The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) is set to make history with the launch of its innovative UAM Collegiate Academy, which will be piloted in partnership with Drew Central High School. This initiative marks the first time in Arkansas that a four-year university has partnered with a public school district to offer high school students a no-cost pathway to earning an associate degree before graduation.

The UAM Collegiate Academy, which will begin in the fall 2026 semester, represents a bold reimagining of higher education and workforce preparation in the state. By enabling students to complete up to 60 hours of college credit during their high school years, the program empowers participants to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years after high school, saving them time and money while accelerating their entry into professional careers.

“This is a soft introduction to the collegiate world for high school students,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “It allows them to engage in career exploration and university life while in a very safe and supported environment, maturing with guidance from both high school teachers and college professors. This program reimagines the timeframe and method to deliver college degrees to students, creating an incredible return on investment.”

The stage is set for an exciting new campus event at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., UAM will kick off the fall semester with an outdoor concert featuring country act Patrick Averill.

The event will also include yard games, refreshments and opportunities for students to connect with campus organizations and one another. The event is free and open to the UAM campus community. 

The event is sponsored by UAM Student Programs and Activities. James Hanten, director of Student Programs and Activities, is responsible for bringing the concert to UAM. “I started asking students what kinds of special events they wanted to see at the university,” Hanten explained. “One of the things that kept coming up was a concert on campus.”