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).