Proposed UAMS Nursing Program Designed to Ease Nursing Shortage in Arkansas

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

In late January, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved an accelerated inclusive nursing degree program to be offered at UAMS Northwest in Fayetteville to address a nursing shortage in the state. Patricia Cowan, UAMS Dean of the College of Nursing, is facilitating the development of the novel program.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/proposed-uams-nursing-program-designed-ease-nursing-shortage-arkansas

Patricia Cowan, Ph.D., R.N., has served as Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences since late 2015.

COURTESY / UAMS

Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught

The House has now wrapped up the 7th week of the 2021 Regular Session.

The House passed the following bills on Thursday afternoon:

HB1224-This bill establishes the State Crime Laboratory Student Loan Forgiveness Program. If law, this would allow a pathologist to enter a probationary period with the State Crime Lab. After that probationary period, the lab could reimburse the pathologist $25,000 for outstanding student loans for a 2 year contract up and renew the contract for up to $100,000 per pathologist.

HB1137-This bill prohibits the performance of a pelvic examination on an unconscious or anesthetized patient without the prior consent of the patient. It provides an exception when a medical emergency exists and the pelvic examination is immediately necessary for diagnosis or treatment of the patient.

HB1215-This bill grants full practice authority to certified nurse midwives.

HB1254-This bill states the Arkansas Medicaid Program shall recognize an advanced practice registered nurse for all purposes as a primary care provider authorized to carry out the duties of a primary care case manager.

HB1023-This bill excludes certain school fundraisers from the sales tax laws regulation special events.

The House will convene again on Monday at 1pm.

ARHOME Seeks To Replace Arkansas Works As New Medicaid Expansion

Under construction for the past year, Arkansas lawmakers and Gov. Hutchinson’s administration will unveil their newest version of Medicaid expansion on Monday.

ARHOME (pronounced “Are-Home”) stands for Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me. Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, and Rep. Michelle Gray, R-Bethesda, will be two of the lead sponsors of the proposal.

In a Talk Business & Politics interview, Irvin, Gray and Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Cindy Gillespie discussed ARHOME’s details and political obstacles for the healthcare program expected to cover more than 300,000 low-income residents who make below 138% of the federal poverty level.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arhome-seeks-replace-arkansas-works-new-medicaid-expansion

Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock speaking with Rep. Michelle Gray (R-Bethesda), Sen. Missy Irvin (R-Mountain View) and Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Cindy Gillespie.

CREDIT TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

After Second Go Round, Arkansas Lawmakers Approve "Stand Your Ground" Bill

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

This week, Arkansas legislators approved a controversial “stand your ground” gun measure allowing the use of lethal force in self-defense without first having to attempt to retreat, which was previously required by the state. The bill has been sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson for approval. His decision is expected this week.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/after-second-go-round-arkansas-lawmakers-approve-stand-your-ground-bill

J. FROELICH / KUAF

Arkansas Lifts Nearly All Coronavirus Restrictions On Businesses, Gatherings

By DANIEL BREEN

Effective immediately, Arkansas is lifting nearly all restrictions on businesses related to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Friday that all capacity limits on businesses and large gatherings will only be recommendations, and not enforceable by law.

Speaking in a news conference at the state Capitol, Hutchinson said the goal is to give businesses more flexibility to tailor public health guidelines to better fit with their day-to-day operations.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lifts-nearly-all-coronavirus-restrictions-businesses-gatherings

Gov. Asa Hutchinson displays a graphic outlining the conditions for Arkansas' mask mandate to end during a news conference at the state Capitol.

CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE / YOUTUBE

Arkansas Airports Receive More than $4 million in Federal Stimulus Money

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded more than $4.5 million in federal stimulus money to Arkansas airports, including $4.38 million to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill. U.S. Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and U.S. Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, and Steve Womack, R-Rogers, announced Friday (Feb. 26) the grants will help to offset costs and maintain jobs as a result of COVID-19 and provide for increased sanitization to combat the spread of pathogens at airports.

The DOT, through the Federal Aviation Administration, will give the money appropriated through the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, which Congress approved in December. All federal legislators from Arkansas supported the act.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/arkansas-airports-receive-more-than-4-million-in-federal-stimulus-money/

Grant recipients and amounts include:

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), $4,382,255

Rogers Executive Airport – Carter Field, $91,162

De Witt Municipal Airport/Whitcomb Field in Arkansas County, $13,000

Thompson-Robbins Airport in Phillips County, $9,000

Delta Regional Airport in St. Francis County, $13,000

Walnut Ridge Regional Airport in Lawrence County, $13,000

Bill Expanding Scholarship Eligibility Rushed Through Legislature To Meet Deadline

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

The winter weather postponed the Arkansas Legislature last week, which has complicated things for a time-sensitive bill aimed at expanding eligibility for certain Arkansas scholarships to students with legal status. This would include DACA recipients and Marshallese migrants legally residing in the state under a Compact of Free Association.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/bill-expanding-scholarship-eligibility-rushed-through-legislature-meet-deadline

Bentonville West senior Ananya Vangoor, a Bentonville West senior, speaks to the House Education Committee Feb. 25, 2021. She is one student who would benefit from the passage of SB287.

Monday Southwest Arkansas' COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | PPP Loans’ Impact on Arkansas Businesses

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about the federal Payroll Protection Plan or PPP, which has kept many Arkansas companies alive during the pandemic.

Congress passed the CARES Act to help Americans navigate the pandemic. PPP was one of the programs Congress authorized to assist businesses with loans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes the loans through local banks.

Little Rock business owners such as Vikita Eason and Chris and Samantha Tanner say that without the loan program, they may not have survived.

Vikita was able to pay the two employees of her boutique, and she assisted the three stylists in her salon by eliminating the rent for their booth. Vikita’s landlords have allowed her to pay rent as she can and didn’t raise the rent when she renewed her three-year lease.

The Tanners own three restaurants and employ about 130 people. Mr. Tanner said that “restaurants got pounded,” and the PPP loans allowed many to keep their doors open.

The SBA lent $3.3 billion to more than 42,000 Arkansas businesses and nonprofits, which saved more than 375,000 jobs. A second round of lending opened in January and closes on March 31.

On Monday, President Biden announced his administration has established a two-week window that opened Wednesday; during this period, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for the forgivable loans.

The SBA has also implemented a loan-forgiveness program that erases the PPP debt for businesses that followed all the guidelines and spent the money for payroll, mortgage, rent, and other eligible expenses. The SBA has forgiven nineteen percent of the loans.

Representative Les Eaves and Senator Jonathan Dismang introduced a bill in the 93rd General Assembly that would exempt a forgiven PPP loan from state income tax. It has broad support. The Department of Finance says this would cut the state’s general revenue by about $33 million this year and $179 million next year. If the General Assembly passes it, I will sign it into law, and this will provide needed relief for those who have received the PPP loans.

In Arkansas, the pandemic has been another opportunity for Arkansans to help one another. As usual, many Arkansans have shown their humanity. Bankers have helped struggling business owners, and business people have assisted their employees. In the midst of the losses, Arkansans have found new ways to reach out to those in need. Arkansans have lavished compassion on one another, grace upon grace as together we hope for the end of this pandemic.

VIDEO: Gov. Hutchinson Makes Significant Announcement on State of the Public Health Emergency

Governor Asa Hutchinson made an announcement, Friday, February 26, 2021, on the current public health emergency and provide an update regarding COVID-19 directives in Arkansas.

Apply Now for UA Cossatot Scholarships

The 2021-2022 UA Cossatot Online Scholarship Application is open! The scholarship application can be found here: cccua.awardspring.com

We currently have a variety of scholarships open for spring 2021! Check them out here: https://www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/scholarships

UA Cossatot Receives $400,587 Grant For Fiber Upgrades At The Lockesburg Campus And For Virtual Reality Welding Simulators

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2021 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities (PDF, 255 KB). Rural areas are seeing higher infection and death rates related to COVID-19 due to several factors, including a much higher percentage of underlying conditions, difficulty accessing medical care, and lack of health insurance. The $42.3 million in awards includes $24 million provided through the CARES Act. In total, these investments will benefit 5 million rural residents.

As part of this program, UA Cossatot has been awarded $400,587. This Rural Development investment will be used to implement a distance learning system with virtual reality welding simulators at five rural sites in Sevier, Little River and Howard counties. The system will allow Cossatot Community College to offer distance learning skilled sciences courses to additional rural students at multiple locations. The grant will fund network fiber upgrades at Cossatot’s Lockesburg campus . The college expects to train 30 students in welding technology at five end-user sites annually. The equipment also will be available for special training sessions in evenings and on weekends for workers and industry partners.

UAC Chancellor Steve Cole said, "We will be receiving $400,000 to pilot, beginning next school year, a virtual welding program that will link our four campuses and Dierks High School. We are excited to see the success we can have if we keep being progressive and proactive when it comes to technical education. This will allow students to access a welding learning environment from a distance, ensuring we can continue to teach students even if they are quarantined or live in extremely remote areas. We look forward to putting this in motion."

UA Cossatot Drawdown Set for April 2nd

UA Cossatot will host TWO drawdowns for UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts! The drawdowns will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021. The first drawdown starts at 5:30 PM and the second drawdown at 7:30 PM at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Loren Hinton and Jon Bunyard will emcee the event. Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd and the entire Colts and Lady Colts teams will be in attendance to root on each ticket holder!

How does a Drawdown work?

Tickets are eliminated until only one is left. The last ticket on the board is the winner of the Drawdown prize. The last ten (10) people holding tickets are given the option to keep drawing and eliminating tickets or to split the money among themselves. All must agree to split or keep drawing until they all agree or only one is left as the winner. Winner does not have to be present to win.

Why would you want to buy a $50 Drawdown Ticket?

· With only 120 tickets being sold per drawdown, each ticket has a 1 in 120 chance of winning $2,500!

· Each ticket includes a delicious fried fish dinner for 2 (can take order to-go)

· Fun fellowship with friends and excitement to see whose ticket is drawn next (Can also watch on Facebook live from home)!

· Door prizes

· Proceeds benefit the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available by contacting Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or email droberts@cccua.edu. Tickets can also be purchased online by texting the word Cossatot to 41444 or by clicking this link: igfn.us/form/M9JcFg

We accept cash, check, or credit card!

Health Talk with Dr. Randy Walker of De Queen

De Queen Soccer Discussion

House Speaker Matthew Shepherd Commends Legislature For Making Progress Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

By ALEXANDRIA BROWN

Although the Arkansas General Assembly didn’t meet last week because of severe winter weather, House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, still commends the amount of progress that the legislature made this week.

While he says the amount of bills that have been filed is down compared to other sessions, he expects those numbers to pick up despite some members contracting the coronavirus earlier in the session.

"Even in the midst of working in the House where we have 100 members on the floor every single day, we’ve been very fortunate," Shepherd said. "A number of our members are falling into those categories from an age perspective being over 70 or 65, and they’re taking steps to obtain the vaccination. I feel like we’re only going to be in a better position as we move forward."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/house-speaker-matthew-shepherd-commends-legislature-making-progress-despite-covid-19-pandemic

File photo of the Arkansas House

CREDIT SARAH KELLOGG

Bill Allowing Arkansas Healthcare Providers To Refuse Service Over Moral Grounds Fails In Committee

By DANIEL BREEN

A bill that would allow healthcare providers to decline certain non-emergency medical services because of their moral opposition has failed in a legislative committee.

Members of the Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee voted not to approve Senate Bill 289 in a meeting Thursday following hours of debate, including an abbreviated public comment period cut short by a motion for immediate consideration.

Like other proponents of the bill who spoke in favor of it, Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe cited abortion and gender affirmation surgery for minors as two reasons physicians should be allowed to decline certain services for moral reasons.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-allowing-arkansas-healthcare-providers-refuse-service-over-moral-grounds-fails-committee

Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe speaks in favor of Senate Bill 289 before members of the Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.

CREDIT ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE

House committee says no to bill allowing medical providers’ conscience refusal

by Steve Brawner

An Arkansas House committee on Thursday (Feb. 25) voted down a bill that would allow medical providers to refuse to provide services that violate their conscience and also advanced a bill that would allow hospital and long-term care patients to have a loved one present with them in the facility.

The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted 8-10 against Senate Bill 289, the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton. Hammer said later Thursday that he will try to run the bill later and is considering amendments.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/house-committee-says-no-to-bill-allowing-medical-providers-conscience-refusal/

Rural Areas Continue To Lose Businesses and Youth, Latest UAEX Report Shows

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

For about 30 years, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has produced the Rural Profile of Arkansas. The biennial report aims to provide a greater understanding of the social, demographic and economic conditions in rural and urban regions in the state. According to the 2021 report, the trend of loss of businesses in rural areas and continuing migration of youth and talent to urban areas is continuing.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/rural-areas-continue-lose-businesses-and-youth-latest-uaex-report-shows

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 726 new cases; 4,720 active cases; 522 hospitalized, which is up 26 from Wednesday; 108 on ventilators, which is up 8 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,397; a total of 318,122 cases; 243,843 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,548; antigen tests, 1,182.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 74; Benton, 71; Garland, 61; Washington, 54; and Hot Spring, 35. 

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We continue to vaccinate Arkansans at a high level. I want to give credit to our staff at the Department of Health, Col. Ator and all our provider partners for their tireless efforts to ensure we can get vaccines into the arms of Arkansans. If Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine is approved, it will provide another tool in our arsenal in the fight against COVID-19."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 15

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2020 Honor Students and List of Graduates

PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1124

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 24 February 2021

CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2020 Honor Students and List of Graduates

The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases fall 2020 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List as well as the names of the fall 2020 graduates.

100 students were named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. 78 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

The UA Cossatot Fall 2020 Chancellor’s List Includes:

Amity: Destiny Bright and Hannah Coffman

Ashdown: John Turner, Kasey Barton, Mackynze Dollarhide, Breana Noble, and Paige Smith

Ben Lomond: Molly Parker

Buckner: Maegan Taylor

Cove: Sophie Jackson

Delight: Camri Kirkham

De Queen: Carlos Aparicio, Guillermo Boquin, Israel Bustamante, Elvis Castro, Ashley Contreras, Kynnedi France, Johnny Guerrero, Maya Hallman, Patrick Hanson, Liliana Hernandez, Haylee Leeper, Jeffrey Manns, Brenda Mera Leon, Ismael Montero, Fernando Morales, America Pulido-Rojas, Giovany Salgado, Sydney Thistlethwaite, Alan Villamil, Brian Mckinney, Sondra Reynolds, Nohemi Carreon, Ana Martinez, Jose

Martinez, Lesly Herndez, Lysia Lovell, Abel Resendiz, Magali Cornelio, Vanessa Hernandez, Miguel Montero, Jasmine Montiel, Guillermo Ramirez, Angeles Rojas-Duran, and Jorge Soto Ramirez

Dierks: Brayden Buck, Jace Jackson, Savannah Morris, Aiden Oglesby, Jaycee Runnels, Jauger Spray, Blayn Turner, and Haylin Halcombe

Foreman: Johnny Carter and Kori Southerland

Gillham: Andrew Shelton

Glenwood: Vivian Angeles and Vasti Hernandez

Grannis: Brandon Marrufo

Horatio: Carson Brackett, Bryan Carrillo, Ryne Ernest, Austin House, Grace Wagner, and Alberto Sandoval

Idabel: Andrea Linville

Lockesburg: Hannah Fisher, Hannah Norman, Garrett Sharp, and Trent Sharp

Mena: Joshua Swint

Mineral Springs: Marquise Bryant and Kasia Ragland

Murfreesboro: Hope Littles

Nashville: Jonathon Claiborne, Audri Couch, Caiden Erwin, Lacie Grace, Dennis Guzman, Jacquelyn Howard, Adam Nix, Anna Rhodes, Heidi Buck, Amber Hampton, Marcus Luester, Lizbeth Hernandez, Kymberly Stanek

New Boston: David Balderas

Newhope: Jewel Bennett

Ozan: La Shonna Cooper and David Tozcano

Prescott: Jacob Ojeda

Royal: Aubree Gauldin

Texarkana: Charles Wise

Umpire: Christopher Moore

Winthrop: Benjamin Hendrix

The UA Cossatot Fall 2020 Vice Chancellor’s List Includes:

Amity: Randi Markham

Ashdown: Benjamin Adkison, Jaden Altenbaumer, Ty Buchanan, Jaliana Clinton, Andeligh Patrick, Spencer Patterson, Kentarian Williams, Susan Hill, David Mitchell, Colby Dellinger, and Weston Lawrence

Delight: Amy Campbell, Daniel Golden, Bobbie Craig

De Queen: Kaylee Brooks, Abbygail Ponce, Brayan Ramirez, Madison Runnels, Mikayla Scott, Ethan Wolcott, Jennifer Garibay, Misty Goings, Jessica Swan, Kelli Bahena, Jaramillo Carlos, Jordan Rogers, Willie White, Aracely Ortiz, Kendra Rodriguez, and Angela Vertiz

Dierks: Chantal Alonso, Ali Barfield, Elian Hernandez, Cason Launius, Ashley Jackson, and Heather Lovewell

Fayetteville: Destiny Jackson

Fouke: Kristen Sewell

Garvin: Hannah Honey

Hope: Shelby Pogue

Horatio: Nicole Pierce and Amanda Taylor

Little Rock: James Abbott

McCaskill: Cameron Lane, Jorge Torres, Corta Young

Mena: Cadie Cannon

Mineral Springs: William McAlister, Brooklyn Nutt, Jaselyn Sirmon, and Matthew Stone

Murfreesboro: Kyla Collins and Jessica Parker

Nashville: La Tambra Anderson, Zachary Backus, Alexis Byers, Sarah Cobb, Tyler Gordon, Kendra Miller, Diana Morris, Reif Nolte, Mattison Steele, Wyatt Talley, Kinsey Westfall, Decen Barton, Maya Fant, Takela Stewart, and Shalene Cardenas

Newhope: Alleigh Tucker

Star City: Megan Lovelis

Texarkana: Shannon Burkland, Crystal Morgan, and Coleman Newberry

Wickes: Miguel Ortiz

Winthrop: Autumn Hofmann

22 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 15 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 19 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students graduating fall 2020 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Allyson Braley of Nash, Israel Bustamante of De Queen, Bryan Carrillo of Horatio, Johnny Carter Jr. of Foreman, Jesus Cisneros of De Queen, Alondra Galvez of Lockesburg, Haylin Holcombe of Dierks, Amber Hampton of Nashville, Rhonda Harton of Prairie Grove, Luis Herrera of De Queen, Riley House of Delight, Brandon Marrufo of Grannis, Sebastian Medina of Wickes, Damara Milianta – Peterson of Long Lake, Jordan Myers of Arkadelphia, Adam Nix of Nashville, Spencer Reed of Ashdown, Giovany Salgado of De Queen, Alberto Sandoval of Horatio, Garrett Sharp of Lockesburg, Andrew Shelton of Gillham, and Ronnie Willis of Horatio.

Students graduating fall 2020 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Allie Anderson of Ashdown, Carlos Aparicio of De Queen, Clayton Ashmore of Mineral Springs, Eduardo Benitez Jr. of De Queen, Sarah Carnes of Texarkana, Maria Dominguez Cuellar of De Queen, Lauren Gay of Prescott, Julie Gomez of De Queen, Orlando Herrera of De Queen, Destiny Jackson of Fayetteville, Talia Lambert of Springdale, Jasmine Montiel of De Queen, Connor Pearce of e Queen, Amitshaidet Victorio Bahena of De Queen, and Krista Womack of Ashdown.

Students graduating fall 2020 with Cum Laude Honors:

Morgan Allen of Dierks, Chantal Alonso of Dierks, Denise Angelese of Horatio, David Balderas of Ogden, Linda Carlisle of De Queen, Madison Falgout of Nash, Trinity Geierman, Susan Hill of Ashdown,

Brittany Jones of Texarkana, Karina Lopez-Balderas of Gillham, Juan Montero of De Queen, Tyeisha Nelson Shoals of Foreman, Miguel Ortiz of Wickes, Kailee Parker of Nashville, Jerardo Perez of De Queen, Saleni Rojas-Duran of De Queen, Ashley Smallwood of De Queen, Ashley Thompson of Ashdown, and Blayn Turner of Dierks.

238 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees allowing for 373 fall 2020 awards.

UA Cossatot Students Graduating Fall 2020 Include (Listed with Highest Degree(s) Earned):

Amity: Sean Palavicini, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and Kaitlen Reid, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician

Arkadelphia: Jordan Myers, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Ashdown: Allie Anderson, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Zack Bertling, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Ty Buchanan, Technical Certificate: Welding; Keara Cross, Associate of General Studies; Mychelle Crussell, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Colby Dellinger, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Christopher M. Dunn, Technical Certificate: Welding; Susan Hill, Associate of Applied Science: Administrative Assistant; Braden Jackson, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Jade Kendrick, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6; Madison Mills, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; Samantha Moss, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alia Oliver, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Alexander Parson, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Spencer Reed, Associate of General Studies; Dara Sivley, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Timothy Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; James Sullivan, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Matthew Swilley, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Ashley Thompson, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Kentarian Williams, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kristi Williams, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician; and Krista Womack, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting

Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Blevins: Ernan Gomez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motor Controls; and Katzumi Venegas Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Castor: Angela Rushing, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Delight: Riley House, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant.

De Queen: Carlos Aparicio, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6; William Athey, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Anthony Behena, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Eduardo Benitez Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Hector Blanco, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; Guillermo Boquin, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; Israel Bustamante, Technical Certificate: Welding; Mackenzie Cardenas , Technical Certificate: General Studies; Linda Carlisle, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Yuliani Castillo, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Elvis Castro, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dillon Cheater, Technical Certificate: General Studies; David Cisneros, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Jesus Cisneros, Associate of Arts; Magali Cornelio, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Johnny Daley Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Maria Guadalupe, Associate of General Studies, Trinity Geierman, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Julie Gomez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Adrian Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW welding, Jarel Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; Guadalupe Guerrero, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Johnny Guerro, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; Patrick Hanson, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines; Alexis Hernandez, Associate of Science: Business; Jonathon Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Jose Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Lissette Hernandez, Associate of General Studies; Marisol Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Luis Herrera, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Orlando Herrera, Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Jared Hickson, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Blake Lacefield, Certificate of Proficiency; Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Eda Lopez, Associate of Applied Science; General Technology, Toni Manzella, Associate of Applied Science:

Occupational Therapy Assistant; Aaron Martinez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Jose Martinez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Leonardo Martinez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Brian McKinney, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair, and Climate Control; Juan Montero, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jasmine Montiel, Associate of Applied Science: Criminal Justice; Fernando Morales, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Performance: Cristopher Munoz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/ FCAW; Connor Pearce, Technical Certificate: Diesel Technology; Jerardo Perez, Technical Certificate: Welding; Diana Ramirez, Associate of General Studies; Guillermo Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Brency Ramirez Torres, Associate of Science: Business; Abel Resendiz, Technical Certificate: Welding; Tori Roberson, Certificate of Proficiency; Accounting; Saleni Rojas-Duran, Associate of Science: Business; Carlos Rojo Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes; Giovany Salgado, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding; Misael Sanches, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Yesenia Sanchez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Ashley Smallwood, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Zuleyma Sotelo, Technical Certificate: Administrative Assistant; Jorge Luis Soto Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Ulyses Tepozotlan, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Ariel Varela, Associate of General Studies; Randy Valazquez, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Amitshaidet Victorio Bahena, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; and Alan Villamil, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control

Dierks: Morgan Allen, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Chantel Alonso, Associate of Applied Science: Accounting; Melodee Archer, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Brayden Buck, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Jarod Cogburn, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motor Controls; Haylin Halcombe, Associate of Arts; Elian Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Ashley Jackson, Associate of Applied Science: Administrative Assistant; Jace Jackson, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Aiden Oglesby, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Jauger Spray, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes; and Blayn Turner, Associate of General Studies

Dubach: Jalyn Crellin, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Eagletown: Kody Underwood, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

El Dorado: Tracie Ford, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Fayetteville: Destiny Jackson, Associate of Science: Psychology

Foreman: Thomas Butler, Associate of Science: STEM, Johnny Carter Jr., Technical Certificate of General Studies; Kristan Mauger, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Tyeisha Nelson Shoals, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Parker Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Savannah Townsend, Associate of General Studies

Fouke: Myka Lemley, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Alyssa Sinyard, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Fulton: Summer King, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting

Gillham: Karina Lopez-Balderas, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Caterra Morphew, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jeff Overturf, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Andrew Shelton, Technical Certificate: Welding; Vanessa Whitney, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; and Travis Yarbrough, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering

Grannis: Brent Craver, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW; Brandon Marrudo, Technical Certificate: Welding; Brently Morris, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering

Homer: Sharonda Shelton, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Horatio: Denise Angeles, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Collin Blackmon, Associate of Science: Business; Carson Brackett, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Bryan Carrillo, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding; Orey Chandler, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Brandon Delgado, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Javian Hernandez Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Austin House, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding Adrian Patlan, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Brittaney Salgado, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alberto Sandoval, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding; Amanda Taylor, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting;

Marco Tinajero, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Jacob Trusley, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Ronnie Willis, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology

Idabel: Erica Ristrim, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription

Kirby: Elica Vasquez, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription

Lewisville: Lacey Morton, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant

Lockesburg: Cheyenne Ballard, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Landon Brackett, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Blayne Buster, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Alondra Galvez, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Holly Hamilton, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Cole Hanney. Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jason Huesca, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Amanda Jacobson, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician; Autumn Jester, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Mason Marshall, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Tyler Miller, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Tamberlyn Nelson, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity; Amber Rapp, Associate of Applied Science: Business Management; Garrett Sharp, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Sarah Sharp, Associate of Applied Science: Teaching: K-6; Braden Smart, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Kade Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Courtney Thomas, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; and Rachael Vallee, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Long Lake: Damara Milianta-Peterson, Associate of General Studies

Marion: Kambri Phillips, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

McCaskill: Cameron Lane, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Jorge Torres, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; and Corta Young, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Mena: Joshua Swint, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control and Christopher Thacker, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine repair and Climate Control

Mineral Springs: Clayton Ashmore, Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Rhonda Conway, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Christian Hart, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices;

Katelyn Hipp, Technical Certificate: General Studies; and Betsabe Mercado, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Murfreesboro: Anthony Hill, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Jack Manlove Jr., Associate of General Studies; and Ryan Roberts, Associate of Science: Natural Resources

Nash: Allyson Braley, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant and Madison Falgout, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Nashville: Zachary Backus, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Deven Barton, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Heidi Buck, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Karina Cogburn, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Aubrie Combs, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Taurean Coulter Jr., Associate of Arts; Casen Drummond, Associate of General Studies; Amber Hampton, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Jhamilex Hernandez-Ortiz, Associate of Applied Science: Administrative Assistant; Rosalinda Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Fabian Mercado, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Kimberly Moore, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Adam Nix, Technical Certificate: Welding; Jorge Padilla, Technical Certificate: Welding; Kailee Parker, Associate of Applied Science: Accounting; Jhonny Pioquinto, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Hilda Sanchez, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Savannah Smead, Associate of Arts; Kymberly Stanek, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair and Climate Control; Shania Swift, Technical Certificate: General Studies; and Levi Wester, Certificate of Diesel Engines

Newhope: Brian Burk, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Andrew Jacoby, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; and Karley Stapp, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Ogden: David Balderas, Technical Certificate: Welding; Ashley Garrett, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; and Micah Stafford, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Ozan: Margaret Cooper, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Prairie Grove: Rhonda Harton, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Prescott: Lauren Gay, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant and Jacob Ojeda, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Springdale: Talia Lambert, Associate of Applied Science: Accounting

Texarkana: Sarah Carnes, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Minerva Gray, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Jordan Hatley, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician; Brittany Jones, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Katherine Malca, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Kayla Mills, Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapy Assistant; Coleman Newberry, Technical Certificate: Welding; Grant Nolen, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jayci Pettigrew, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Samantha Spears, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Jackie Taylor, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Kylie Thrash, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Shaglista Ware, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; and Sherica Williams, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Umpire: Christopher Moore, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices

Wickes: Hector Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Sebastian Medina, Technical Certificate: Welding; Aubry Reel, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Vanessa Rundel, Technical Certificate: Business Management

Winthrop: Kiarra Young, Associate of Science: Business ###