State University;
(4) “Division employees” means the Director of the Division of Higher Education and the professional education employees of the division;
(5) “Retirement system” means the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System;
(6) “Staff members” means any employee of a college or university who is eligible for membership in any retirement plan;
(7) “State” means the State of Arkansas; and
(8) “State board” means the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.