Monticello Live

Non-credit courses in topics ranging from self-defense to photography will be offered this fall by the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Department of Community Education.

“Whether you are looking to sharpen your computer skills or for ways to get in shape, we have something for just about everyone,” stated Memorie Dickson, program coordinator.

Classes for fall 2012 include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Dance Fitness plus Toning, Zumba, Shooting Portraits with Artificial Lighting, Self-Defense for Women, The Creative Camera, How to Take Better Photographs, Energy Saving Do It Yourself, Reading Like a Writer (to Become a Better Writer), Understanding State and Local Government, and Digital Image Processing Using Adobe Photoshop.

For detailed information about courses, including dates, times and fees, visit the UAM website.” Space is limited in many classes so early registration is encouraged. To register, call (870) 460-1327.

Senator John Boozman toured UAM’s agriculture dept., Thursday morning, as a part of his district-wide agri tour.

Boozman and his staff, along with UAM agri-business faculty visited various sites that are a part of UAM programs.

After the tour Senator Boozman led a brief meeting with those attending, where a wide range of topics were covered, including the Farm Bill, student loans, the drought’s effect on farming, future use of natural gas, and Heirloom tomatos.

One important aspect of UAM’s agri program is that “Most of UAM’s 100 ag majors are from this area, and want to remain in this area” after they graduate.

Judge Sam Bird Roasts Lassiter from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Richard Reinhart Reminises from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Mark McElroy Introduces Mike Layfield from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

DMH CEO Layfield Diagnoses Dr. Lassiter from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Leigh Lassiter Counts, “My Dad” from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Mayor Maxwell Toasts Lassiter’s Accomplishments from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Dr. Jack Lassiter Responds to Roasters from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter gave an updated Community Center Planning Committee status to the Advertising and Promotion Commission, Monday night.

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Provost R. David Ray was honored with a retirement reception, last week, for his 42 years of service to UAM.  

First 5 photos by Jim Brewer, UAM Media Services.

Brian Ramsey, assistant commissioner for communications of the Great American Conference, is returning to the University of Arkansas at Monticello as assistant athletic director for media relations.

Ramsey was UAM’s sports information director from 2007-11.

“We are pleased to welcome Brian Ramsey back to UAM,” said Athletics Director Chris Ratcliff. “Brian did an excellent job as sports information director and with his added administrative experience with the conference office, will bring fresh insight and new ideas to the Department of Athletics.”

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The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold two pre-registration sessions for incoming freshmen June 18 and 19, according to Mary Whiting, director of admissions.

The June 18 session begins at 12:30 p.m., in the Fine Arts Center, and the June 19 event begins at 5:30 p.m., in the Fine Arts Center. Only students who have applied for admission and have received mail notification may pre-register on those dates. Letters of invitation were sent to each student with a request for a reply.

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Tyler Harrison and Parker Palsa

Two 2012 high school graduates have been selected to receive Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) scholarships to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello next fall.

The recipients are Parker Palsa, a graduate of Monticello High School and the daughter of Eddie and Tommie Palsa; and Tyler Harrison, a graduate of Star City High School and the son of Brenda Harrison.

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To Reginald Glover, the University of Arkansas at Monticello – and Arkansas A&M before it – have always seemed like part of his extended family.

Glover, a retired banking executive, long-time volunteer fund-raiser and all-around booster for the university, is UAM’s 50th Distinguished Alumnus. Glover will be honored during commencement exercises this Friday at Steelman Fieldhouse.

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Last week, the Drew Central Extension Homemakers Council made a huge investments in the future of Monticello, as they made a contribution totalling $30,000 to UAM.

The donation included a $15,000 endowed scholarship, a $5,000 endowed gift, and a $10,000 Centennial Circle contribution.

Chancellor Jack Lassiter told the group that their contributions will be benefiting “students 100 years from now.”

R. David Ray, provost, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and dean of the graduate program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has announced his retirement effective June 30.

Ray has been a member of the UAM faculty for 42 years since coming to Monticello from Texas Tech in 1970 and created the school’s debate and forensics program, one of the most successful and respected in the nation.

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The tale of the famously haunted Allen House of Monticello is the subject of a new book by Mark Spencer, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

A Haunted Love Story, The Ghosts of the Allen House is a nonfiction intertwining of two stories: one family’s experiences residing in the house, and the story of the best known member of the Allen family, Ladell Allen Bonner (March 22, 1894 – January 2, 1949), whose hidden stash of over 80 love letters Spencer discovered under a floorboard in the attic. (more…)

Click here for the history of the project.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

UAM alumni, fans, and supporters may disagree with the “stupider than an aardvark” analysis that “the Weevil” has been honored with, but still it is a good thing for UAMonticello to have their mascot featured on a national TV commercial campaign for KGB 542542, a text message based search engine that provides answers to its customers.

The commercial has been featured on ESPN and other networks, and features “the Weevil” with UAM’s permission.  It has also been approved by NCAA athletic licensing procedures.

UAM media relations director, Jim Brewer describes the commercial as, “a great way to give our university national exposure.”

If the “stupider than an aardvark” is offensive, at least we have the pleasure of seeing our local hero beat the stuffing out of the aardvark at the end of the spot.

Dr. Ron Sitton, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been appointed to the Education Committee of the Arkansas Press Association. (more…)