The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host its “Summer Music Camps @UAM” offerings in June and July 2026 for rising sixth through twelfth graders. Two sessions will be offered, and students may attend one camp per session, with the option to stay on or off campus for the duration of the camp. 

On February 12, the Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) hosted a Cookies & Cards event, allowing UAM students to make Valentine’s Day cards to be distributed at The Woods, A Nightingale Community, a nursing home in Monticello. 

The chapter hosted the event at the Gibson University Center as both a service project and a recruitment opportunity. “Service is one of our core values, and we believe the best way to show who we are is through action,” said Bryleigh Myers, a sophomore accounting student and member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “By creating an event that allowed us to give back, while also welcoming potential new members, we were able to demonstrate that our sisterhood is rooted in compassion, kindness and purpose.”

Recognizing that holidays are often challenging for residents of nursing homes, Alpha Sigma Alpha decided to host Cookies & Cards. The organization was able to deliver 60 Valentine’s Day cards to The Woods. 

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are set to announce a new partnership that will expand access to affordable higher education in Arkansas. On Thursday, February 26, the two institutions will unveil a program allowing UACCB students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Batesville at one of the state’s lowest tuition rates.

The strategic partnership between UACCB and UAM will integrate education and business programs, enabling UACCB students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree starting in May 2026 and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree beginning in August 2026. Both degree programs are currently pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission.

The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions and combine resources to support student success and improve college completion rates within the region.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) recently received a $125,000 gift to the UAM Fund from Angelia, Bennie III, Margaret Anne, Marion and Ray Ryburn. 

Beyond their contributions to the UAM Fund, the Ryburn family and their businesses — Commercial Bank & Trust Company, Connect Bank and Ryburn Motor Company — have demonstrated steadfast support for UAM through a variety of initiatives. Their continued dedication underscores a strong belief in the university’s mission and its transformative impact on students’ lives.

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

The Ryburn family established the UAM Fund within the UAM Foundation in 2020 and has actively encouraged fellow supporters to join them in making a lasting difference for the university. Since its establishment, numerous donors have contributed to the UAM Fund, ensuring that UAM can continue its mission of providing quality education to students.   

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, stated, “I extend our gratitude to the Ryburn family for their steadfast support of UAM. Their generosity not only sustains our commitment to delivering quality education but also empowers our students to realize their fullest potential. The Ryburn family has a deep understanding and belief in UAM’s mission, and their commitment creates a lasting impact. We are honored to consider them partners in our pursuit of excellence.”

In June 2024, Dr. Kevin Bryson was sitting in the Miami International Airport, applying to academic teaching positions on his laptop. Having just earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in jazz instrumental performance from the University of Miami in May, he was awaiting a flight to London, England, where he had been invited to play bass trombone on a jazz album to be recorded in the historic Abbey Road Studios.“We recorded in the same room where the Beatles recorded,” Dr. Bryson explains. “There is so much history there. Pink Floyd. So many others. Just look it up. So much iconic music.” Radiohead. Adele. Oasis. Amy Winehouse. U2. Lady Gaga.

The project was based on the music of jazz musician Kenny Wheeler. Dr. Nick Smart, head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music, in London, had been a personal friend of Wheeler’s and spearheaded the effort, which focused on recording experimental, unpublished music the jazz legend had written early in his career. Dr. Smart brought his friend, Dr. John Daversa, chair of studio music and jazz at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, into the project, which led to Dr. Bryson’s involvement.

In the final year of his doctoral studies, Dr. Bryson was working as a graduate assistant in the Frost School of Music’s library. In that role, he was tasked with working through the original scores for the trombone parts of the Kenny Wheeler project, determining how they needed to be appointed to the players in the ensemble. His work served as the early organization during the planning stages for the record. For his contribution, he was invited to play the bass trombone on the project.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) named 345 students to the?Dean’s?List?and 268 students to the Chancellor’s?List?for the fall 2025 semester, according to Keith Chambliss, UAM’s registrar.?

Selection to the?Dean’s?List?requires a student to earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on at least 12 semester hours of course credit at the 1000-4000 level.?Selection to the Chancellor’s?List?requires a student to earn a grade point average of 4.0 on at least 12 semester hours of course credit at the 1000-4000 level.?

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on Monday, March 9, 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, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) 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 and guests are also welcome to attend. 

Prospective students who have already applied to the university are still encouraged to attend the event to meet with faculty, staff and current UAM students. 

Mary Whiting, director of Admissions and Recruiting at UAM, encouraged interested students to attend the event, stating, “We look forward to sharing scholarship information and our UAM Pledge program with prospective students. Faculty from all academic areas from all three campuses will be available for students to meet with on the Monticello campus. It’s a great opportunity to have a personalized visit.” 

Students should register for Weevil Welcome here. 

For additional information, contact the UAM Office of Admissions at?admissionsoffice@uamont.edu?or 870-460-1026. 

Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions and icy surfaces beginning on Friday, January 23, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTM) and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) will operate on modified class schedules.

On the UAM Monticello campus, all classes will shift to virtual instruction on Friday, January 23.

On the UAM-CTC and UAM-CTM campuses, morning classes will be held as normal on Friday, January 23. Classes beginning at noon or later on Friday on these two campuses will be canceled.

All offices on the Monticello, Crossett and McGehee campuses will remain open on Friday, and staff should report as normal. This is subject to change as weather conditions are monitored.

Notices concerning the operation of each of UAM’s campuses can be obtained on the UAM website, on local TV and radio stations and through UAMAlert.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) and the UAM Adult Education Center will launch the UAM Digital Literacy Program in January as part of the “3 Southern States Connected Communities Program,” a regional effort led by Digitunity and AT&T to expand computer access and digital skills training.

The program launch will be held on January 21 at 11 a.m. on the UAM-CTM campus. Several special guests will be in attendance, including representatives from Digitunity, AT&T and Congressman Bruce Westerman’s office, local mayors, Chamber of Commerce directors and other dignitaries. The event is free and open to the public.

Through the program, students who complete WAGE I and WAGE II employability courses will receive a refurbished laptop, and students in the Business Office Technology and Health Information Technology programs at UAM-CTM may check out laptops for use during their studies and keep them after graduation. All participants will complete a digital literacy workshop on basic computer use, online safety and internet skills.

On Thursday, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) announced a new partnership to enhance access to affordable higher education in Arkansas. The collaboration enables UAHT students to pursue bachelor’s degrees from UAM at some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state.

Through the partnership, UAHT students on both the Hope and Texarkana campuses can pursue bachelor’s degrees from UAM in business and education.
The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree program is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program following in August 2026. Both offerings are pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission.

The city of Crossett has received an honorable mention in the Arkansas Business Trendsetter City 2025 awards in the Education/Workforce Development category for its workforce development initiatives with the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) through the UAM Sustainable Trades Alliance (UAM-STA).

Arkansas Business cited UAM-STA as a key driver of industry-focused training that supports the manufacturing and forestry sectors, which are vital to the economy of southeast Arkansas. The award highlights Crossett’s investment in workforce development through innovative programming housed at the UAM College of Technology–Crossett (UAM-CTC). 

Launched in December 2024 with $2 million in funding from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) through its Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grant funding, UAM-STA is a collaborative initiative involving multiple UAM entities and nearly 45 industry partners, each contributing to the forestry supply chain. The Arkansas Center for Forest Business, housed in the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANR) at UAM, collaborates closely with alliance partners to develop training for forest product mill and logging workforce needs as part of the project. 

The UAM-STA office is housed at UAM-CTC. Programs of study supported by the alliance deliver training in forestry automation and industrial maintenance and are available at UAM, UAM-CTC and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM).

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will hold orientation for the spring 2026 semester on Monday, January 5. Prospective students are encouraged to attend and register for classes during the event. Spring 2026 semester classes will begin on Wednesday, January 7.Orientation is open to students who have already been admitted to UAM, as well as those still considering attending the university during the spring 2026 semester. The event provides an opportunity for new or prospective students to meet with advisors, receive assistance with admissions steps and register for spring classes.

Orientation for prospective UAM students will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 102 of the Student Success Center on the Monticello campus.

Prospective students interested in attending the UAM College of Technology–Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) should attend orientation sessions on those campuses at 1 p.m.

In addition to registering for classes, students may visit any office related to attending school in the spring.

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.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) held its fall commencement exercises on Friday, December 12, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing academic credentials ranging from master’s degrees to technical certificates during the ceremony.

Dr. Doss commended the graduates and their families and friends, stating, “Today, we honor not only what you have achieved, but all you are yet to become. Congratulations, graduates. May your path be filled with success, purpose and the joy of making a difference.”

Dr. John Hunt, professor of biology, director of premedical studies and assistant dean of science for the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), has co-authored a new book, “Mammals of the Southwestern United States: Biology of Native and Some Extirpated, Extinct, and Introduced Species,” a comprehensive reference on mammal species found in the region.

Published by Lynx Nature Books, the volume documents 246 mammal species that currently or historically occurred in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Written for both professional and general audiences, the book serves as an accessible resource for naturalists, sportsmen, students, educators and biologists.

The southwestern United States is home to some of North America’s most distinctive mammal species, including several that are rare or endangered. Each species’ account in the book includes full-color photographs, skull plates showing top, side and bottom views, color distribution maps of the species’ range in the Southwest and across North America and updated biological information.

Dr. Hunt has taught at UAM for 22 years and offers courses in mammalogy, comparative anatomy, environmental science and evolution, along with associated laboratories.

“This book would not have been possible without the financial and institutional support of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences and UAM,” Dr. Hunt said.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) and the UAM Adult Education Center will launch the UAM Digital Literacy Program in January as part of the “3 Southern States Connected Communities Program,” a regional effort led by Digitunity and AT&T to expand computer access and digital skills training.

The program launch will be held on January 21 at 11 a.m. on the UAM-CTM campus. Several special guests will be in attendance, including representatives from Digitunity, AT&T and Congressman Bruce Westerman’s office, local mayors, Chamber of Commerce directors and other dignitaries. The event is free and open to the public.

Through the program, students who complete WAGE I and WAGE II employability courses will receive a refurbished laptop, and students in the Business Office Technology and Health Information Technology programs at UAM-CTM may check out laptops for use during their studies and keep them after graduation. All participants will complete a digital literacy workshop on basic computer use, online safety and internet skills.

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.