...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting
Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head coach of UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts, recently spoke at De Queen Lions Club about the success of the basketball teams’ previous season, the upcoming benefit golf tournament at De Queen County Club, and the upcoming season.
Heat Advisory for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...From 11 AM to 7 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.U.S. Department of Commerce Awarding $2 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Healthcare and Workforce Training at UA Cossatot
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to UA Cossatot. This grant supports a Medical Mobile Unit and creates a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space at all four campuses. This EDA grant is expected to create 105 jobs.
“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Cossatot Community College will provide rural communities with access to healthcare and healthcare training programs to prepare students for good-paying, quality jobs.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will create a Wellness Education Learning and Living (WELL) community with a Medical Mobile Unit to provide urgent care and create a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space to train workers in high-demand healthcare fields.”
“This grant is a real benefit to rural Arkansas,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more healthcare options in rural Arkansas and the benefit of telemedicine. The funds will make a positive impact on the economy and the health of Arkansans.”
“Congress came together in a bipartisan way to pass the CARES Act to strengthen our communities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenges it presents,” said Senator John Boozman. “I am pleased the EDA recognizes the need for expanded health care access and training in Southwest Arkansas and is making this investment to help the region better meet existing and future needs that will also result in more good jobs.”
“Rural America is too often overlooked for federal grants,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “That’s why I’m so grateful that the bipartisan CARES Act is making this critical health care investment possible. The residents of De Queen and the students at Cossatot Community College will benefit greatly from the jobs and training opportunities this grant will support. Smart, targeted investment like this greatly aids rural America’s post-pandemic recovery.”
“We feel this grant will impact Medical Education in Southwest Arkansas like nothing ever before, said UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole. “This WELL grant will allow UA Cossatot to establish four medical simulation/telemedicine labs on each of our four campuses in DeQueen, Lockesburg, Nashville, and Ashdown, two Ambulance Simulators on two campuses, the establishment of a new Medical Lab Technician program, and we will be purchasing a complete mobile medical unit that our medical faculty and students will be using to assist with health care needs around our service area. It is truly a game-changer for our college, and we can’t be more thankful to our Federal Delegation for helping see this through”.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District (SWAPDD). EDA funds SWAPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Back To School COVID Message From Dr. Steve Cole, UA Cossatot Chancellor
Greetings to all students, faculty, and staff at UA Cossatot.
Here it is, the start of a fresh semester and here we are, dealing with another outbreak of COVID-19.
The Chancellor’s Cabinet at UA Cossatot has been monitoring the prevailing health conditions of our local area and, as we did this past year, we will continue to sanitize classrooms and other public spaces and provide masks and hand sanitizers for all students and employees that choose to wear one.
For the upcoming fall semester, here are a few things we want everyone to consider:
If you have questions about vaccinations, mask use, etc., please talk to your family physician, pharmacist, or other professional who is specifically trained in this area. Please don’t rely on social media, unreliable “news” sources, or other unqualified messengers. The most important thing is for everyone to make really good, informed decisions about their own health and how they can help reduce the spread of COVID and reduce the risk associated with it in case they test positive for it.
Getting vaccinated remains your best option for protection against the virus. If you haven’t done so already, I strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. If you need additional information about how and why to get vaccinated locally, please reach out to Dr. Ashley Aylett (aaylett@cccua.edu) for a complete list of locations that offer free vaccines.
There is currently a state law that states that UA Cossatot cannot require masks on our campuses. Even though we don’t require masks when you are on campus, masks are effective in preventing direct exposure to airborne virus particles, and we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
Communication and contact tracing are still vitally important as we monitor students and employees who may be exposed to COVID. The rules and guidance related to quarantine and isolation (based on Arkansas Department of Health guidelines) continue to evolve depending on your vaccination status. If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID or if you have tested positive, please contact the following people:
For UA Cossatot students, contact Dr. Ashley Aylett (aaylett@cccua.edu)
For UA Cossatot employees, contact Ms. Kelly Plunk (kplunk@cccua.edu)
We are looking forward to a fantastic fall semester! We will all have to work hard to take care of one another and have a successful academic year.
As always, please let me know if I can do anything for you!
Dr. Cole
UA Cossatot Honor Students and Graduate List for Summer 2021
UA Cossatot Has Announced the Honor Graduates for Summer 2021
To earn a place on the Chancellor's List a student must complete at least 12 hours of college level credit classes and achieve a semester gpa of 4.0. Ariel Dinkins of Gillham made the Chancellor's List while earning an Associate of Science Degree in Business.
Students who achieve the honor of Vice Chancellor's List, must complete at least 12 hour college level credit classes and earn a semester gpa of 3.50 to 3.99. Vice Chancellor's honorees include:
Weston Harp Associate of Arts De Queen
Sofia Velaquez AS in Business De Queen
Shalene Cardenas AS in Business Nashville
Congratulations to each of our honor students!
UA Cossatot Graduate List for Summer 2021
Erica Alexander Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Shreveport
Michael Barnard Associate of General Studies De Queen
Payton Bobo Associate of Arts & Associate of General Studies Dierks
Marlene Briones Health Professions Technical Certificate De Queen
Jade Burgess Psychology Associate of Science & General Studies Technical Certificate Idabel
Shannon Burkland Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Texarkana
Dillon Cheater STEM Associate of Science Sallisaw, OK
Hannah Coffman Cosmetology Technical Certificate Amity
Brayden Counts Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Dierks
Haley Davis Associate of General Studies Nashville
MaKayla Dixon STEM Associate of Science Ashdown
Delaney Eckert Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Dierks
Sha'uri Esquivel STEM Associate of Science De Queen
Maya Fant Psychology Associate of Science & General Studies Technical Certificate Nashville
Aubree Gauldin Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Foreman
Lacie Grace Cosmetology Technical Certificate Nashville
Triston Green General Technology Associate of Applied Science Nashville
Weston Harp Associate of Arts & General Studies Technical Certificate De Queen
Jerimiyah Harris Business Associate of Science Nashville
Samantha Henderson Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Broken Bow
Candice Hughes Associate of General Studies Murfreesboro
Alyssa Jackson Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Fouke
Sophie Jackson STEM Associate of Science Cove
Jacques Ketant Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate North Miami, FL
Brayden Kirby Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Dierks
Garrett Lance Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Nashville
Hope Littles Associate of Arts & General Studies Technical Certificate Murfreesboro
Aubrey Lockeby Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Megan Lovelis Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Star City
David Mitchell Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Crystal Morgan Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Texarkana
Breanna Mounts Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Newhope
Rena Owens Associate of General Studies & Teaching: K-6 Associate of Science Waldron
Callie Redfearn Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Erica Resendiz Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science De Queen
Raven Revels Agri Business Associate of Science De Queen
Garrett Talley Associate of General Studies Nashville
Congratulations to all of our UA Cossatot Summer Graduates!
A Continued Increase in COVID-19 Active Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 74
Weyerhaeuser to Partner with UA Cossatot to Offer Paid Internships and Tuition
COVID-19 Active Cases Climbing in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 73
UA Cossatot Student Athletes Scholarship Benefit Golf Tournament Saturday, August 14th
Colts Golf Tournament will present plaques to the winners of each flight (3 flights). The tournament will include smoked chicken and fried fish dinners by donation, goodie bags from De Queen Auto Group, giveaways, hole-n-one chances at $50,000 toward the purchase of any new vehicle, a one year supply of Bridgestone Golf Balls, Cuater by TravisMathew, and a Prize Package and $500 shopping spree all sponsored by Gentry’s Chevrolet, Longest Drive Prizes sponsored by Bush Tractor & Seth Tollett Farms, Closest to Hole 1 Free Year Club Membership, and Putting Contest Prize.
Mechanical Millwright Paid Internships Available for UA Cossatot Students at Weyerhaeuser in Dierks
Weyerhaeuser in Dierks is offering some new paid mechanical millwright internships for UA Cossatot students. This is an opportunity for our students to pursue an Associate of Applied Science – General Technology or a technical certificate for Industrial Technology or Industrial Electricity tuition free, plus $15.96 per hour. There are 4 positions open for application now through 8/18. Below are the direct links to the posting along with a job description.
Mechanical Millwright Intern-01016597
http://weyer.jobs/16597 - external
http://weyer.jobs/16597i - internal
Description:
Weyerhaeuser Company is partnering with Cossatot Community College of University of Arkansas to build a talent pipeline. We are seeking applicants for internship/sponsorship opportunities for our Mid-South manufacturing facilities located in Dierks, AR. We are seeking applicants with a desire to work in the Electrical/Electronics and Industrial Maintenance areas of study. This is an excellent professional development opportunity.
Key Intern Expectations:
· Commitment to completing degree at Cossatot Community College of University of Arkansas (CCCUA)
· Dependability – punctual and prepared to work
· Professional communication and behaviors
· Commitment to learning and understanding critical safety behavior requirements
Qualifications:
· Enrolled at CCCUA in Associate of Applied Science – General Technology or pursing a technical certificate for Industrial Technology or Industrial Electrical
· Must be at least 18 years of age with high school diploma or GED
· Must be able to commit to summer internship each year while enrolled and will be required to work weekend schedule during school year.
· Must be able to complete the internship requirements for degree completion
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Technical writing capability
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment
· Problem solving and analytical skills
· High level of initiative and motivation
· Ability to pass pre-employment requirements including drug screen and background check
· Proficient in MS Office
· Willingness to work in challenging environments (outdoor temperature extremes)
· Willingness to perform the essential functions of this position
· Commitment to at least 3 years of employment with Weyerhaeuser upon graduation from CCCUA
· Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
About Wood Products:
We've been delivering quality building products and solutions to our customers for more than 100 years. From builders and dealers to specifiers and homeowners, we offer exceptional product performance and unparalleled support.
For more than a century, we’ve been building our reputation as a leader in sustainable wood products.
About Weyerhaeuser
We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We’re serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.
We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.
Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.
Job: Operations, Manufacturing, & Construction
Primary Location: USA-AR-Dierks
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Entry Level
Job Type: Temporary Work
Shift: Day (1st)
COVID-19 Active Cases Decline for a Day in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 64
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 76
COVID-19 Active Case Numbers Still on the Rise in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 81
VIDEO: Pilgrim's and UA Cossatot Better Futures Program Registration
Cody Gallagher of Pilgrim's and UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole were in our De Queen studio this morning to talk about the Better Futures Program which will allow eligible Pilgrim's employees and their family members to attend class at UAC at no charge. Members of the UA Cossatot Student Services Department will be in the break room at Pilgrim's on Tuesday, August 3rd from 1:30-5:30 to answer questions and register students.
JBS USA and Pilgrim’s and UA Cossatot are Bringing the Better Futures Program to Arkansas
JBS USA and Pilgrim’s and UA Cossatot are Bringing the Better Futures Program to Arkansas
Tuesday, August 3rd from 1:30 until 5:30 pm, members of the UA Cossatot Student Services Department will be at Pilgrim's De Queen facility to enroll eligible Pilgrim's employees and their dependents living at home in classes at UAC. Pilgrim's is paying the way for these employees and their families to further their education.
JBS USA and Pilgrim’s announce that more than 1,250 team members and dependents have enrolled in community colleges across rural America as part of the company’s Better Futures free college tuition program. With a goal of becoming the largest privately-funded free two-year college initiative in rural America, the Better Futures program has received praise from school administrators and educational leaders across the country.
“The JBS USA and Pilgrim’s Better Futures program is off to an outstanding start, with 1,286 of our team members and dependents enrolling in the program in only four months,” said Andre Nogueira, chief executive officer, JBS USA. “The number of students attending college has been in decline for more than a decade, especially among minority communities and across rural America. We believe providing free access to community college can help strengthen rural economies and make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of people.”
Since the launch of Better Futures in March 2021, the companies have partnered with 36 colleges in 22 states to provide tuition-free education to team members and dependents, many from first-generation American families. Today, approximately 70% of the more than 1,250 Better Futures enrollees are team members.
“When we launched Better Futures, we anticipated that the vast majority of enrollees would be the dependents of our team members,” said Corey Friend, Better Futures program manager. “We have been pleasantly surprised that so many of our team members have decided to take advantage of this opportunity to upskill and prepare themselves for the workforce of the future through education. Better Futures is unlocking untapped potential across rural America and I could not be more proud of the great progress we have made in such a short amount of time.”
To be eligible for Better Futures, JBS USA and Pilgrim’s team members need only to have worked with the company for the last six months and remain in good standing with the company through completion of their education. Better Futures participants are able to pursue any courses or degree programs they wish.
More information on the Better Futures program can be found at https://betterfutures.jbssa.com/.
Medical Billing and Coding Program Registration is Open at UA Cossatot
Registration is now open for the Medical Billing and Coding Program. Interested persons should contact Continuing Education Services at ContinuingEducation@cccua.edu or by calling (870) 584-1178 for more details. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Phlebotomy Technician Program Registration is Open at UA Cossatot
Registration is now open for the Phlebotomy Technician Program at UA Cossatot. Interested persons should contact Continuing Education Services at ContinuingEducation@cccua.edu or by calling (870) 584-1178 for more details. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
COVID-19 Active Cases Steadily Rising in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Heat Advisory Continues for SW Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM CDT
THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values from 105 to 110 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...From noon to 7 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.Today and Tonight...
A Heat Advisory is in effect today for all of the Four State
Region. Temperatures will again climb into the mid and upper 90s
this afternoon across the area, and when combined with the
humidity, will result in heat indices ranging from 105 to 110
degrees. In addition, isolated to widely scattered showers and
thunderstorms will develop today over portions of East Texas and
North Louisiana, before diminishing by sunset.
Friday through Wednesday...
Very hot, humid, and mostly dry conditions will continue across
the region Friday through Sunday, as an upper level ridge of high
pressure begins to shift southeast into the area. This will result
in the hottest temperatures so far this summer, and when combined
with the humidity, will produce heat indices that will near or
exceed 105 degrees each day. However, a weak cool front will shift
south into the region late Sunday, which will focus an increase
in showers and thunderstorms over the area late Sunday through
Tuesday. The increased cloud cover and rain near and behind the
front will also contribute to slightly cooler temperatures Monday
through midweek.Active COVID Cases Continue to Push Upward in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 65
