UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program Finishes Fall Semester

UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology program is a three consecutive semester program offered to students at the Nashville Campus. This semester the cosmetology students have been learning the required knowledge to receive their technical certificate. They have also been taking part in community activities and educational trips.
In September, the students traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the Armstrong McCall World’s Fair Hair Show. For two days, they learned skills and techniques, observed hair and beauty competitions, met with exhibitors, and listened to several guest speakers.
One of the guest speakers included experienced stylist Arod the Barber, who is known for working with many internet celebrities and specializing in trending hairstyles and freestyle design. Guy Tang was also another guest speaker who spoke about how to bring excitement and fun into the cosmetology industry. On the trip, the students were also able to see the Alamo and explore the city of San Antonio.
On October 10, the 26th Annual Golden Gathering took place at the Nashville City Park. This event is designed for people ages fifty-five and up to have a fun day in the park. Along with food, freebies, Bingo, and entertainment, the UA Cossatot Cosmetology program set up a booth to offer free manicures to those who were present. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the students also studied wig care and wig making in October.
In December, four students in the program finished their requirements, passed their board exams, and graduated from UA Cossatot on December 13, 2019. These students include Angela Calderon, Kianna McElroy, Tessa Ewing, and Jaime Sims.
The Cosmetology program at UA Cossatot is an educational opportunity offered at the college but is also a business with several services and low prices. The services provided by the program are available to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
To view the prices and full list of services, please visit www.cccua.edu/cosmetology. For appointments or for more information, please call 870-845-5976. Walk-in customers are also welcome

Mexican Consulate Donates to UA Cossatot Foundation

During this fall semester, the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas worked alongside the UA Cossatot Foundation to provide a total donation of $5,000 towards student scholarships.
The six students awarded were Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aquilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.
IME Becas is a program implemented by the government of Mexico to support low income Hispanic students living in the United States who are completing basic education, higher education, or technical careers. The government of Mexico allocates funds to this program which can be complemented by other organizations that also support the educational advancement of students who are decedents of Mexico or those majoring in Spanish.
Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas presented the donation to UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Every fall semester the UA Cossatot Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro applies for this grant. Erika Buenrrostro said, “This partnership has allowed us to help provide assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to find aid to help pay for school.”.

UA Cossatot Participates in Hispanic Women Organization of Arkansas Panel

Erika Buenrrostro is the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success at UA Cossatot. Erika was invited to serve on the panel for the Hispanic Organization for Women Conference in Springdale, Arkansas in October. Topics she discussed at the conference included Latinos in higher education, trends, Hispanic Serving Institutions in Arkansas, and her employment at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot is the only Hispanic Serving Institution (HSIs) in Arkansas and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. With Erika’s employment at UA Cossatot and her experience as the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, she has valuable knowledge that the committee members of the conference wanted her to share.
In Springdale, Erika shared her experience of being a former college student and a minority student. She then spoke about UA Cossatot’s best practices in achieving Hispanic enrollment.
Minorities tend to face obstacles in earning a certificate or degree from a college. At the conference, Erika discussed ways UA Cossatot reaches the needs of Hispanic men and women. Through the Center for Student Success, UA Cossatot helps students with self-care practices and gives students a safe place to seek assistance.
“It is important for students to know that their school cares about them. Also, if assistance is available, they should be aware of that. Every student is different, and UA Cossatot realizes that. I am proud to work for a college that believes in helping all students achieve their dreams,” said Coordinator of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro.
Erika also discussed financial aid opportunities that are available to the public, programs available for secondary and post-secondary students, as well as opportunities available through Adult Education and Continuing Education at a community college.
The conference concluded with Erika stating that Hispanics, especially Hispanic women, have more opportunities than ever before to receive higher education. While promoting educational opportunities at UA Cossatot, Erika expressed ways other colleges can help Latinos reach their goals

Christmas Tour of Southwest Arkansas

With the Christmas season upon us, we thought we would post a video of some pretty holiday sights right here in our own backyards!

Dierks Christmas Parade Monday Night December 16th

Howard County Cooperative Extension Service Holiday Break

We hope you have a wonderful holiday! Just a reminder – the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service will be closed for our winter break Monday, December 23, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Our office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Two Retirees Honored at UA Cossatot Christmas Party on Thursday

Jim Fleming of UA Cossatot was honored at the college Christmas party on Thursday for his 19 years of service to UAC. Fleming is retiring at the and of this semester and Dr. Steve Cole presented Jim with a plaque at the event.

Nursing instructor Kay Trotta was recognized for her years of dedicated service on Thursday! Department head Kim Dickerson presented "Mama Kay" with a crystal clock and other gifts at the UAC Christmas party.

UA Cossatot Graduation Tonight in Lockesburg

University of Arkansas Cossatot graduation ceremonies begin at 6:00 Friday night, December 13th, at the Historic Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.

UA Cossatot hosts two commencement ceremonies each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall to honor summer, fall, and spring graduates. The 2019 UA Cossatot Commencement Ceremony honoring Summer 2019 and Fall 2019 graduates will be held on December 13, 2019.

Nashville First Graders at Nashville Rotary

Nashville first graders, under the direction of Stacia Petty, entertained the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday!

Center for Student Success Honors Students

On November 19, 2019, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success held its first awards ceremony to honor outstanding students of the college. The awards ceremony took place in the Skilled Trades building on the De Queen Campus where nominated students were recognized for their accomplishments and hard work.

Students who received awards for special recognition included Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, Joel Guerrero, Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.

These students were nominated by student organization sponsors, faculty, and staff members of UA Cossatot. Such students have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership and have demonstrated personal excellence.

Rotaract students were also present at the awards ceremony and were recognized for their contributions to the organization and for following the Rotaract motto of “Service above Self” throughout the fall 2019 semester.

Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, was the invited guest speaker at the event. Along with the Center for Student Success Coordinator, she awarded scholarships at the ceremony to six students also providing everyone with encouraging words. The students who received scholarships included Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.

At the event Center for Student Success Coordinator, Erika Buenrrostro spoke about the services and opportunities that the Center for Student Success provides for students of the college.

The second annual Center for Student Success Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place in November of 2020.

Photo (from left to right) includes: Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Maria de Monservat, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, and Erika Buenrrostro.

Photo (from left to right): top row: Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, and Joel Guerrero. Bottom Row: Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.

UA Cossatot OTA Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium

UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium

UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony was Saturday at noon at the Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium.

The Congressional App Challenge Winners from Murfreesboro

The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Austin Jackson and Brandon White from Mufreesboro High School for their app, "Check Me Out." I'm looking forward to hosting them in D.C.!
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District Congressman

UA Cossatot Offers Meal Plan Options

UA Cossatot will continue to offer meal plan options for students during the spring 2020 semester. By completing a Colt Bucks form, UA Cossatot students will be able to set up meal plan options through the UA Cossatot Campus Café.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot has two Campus Cafés that are located on the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for the spring 2020 semester.
Students who purchase a meal plan will receive a UA Cossatot Colt Bucks card. The Colt Bucks card can contain four different meal plan options.
The Gold Plan is $300, the Silver Plan is $200, and the Bronze Plan is $100. Students can also add a custom amount to fit their needs.
Students can purchase a Colt Bucks meal plan at any time. If students wish to use financial aid for a meal plan, they must complete a Colt Bucks form by January 28, 2020. Forms are available in the Business Office on the De Queen Campus and at the front desk in the Atrium at the Nashville Campus.
Students who purchase a meal plan for the spring semester are also able to use that meal plan amount in the summer of 2020 until the 2019-2020 academic year is completed on July 31, 2020.
For questions or concerns regarding UA Cossatot meals plans, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-1113 or 970-584-1215 or e-mail askbusinessoffice@cccua.edu.
To sign up for classes next semester, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471

Dierks Christmas Parade December 16th

ARNEC Program Nursing Instructor Needed

FULL-TIME POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ARNEC Program NURSING INSTRUCTOR

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and creative educator for the position of Registered Nursing Instructor to add to its ARNEC teaching team.
ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nursing license
• Master of Science in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing will be considered if applicant is, or is planning to be enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program
• Must have at least three (3) years of clinical nursing experience with five (5) years preferred; minimum of one (1) year of nursing education experience preferred
• Travel is required as part of the twelve-month faculty position
• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, principles, and policies in all fields of nursing
• Maintain educational and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities
• Must be able to pass a background check
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• To prepare and present curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the ARNEC program director
• Meet for class regularly and punctually; follow instructor guidelines as outlined in the ARNEC Faculty Handbook
• Teach needed courses and maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning
• Appropriately direct students according to ARNEC policies and procedures for conflict resolution
• Communicate professionally with all constituents of the consortium
• Demonstrate positive student rapport
Primary permanent office location will be at the college campus closest to the educator’s home.
SALARY:
Salary is in the $60,000 range; dependent upon education and experience and position includes paid vacation and sick leave, a retirement package, group health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance options.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, January 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., or until a suitable candidate has been selected
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a completed UA Cossatot application, cover letter, detailed resume, unofficial college transcripts, three professional letters of reference, and a three (3) to five (5) minute video clip of a teaching presentation over the healthcare subject of your choice. Submissions may be mailed to UA Cossatot, Attn: Human Resources, 183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832, e-mailed to kplunk@cccua.edu , faxed to 870-642-6864, or brought by in person.
All requested application materials must be completed and submitted within application packet to be considered.
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.cccua.edu/jobs, Employment Opportunities link, or call 870-584-1104 to request one.
UA Cossatot is an EEO/AA/ADA employer. Qualified minorities are encouraged to apply.

Wendy and Max Pratt at Nashville Rotary

Wednesday’s program at the Nashville Rotary Club was presented by Wendy and Max Pratt who told the group about the Tiny Leaders program in Nashville.

Howard County 4-H Youth at National 4-H Congress In Atlanta, Georgia

Two Howard County 4-H youth attended National 4-H Congress recently in Atlanta, Georgia. They included Abbie Lamb and Nick Trombley. Jim Bob Lamb, Howard County 4-H Volunteer leader also attended the conference. The group joined 28 other youth from across Arkansas and youth from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the five day conference.
“Go Beyond” was the theme of this year’s conference. During the week youth participated in leadership and community service activities including volunteering at local schools, cleaning parks and cemeteries. The group also had the opportunity to tour some of the sites including - The World of Coke Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Braves Baseball Complex, plus have lunch at the world famous Ritz hotel.
One of the highlights of the trip included an “Evening of Culture” where the group visited various countries through exhibits and tasting of traditional foods. This event is one of the highlights of the trip.

Abbie and Nick were recognized for their 4-H career and accomplishments this past summer at the State 4-H Achievement Banquet in Fayetteville. According to Jean Ince, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, “This is the highest recognition for any 4-H member. They have put in countless hours of community service and leadership through their years in 4-H in order to achieve at this level. I am extremely proud of these 4-Hers. One of the benefits of my job as a county agent is to watch youth grow into confident adults. It’s amazing to see them change from someone who is super shy into one who has no problem speaking and sharing what they have learned before various groups.”

Nashville Christmas Parade

Nashville Christmas Parade Winning Entries:
First Place--What Fur Dog Grooming $100.00 prize
Second Place--St. Martin's Catholic Church $75.00
Third Place--Midway Baptist Church $25.00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE NASHVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

Happy Thanksgiving from UA Cossatot

Santa's little helpers on the Nashville campus of UA Cossatot put up the tree this morning! All campuses of UA Cossatot will be closed tomorrow at 11:00 am and will reopen Monday morning. From all of us at UAC, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!