Monticello Live

Amanda Smith, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), has been named dean of the UAM School of Nursing, effective December 16, 2025. She has been serving as the dean in an interim capacity since May 2025.A part-time faculty member at UAM since 2022, Smith has taught clinical courses in both the Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. She became a full-time employee at UAM in 2023, serving as assistant dean for the School of Nursing, while continuing to teach in classroom and clinical settings.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UAM in 2007 and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in nursing education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in 2024. In 2024, she was the graduate student recipient of the 2024 UCA School of Nursing Outstanding Nurse Educator Award. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing education and administration at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“I’ve enjoyed my experience as a student, faculty member and assistant dean at UAM, and I’m proud to now serve as dean and assist faculty and students in a greater capacity,” Smith said.

Smith brings more than 18 years of nursing experience to the School of Nursing, including specialties in medical-surgical nursing, geriatric psychiatry, home health, critical care, pediatrics and simulation education. She has served as a peer reviewer for BMC Nursing and currently serves on the Allied Health Advisory Board at the UAM College of Technology-McGehee, the National Park College Nursing Advisory Committee and the Jefferson School of Nursing Advisory Board.

Smith is a member of the National League for Nurses, the American Nurses Association, the Arkansas Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International and the Nurse Christian Fellowship. She is active in local civic organizations, including the Ashley County Go Red Committee, the Arkansas Nurse Honor Guard’s Ashley County chapter and Cloverdale Assembly of God outreach programs. She recently participated in a medical mission trip to Kenya, Africa, providing care in rural clinics and instructing students at the Kilimanjaro School of Missions in basic first aid.

LaShonda Campbell, collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from HARRASSOWITZ, a German publishing company, to support her attendance at the 2025 Charleston Conference, held November 3–7 in Charleston, South Carolina. The conference is one of the premier international gatherings for library and information professionals.

This year’s conference, centered on the theme “Sailing into the Wind,” brought together thousands of librarians, publishers, scholars and vendors from around the world to discuss emerging trends, challenges and innovations in library science.

As part of the scholarship application process, candidates were required to submit a short essay on the conference theme. Entries were evaluated by a panel of librarians from the University of Chicago and the University of Florida, as well as publishing professionals.

After attending the conference, Campbell emphasized the impact of the experience, stating, “The Charleston Conference is valuable to the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center and me because it provides a rare space for honest, practice-driven discussions about collection development, budgeting, vendor relationships and the real challenges libraries face. Attending allowed me to bring back concrete strategies, new perspectives and informed questions that directly strengthen my work in collection development and my ability to support faculty and students.”

Dan Boice, director of Library at UAM, stated, “LaShonda worked hard to earn the HARRASSOWITZ Charleston Conference Scholarship and took advantage of other avenues to lower the cost of attending the conference. She returned with important new connections with publishers, vendors and colleagues that will serve the library and UAM well.”

This fall, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Investment Club has expanded opportunities for students by increasing access to real-time market analysis, financial education and hands-on investment experience for students across all majors. The club continues to strengthen financial literacy on campus while helping students build practical skills in personal and organizational finance.The UAM Investment Club provides students with practical experience in investment management and financial decision-making. The club began the fall semester with meetings and guest speakers, including Hunter Johnson, financial advisor for Raymond James.

Students in the club also have the opportunity to manage a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), which was established with $75,000 in funding received last year. To gain insights on effectively managing the fund, UAM Investment Club officers traveled to Washington, D.C., from October 8 to 11, where they presented investment proposals to employees of Walton Investment Team, Inc., and participated in investment management training at the offices of the Walton Family Foundation and the Walton Investment Team.

The club is set to expand opportunities for students with support from a $312,500 grant from the Walton Family Foundation, awarded for use from 2025 to 2028.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Debate Team earned three awards at the Mississippi State University Bulldog Classic Debate Tournament, held October 11–12 in Starkville, Mississippi.

Nathaniel Deckelman and Owen Iddings tied for ninth place in the Novice International Public Debate Association (IPDA) category. Deckelman also placed third in the novice speaker division.

Team members Myca Marotti, Corri Langley and Denver Pettit also competed, contributing to the team’s results at the tournament.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of our students,” Jim Evans, director of forensics and debate at UAM, said. “These results reflect countless hours of practice and a deep passion for debate.”

The UAM Debate Team will continue to compete in tournaments throughout the spring semester.

Members of Union Bank & Trust Co.’s Board of Directors presented the donation to UAM on Wednesday December 3rd.

The Snowden Center is expected to bring several PHD level education professionals to work and teach in Monticello, as well as new graduate students and nationally recognized waterfowl related research projects. The brainchild of Dr. Osbourne, the Snowden Center is completely unique in its mission and organizational structure, and will put UAM at the forefront of waterfowl research in the United States.

Waterfowl hunting generates approximately $310 million dollars spent annually in the State of Arkansas each year.

The Division of Music at UAM will host the annual Weevil Wonderland Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. The concert is free and open to the public.

Refreshments will be served in the Spencer Gallery, located inside the building, beginning at 6:30 p.m., where the UAM Choir will perform Christmas classics under the direction of Colt Lien, instructor of music and director of choral activities at UAM.

Under the direction of Dr. Erik Richards, associate professor of music and director of bands at UAM; Dr. Kevin Bryson, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies at UAM; and Kylan Bigby, assistant professor of percussion at UAM, the UAM Concert Band, UAM Jazz One and the UAM Percussion Ensemble will perform modern renditions of holiday classics.

For more information about the concert, contact the UAM Division of Music at 870-460-1060.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has been recognized in the top three higher education institutions in the category of “Best Small Public College in Arkansas” in the 2026 Niche.com Best Colleges rankings. This distinction highlights the university’s continued institutional progress and strong performance across key academic and student life indicators.

Niche bases its rankings on a comprehensive analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with reviews from students and alumni. Evaluation criteria include academic quality, affordability, campus experience, faculty resources and student outcomes. UAM’s performance across these metrics places it among the top institutions of its size and type in Arkansas.

A new waterfowl research center that aims to advance waterfowl and wetlands research and transform the industry was announced on Monday during a ceremony at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM).The event, co-hosted with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, marked the creation of the Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence and the Dyke-Snowden Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetlands. Government and higher education leaders from across the state were in attendance, including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who participated in the announcement of the center and endowed chair, made possible through $7 million in contributions.

The project received initial funding during the 2022 Arkansas legislative session when the Division of Agriculture received a $1 million appropriation toward a waterfowl and wetlands endowed chair at UAM. The funds were accompanied by a challenge to raise $1 million in private contributions to complete the $2 million endowment.

Fast Fact:

• Kubesch is seeding one-acre plots of crabgrass to determine best establishment methods and estimate the feasibility of using crabgrass as a forage
• Crabgrass research plots currently located in five Arkansas counties
• April plantings are less risky than March plantings
• Cattlemen invited to take part in 2026 forage research

Crabgrass isn’t just a lawn intruder — it’s one of Arkansas’ most popular and nutritious summer forages. A nine-state research team is digging deeper to measure the establishment of pasture plants and evaluate the potential risks of failure when incorporating crabgrass into forage systems.Jonathan Kubesch, extension assistant professor of forages for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, seeded test plots this past summer on the University of Arkansas at Monticello farm. He compared broadcasting versus harrowing as seeding and establishment, as well as comparing planting dates. The goal was to determine the best methods for measuring establishment success and failure using crabgrass as a quick-growing model.  

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, composed of professional enlisted U.S. Air Force musicians, will perform a diverse repertoire of styles, ranging from big band swing to patriotic selections. The ensemble, which has backed jazz legends like Jamey Aebersold and Joe Morello, will showcase both contemporary and classical works. All pieces will be performed by American Airmen, embodying the legacy and honor of the U.S. Air Force.

Click here to reserve tickets or visit afbandtix.org.

For more information about the concert, contact the UAM Division of Music at 870-460-1060.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will host a “Building Business Credit” workshop in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center on Wednesday, March 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is recommended. Lunch will be provided by U.S. Bank.

During the workshop, Cassandra Kidd, a business access advisor at U.S. Bank with 30 years of banking and finance experience, will discuss key topics such as the differences between personal and business credit, creditworthiness and understanding business credit scores and reporting. Kidd will also explain how personal finances influence the ability to secure business loans and lines of credit, as well as provide guidance on managing debts and obligations to maintain a strong credit history.

“After working with hundreds of clients as a business access advisor, I’ve found that credit is one of the biggest obstacles people face in accessing capital for their business,” Kidd said.

The ASBTDC at UAM serves small businesses in seven southeast Arkansas counties: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln. Current and future business owners can receive one-on-one business guidance at no charge.

The ASBTDC at UAM is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the UAM School of Business. All ASBTDC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Click here to register or visit asbtdc.org/asbtdc-events.

For more information about the workshop, contact Callie Becks, director of the ASBTDC at UAM, at becks@uamont.edu or 870-740-9031.

Alpha Chi members Destiny Forrest (left) and Kailley White (right) pictured with UAM’s Arkansas Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi faculty sponsor Dr. Kate Stewart (center)

The Arkansas Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi College Honor Society at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has been named a Notable Chapter for the 2023-2024 academic year. This award recognizes UAM’s significant role in and support for the society’s ideals. Only 15 of the 297 Alpha Chi chapters nationwide received the distinction this year, and UAM was one of only three chapters honored in Arkansas. (more…)

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will host a “Starting a Side Hustle” workshop at the Crossett Economic Development Foundation in Crossett, Arkansas, on February 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is recommended.

During the workshop, Callie Becks, director of the ASBTDC at UAM, will discuss ways to turn hobbies into extra income and key factors for ensuring business success. (more…)

Kaitlyn Wilson, a junior nursing student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), recently received the DAISY Nursing Student Award from the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA). This award, which was presented to Wilson at the ARNA 2024 Gala and DAISY Awards in Little Rock, Arkansas, recognizes her excellent compassion, care and advocacy for patients and their families as a student in the field of nursing. (more…)

LaShonda Campbell, the collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM, has been named to the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders by the American Library Association. She is one of only 46 librarians nationwide and one of only two librarians from Arkansas. This six-month program is designed for new library staff and information workers to engage with experts and peers across the country, working on collaborative projects and professional committees in the field of librarianship. (more…)

Alexia Lams, a graduate student in the Master of Education degree program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), was recently honored with the 2024 Higher Education Art Student of the Year award by the Arkansas Art Educators (AAE) organization. She received the award at the AAE Fall Professional Development Conference on November 6 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock, Arkansas. (more…)

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) is pleased to announce a $125,000 gift to the UAM Fund from Angelia, Bennie III, Margaret Anne, Marion and Ray Ryburn. In addition to supporting the UAM Fund, the Ryburn family and their businesses — Commercial Bank & Trust Company, Connect Bank and Ryburn Motor Company — have consistently supported UAM in numerous ways. Their ongoing commitment reflects a deep belief in the university’s mission and its transformative role in the lives of students.

Their most recent contribution will help fund the university’s operational expenses, capital projects, equipment needs and special academic initiatives. (more…)

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on Monday, March 3, beginning at 9 a.m. Registration will be held in the Gibson University Center on UAM’s Monticello campus. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the program will run until noon.

Prospective high school juniors and seniors who are interested in attending UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee are invited to attend the free event on the Monticello campus to learn about programs of study, financial aid, new scholarship opportunities, residence life, student organizations and more. Parents are also welcome to attend.

High school seniors who have already applied to UAM are encouraged to attend the event to meet with faculty, staff and current UAM students.

(more…)

University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) was awarded $2 million from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) through the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Grant. The university will use the funds to establish the UAM Sustainable Trade Alliance. (more…)

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) is set to offer an esports track in the Bachelor of Science in health and physical education degree beginning in the spring semester of 2025.

The Bachelor of Science in health and physical education degree is a 120-credit-hour program of study that has historically provided a broad knowledge of the discipline. The new esports track, comprised of 30 credit hours, will be one of three track options offered within the degree, alongside the coaching track and sports administration track.

The esports track will include three newly developed courses, in addition to seven existing ones, covering topics such as economics, entrepreneurship, esports, financial accounting, leadership, management, marketing and sports management, along with an internship in esports. This track aims to equip students with a solid foundation in both the business and coaching aspects of esports.

(more…)

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has announced the launch of the UAM Pledge, an innovative program dedicated to making higher education more accessible for residents of Arkansas. (more…)