Thirteen students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) competed at the 2026 Arkansas SkillsUSA Conference from April 13 through April 16. Two UAM-CTC welding students and three UAM-CTC concurrently enrolled high school welding students from Crossett and Hamburg High Schools won medals. 

UAM-CTC sent a delegation of five college welding students and nine high school concurrent welding students to compete at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

In the college division for Pipe Welding, Conner Curry, from UAM-CTC, won silver, and Joseph Kyle Petrus, from UAM-CTC, won gold. In the high school division for Pipe Welding, Felipe Martinez, from Crossett High School, won silver. In the high school division for Sculpture, Hayden Seals, from Hamburg High School, won bronze, and Braydi Moffatt, from Hamburg High School and a first-year welding student, won gold. 

UAM-CTC college competitors included Eli Chambers, Christopher Crisostomo, Conner Curry and Joseph Kyle Petrus.

Crossett High School competitors included Matthew Chace and Hayden Seals.

Hamburg High School competitors included Rafael Dominguez, Nathan Lemus, Felipe Martinez, Sebastian Martinez, Braydi Moffatt, Karson Mondragon and Will Patrick. 

Five students from the School of Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) were recently recognized for their academic achievements during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The outstanding students were selected by the UAM business faculty based on their GPA and overall academic performance. Awards were presented at the School of Business’ annual banquet, where students also received an engraved desk plate. Award recipients will have their names, majors and graduation dates displayed on a plaque in the School of Business.

Ten students from the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANR) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) were recently recognized for their academic accomplishments during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Recipients of the outstanding student awards are nominated and selected by faculty based on their academic achievements and their collegiality with faculty and peers.

On April 22, the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) hosted an awards ceremony, which included the induction of students into the UAM-CTC chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

Students receiving invitations to join NTHS have completed no fewer than 12 credit hours of technical coursework, while sustaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In addition, students must receive a recommendation from at least one technical instructor. Kim Wallis serves as the chapter faculty sponsor at UAM-CTC and inducted twenty-one students into NTHS.

The inductees were Ashton Bailey, Zion Baines, David Barajas, James Boothe, Colby Cathey, Kyle Cockrell, Dalton Craig, Jeannette Harris, Stratton Herring, Brittany Hires, Elizabeth Martinez, Logan Massey, Amanda Murphy, Asia Taylor, Ashley Thornburg, Owen Wilson and Peyton Yarbrough.

On May 21, the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) held an induction ceremony for the UAM-CTM chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

Students eligible to join NTHS have completed at least 12 credit hours of technical coursework while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In addition, students must receive a recommendation from at least one technical instructor. Jane Zieman serves as the chapter faculty sponsor at UAM-CTM and inducted three students into NTHS last week.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to induct these outstanding students into the National Technology Honor Society. Their hard work, leadership, character and dedication to excellence have earned them this honor, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future,” Zieman said.

The inductees were Bobby Carter from Oak Grove, Louisiana, Jackie Hadley from Montrose, Arkansas, and Shayna Wheeler from Monticello, Arkansas.

On April 29, Dr. Kay Walter, professor of English at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), received the Carolyn Pittman Lifetime Service Award from the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts (ACTELA). The award recognized Dr. Walter’s devotion to educators and students in Arkansas, her leadership of “The English Pub” newsletter and her commitment to ACTELA.

ACTELA, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the teaching and learning of English and language arts in Arkansas, has presented the award since 2005. Recipients are nominated members who have made significant contributions to the organization throughout their careers.

Dr. Walter, a 1984 UAM alumna, joined the English faculty at UAM in 2006 and has devoted her career to teaching students about British and World Literature. During her 20 years at UAM, she has taken students to multiple state, national and international conferences and led travel seminars to the United Kingdom and Italy. She has been invited to guest speak in public school classrooms and was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference at Henderson State University.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) will hold registration events for fall 2026 classes on multiple dates this June and July.

New first-time freshman students and new transfer students who plan to attend UAM-CTC during the fall 2026 semester can attend an event to register for classes.

Interested students should arrive on UAM-CTC’s campus between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 15, June 29, July 14 or July 23. No reservation is required. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to attend. 

Students must also apply to UAM-CTC prior to attending a registration event. This includes submitting a free admission application and any required test scores and transcripts.

For questions and more information, contact UAM-CTC at 870-460-2016. 

Three students from the School of Computer Information Systems (CIS) at UAM were recently recognized for their academic achievements during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Kshitiz Khatiwada, from Nepal, was awarded the Rookie of the Year award. He is double-majoring in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and mathematics with a data science option. A student must complete at least 30 hours of academic coursework overall and have a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

Samuel Stephens, from Maumelle, Arkansas, was awarded the Outstanding Junior award. He is majoring in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in criminal justice. A student must complete at least 60 hours of academic coursework overall with a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

Aubree Goodnight, from Benton, Arkansas, was awarded the Outstanding Senior award. A spring 2026 graduate, she majored in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity. A student must complete at least 90 hours of academic coursework overall and at least 21 hours of CIS coursework with a GPA of 3.25 or better to be eligible for this award.

LaShonda Campbell, collection development librarian at the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), has been awarded a prestigious Carnegie-Whitney Grant from the American Library Association (ALA). 

The 2026 recipients were selected by the ALA’s Publishing Committee from proposals for projects to “promote reading or the use of library resources.” According to the ALA website, “The Carnegie-Whitney Grant provides grants for the preparation, either in print and/or electronically, of popular or scholarly reading lists, webliographies, indexes and other guides to library resources that will be useful to users of all types of libraries in the United States.”

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has received the Diamond Award from the Arkansas Historical Association (AHA) for its efforts to restore and preserve historic buildings on campus and register them on the National Register of Historic Places.

UAM hosted the 85th annual AHA conference from April 9 to 11 and participated in the awards banquet on April 10 at the Monticello Country Club. Ralph Wilcox, national register and survey coordinator at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, nominated UAM for the award. Alex Becker, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UAM, accepted the award on the university’s behalf. 

Three graduate students from the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANR) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) earned top prizes during research presentations at professional conferences held in March. 

Four students from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) were recently recognized for their academic achievements during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Sustainable Trades Alliance (UAM-STA) will host free forklift training on May 29 at the Arkansas Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy (AHEOTA), beginning at 8:00 AM. The training is open to the public; however, registration is required and spots are limited. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Questions? Contact Austin Hammons at 870-820-4462 or Hammons@uamont.edu
Register Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/4JaL7NJHKF

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will hold Weevil Day, a combined registration and orientation event for fall 2026 classes, on multiple dates this June and July.

The event is for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students who plan to attend UAM during the fall 2026 semester. 

Weevil Day will be offered on UAM’s Monticello campus in the Student Success Center from 9 a.m. to noon on June 15, June 29, July 14 and July 23.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) held its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 8, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing master’s degrees to associate degrees during the ceremonies. 

Commencement was split into two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 10 a.m. ceremony included the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. The 2 p.m. ceremony included the School of Arts and Humanities (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education (undergraduate and graduate). 

Haven Taylor, a member of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship (MBSF) and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, gave the invocation at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Robbie Jo Freeman, a member of MBSF and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree, gave the invocation at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Scott Bearden, associate professor of music, led the singing of the national anthem and alma mater at both ceremonies. 

Students and faculty from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) participated in the 2026 Arkansas STEM Posters at the Capitol event held at the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda on March 4. The event brought together undergraduate researchers from universities and colleges across the state to present their work to legislators, policymakers, fellow researchers and members of the public. 

The annual event highlights the wide range of research being conducted across Arkansas institutions of higher education. This year, the program included more than one hundred student researchers from multiple Arkansas colleges and universities presenting dozens of research projects spanning disciplines such as mathematics, natural sciences, agriculture and engineering. 

Six UAM students participated in the event. Nyla Compeaux of Cut Off, Louisiana, Daizy McKee of Monticello, Arkansas, and Lucas Warren of Wilmar, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Arturo Quintero Ferrer, assistant professor of biology at UAM. Emily Esquivel of Hermitage, Arkansas, Alexandria Lewis of Monticello, Arkansas, and Ashley Wallace of Little Rock, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Djamali Muhoza, assistant professor of chemistry at UAM. 

On Thursday, North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas (UA Northark) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) announced a new partnership that will allow UA Northark students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Harrison at one of the state’s lowest tuition rates.

The strategic partnership will integrate business and education programs, enabling UA Northark students to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree beginning in August 2026. Plans to add a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree are also underway. Both degree programs are currently pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The School of Education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) recently named two 2025-2026 Clinical Interns of the Year.

Olivia Justice from Monticello, Arkansas, received the award on April 9. Justice is a senior K-6 elementary education major at UAM and holds an Aspiring Teacher’s Permit (ATP). The ATP program began in 2023 and was developed by the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to address teacher shortages in Arkansas. Students who qualify for the permit can be hired by schools as full-time teachers while they earn their bachelor’s degree.

Justice completed her internship as a full-time kindergarten teacher at McGehee Elementary School in McGehee, Arkansas. She credited Julie Day, instructor of education at UAM, and her mentor, Meredith Sandine, first-grade teacher at McGehee Elementary School, for their guidance and support throughout her internship, which has enabled her to start her teaching career with full confidence. After graduation, she will continue teaching at McGehee Elementary School.

“Olivia has been an absolute joy to mentor this year,” Sandine said. “She is always open to feedback and consistently applies it in meaningful ways, creating a positive and engaging classroom environment for her kindergarten students. Her dedication, growth and natural ability to connect with young learners make this recognition incredibly well deserved.”

Hannah Billings from Amity, Arkansas, received the clinical intern award on April 23. Billings, a senior, is earning a K-6 elementary education degree from UAM while based at National Park College (NPC) in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is part of the second cohort in NPC’s partnership with UAM, which allows students to complete an associate degree from NPC and a bachelor’s degree from UAM while remaining on NPC’s campus for all four years.

Billings completed her internship at Ouachita Elementary School in Midway, Arkansas. She credited Jacqueline Verguson, adjunct university supervisor at NPC, and her mentor, Robin Kratz, third-grade teacher at Ouachita Elementary School, for their support and guidance, which strengthened her confidence in the classroom. She will teach first grade this fall at Bismarck Elementary School in Bismarck, Arkansas.

“It has been such an honor to mentor Hannah Billings. I am so proud of the hard work and growth she has achieved this year. Her receiving Intern of the Year was much deserved!” Kratz said.

Both students were selected based on a series of surveys and observation reports on their conduct as teachers and students.

Kristie Fowler, assistant dean and partnership coordinator of the School of Education and instructor of education at UAM, works closely with interns, providing support and feedback as needed. “Teaching is hard, and we want to highlight the amazing things our students are doing,” Fowler said. “We give the Clinical Intern of the Year awards because we want to shine a light on Olivia, Hannah and all of our outstanding interns to let them know that they are doing a phenomenal job and making a difference every single day. We want them to know how proud we are of them.”

For more information about the partnership between NPC and UAM, contact Kristie Fowler at fowlerk@uamont.edu or 870-460-1362. For more information about the School of Education at UAM, contact Dr. Kim Level, dean of the School of Education at UAM, at level@uamont.edu or 870-460-1062.

Excitement was palpable as students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello found themselves knee-deep in the 2026 Mud Olympics. After a six-year hiatus, the long-time campus tradition returned on April 8, creating an afternoon packed with laughter, competition and fun. 

Five teams featuring over 30 students competed in a series of muddy events, including Slip & Slide Cup Flip Relay, Tire Flip Race, Human Barrel Crawl, Tug-of-War and Talent Performances. Cheered on by spectators from across campus, the teams battled for points while becoming progressively muddier. The day concluded with each team performing unique talents from the mud pit.

The revitalization of this event was no small feat. After joining the UAM Office of Student Engagement as director of Intramurals and Recreation in July 2025, Alex Richardson soon learned of the Mud Olympics’ 30-year legacy. In November 2025, he set out to restore the beloved tradition, and although there was no recent blueprint to follow, Richardson and his team innovated, collaborated and overcame each obstacle, from obtaining equipment to rebuilding the mud pit.

Members of the Arkansas Zeta chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, housed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), attended the 2026 National Convention of Alpha Chi in Orlando, Florida, from March 12 to 14. During the event, Dr. Kate Stewart, professor of English at UAM and co-advisor of the Arkansas Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi, received a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her contributions to the honor society and her work with student members.

Dr. Stewart began teaching at UAM in 1988 and became involved with Alpha Chi in 1992. She is currently serving the third year of her term as the secretary/treasurer for Alpha Chi Region II. The Distinguished Service Award celebrates her 30 years of service as a chapter advisor.

“I was totally surprised because I had no earthly idea that I was going to get anything,” Dr. Stewart said.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will hold its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 8, in the Steelman Field House.Commencement will be split into two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony and 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. ceremony. Guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m., as the processionals will begin at 9:55 a.m. and 1:55 p.m.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. 

The 2 p.m. ceremony will include the School of Arts and Humanities (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education (undergraduate and graduate).

Three students from the School of Business at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) won four awards at the Arkansas Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate State Leadership Conference at South Arkansas College in El Dorado, Arkansas, on March 12.

Victoria O’Neill Rivera, a sophomore business administration major with an emphasis in marketing from Warren, Arkansas, won first place in Public Speaking and first place in Digital Design and Communications.

Jordan Wehr, a senior business administration major with an emphasis in marketing from Frisco, Texas, won second place in Sports Management and Marketing.

Maddie Welch, a senior business administration major with an emphasis in marketing from Star City, Arkansas, won first place in Foundations of Marketing. Welch reflected on how her coursework prepared her for the competition, stating, “Everything I saw on the test, I learned in classes I took at UAM.”

Great cattle and even better company will take center stage as the University of Arkansas at Monticello Farms hosts the Fifth Annual Aggie Comeback on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. 

More than just a cattle sale, the annual event has become a gathering place for UAM agriculture alumni, cattle producers, students and friends of agriculture to reconnect, share ideas and celebrate the success of UAM’s Beefmaster program.

The two-day event begins Friday with cattle viewing from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner provided by AgHeritage Farm Credit Services. All cattle included in the Saturday sale will be available for viewing in the lot behind the agriculture building. The auction lineup includes four registered Beefmaster bulls and 15 Beefmaster-influenced bred heifers.

Saturday begins with the cattle auction at 10:30 a.m., featuring some of the best genetics from UAM Farms. Lunch will follow, provided by River Valley Tractor of Pine Bluff. 

Throughout the event, Aaron Stone with River Valley Tractor of Pine Bluff will have the latest farm equipment on display. UAM will also showcase its newly wrapped show trailer.

Organized by Greg Montgomery, manager of the UAM Farms, Aggie Comeback was started to showcase the farm’s genetics and raise awareness for its growing Beefmaster herd. 

North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas (UA Northark) 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, April 30, the two institutions will unveil a program allowing UA Northark students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Harrison at one of the state’s lowest tuition rates.

The strategic partnership between UA Northark and UAM will integrate business and education programs, enabling UA Northark students to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree beginning in August 2026. Plans to add a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree are also underway. 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 announcement will take place at 1 p.m. on April 30 in the John Paul Hammerschmidt Conference Room on UA Northark’s south campus. The event is open to the public and media, with leaders from both institutions scheduled to speak. Interview, photo and video opportunities will be available.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Concert and Chamber Choirs will perform during the Spring 2026 Choral Concert on Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on UAM’s Monticello campus. The event is free and open to the public. 

Directed by Colt Lien, director of choral activities at UAM, the choirs will explore a wide range of choral repertoire, including works by Grau, Fleming, Paulus, Narverud, Gibbs and Moore.

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