Little River News

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UA Cossatot Alumni Continues Nursing Career in Plano, Texas

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Caleb Burrow is a former Sevier County resident and a former UA Cossatot nursing student who graduated from UA Cossatot’s RN program in 2015. This summer, Caleb started a new chapter in his life when he and his wife moved to Plano, Texas. In this new location, Caleb was hired to work as a Cardiovascular ICU RN nurse at the Baylor Scottand White Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas.
Caleb grew up in De Queen, Arkansas, where he attended a private Christian school. He graduated high school at a Christian Academy in Northwest Arkansas in 2012. He decided to go to college at UA Cossatot because it was close to home and it was a more cost-effective choice.
He also decided to major in nursing because he wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives. In the fall of 2012, Caleb started taking pre-requisite courses to get into UA Cossatot’s LPN program. One year later, he was in the program.
UA Cossatot has a day and evening LPN program, and Caleb was accepted into the eleven month LPN day program at the De Queen Campus.
Caleb Burrow said, “My time in the LPN program was probably the most challenging and most rewarding time in my nursing education and experience. With classes and clinicals, the whole program challenged me to put what I had learned into practice in both long term and acute care settings. The diversity in the healthcare setting experience was definitely a highlight of the program.”
After graduating from the LPN program in 2014, Caleb continued his nursing education at UA Cossatot by enrolling in the college’s RN nursing program. For this program, Caleb attended classes at UA Cossatot’s Nashville Campus.
The RN program at UA Cossatot is an LPN to RN transition program that is also a part of ARNEC. ARNEC stands for Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium. It is a co-operative effort of eight two-year colleges throughout Arkansas, which helps LPN’s get their RN degree.
Caleb said, “In the RN program, we would meet in the evenings in a distance learning setting. Our lectures would be presented from one location to several other campuses. The lectures were engaging and overall, not too different from any normal in-class setting. The teachers would teach the classes via live streaming, and the teachers would also travel to different campuses so students could see the teachers in person.”
Caleb Burrow graduated with an Associate of Applied Science RN nursing degree from UA Cossatot in 2015. After gaining an LPN and an RN degree from UA Cossatot, Caleb transferred to Arkansas Tech University. He was accepted into the school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, where he took classes online.
Caleb said, “I felt that I was very prepared for my coursework at a four-year university because of the training and education I received at UA Cossatot.”
While taking classes at Arkansas Tech University, he also worked full-time in the ICU setting at Christus St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Texas. In 2017, Caleb graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a BSN degree.
After working three and a half years at Christus St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Caleb has chosen to take a job in the Cardiovascular ICU at the Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas.
When asked why Caleb wanted to take this job, he said, “I am getting to help patients who have undergone significant cardiovascular surgeries or interventions at our facility. Baylor is also a name that could be said is synonymous with quality nursing care and nursing experience. I am proud to be working at this facility, and I love the ICU! I feel it is where I’m meant to be!”
Caleb also says, “If you know that nursing is something you want to pursue, I would personally recommend UA Cossatot’s LPN to RN transition program.”
The application deadline for the eleven-month LPN day program is March 1 of each year at UA Cossatot. The application deadline for the eighteen-month evening LPN program and the one year RN program at UA Cossatot is August 31 of each year.
To learn how to apply for one of these programs at UA Cossatot, please visit the college’s medical education page at www.cccua.edu to schedule an advising appointment.

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OTA Alumni Enjoys Career in Home Health

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Rachel Hockaday is a Dierks, Arkansas resident who graduated from UA Cossatot in December of 2014 with an Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. Since graduating, Rachel has spent the last four and a half years working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant helping others in her community and the surrounding area.
After graduating from De Queen High School in 2012, Rachel chose to pursue a career in the medical field as an OTA. She was inspired to do this based on the extensive outpatient therapy she received at the age of twelve, due to a dislocated shoulder.
Rachel Hockaday said, “I initially planned to start credits with UA Cossatot and then transfer to a four-year university. When I was a senior in high school, UA Cossatot announced the start of their OTA program, and I instantly became interested. The cost of continuing my education away from home was going to be a challenge. I also knew UA Cossatot would be offering the same degree close to home without the financial stress.”
Rachel added, “My mother completed her nursing degree at UA Cossatot around the time I was graduating high school, and she encouraged me to apply. After thinking everything over, I knew that UA Cossatot was where I wanted to start and complete my college education.”
Rachel took her pre-requisite classes first and then was accepted into UA Cossatot’s OTA program in the summer of 2013. In the program, Rachel and her classmates covered different areas of therapy. She was able to learn about physical dysfunctions, mental health, and pediatrics concerning occupational therapy, while also getting the chance to experience clinicals.
“UA Cossatot’s OTA program is a very fast-paced medical program. Students who are in the program learn something new every day. They are pushed to the limit to become the best version of themselves and the best OTA that they can be,” said Rachel Hockaday.
Once she graduated, she then took her NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In 2015 she began her career at De Queen Therapy and Living Center and Glenwood Health and Rehab. In 2018 she became the Director of Rehabilitation at Dierks Health and Rehab. After gaining ten months of experience as a Director of Rehabilitation, she then transitioned into home healthcare this past November with Amedisys Home Health of De Queen.
Rachel Hockaday said, “I’ve enjoyed all of my OTA work experiences, but I’m really enjoying home health. I have been able to travel in city and rural areas of Southwest Arkansas, and I love being able to serve my home town and region. I am very blessed to have stayed in this area for my education and career.”
When asked what her favorite thing about her job is as an OTA, Rachel said, “I love the connection I get to make with my clients. I am able to connect with them on a personal level and sometimes at the most vulnerable times of their life. As an OTA, I can focus on what is important to them and help improve their quality of life by regaining their ability to complete those tasks.”
Rachel was in UA Cossatot’s second OTA graduating class. During her time at UA Cossatot Rachel said she enjoyed the small classes and the local professors. Rachel said,” I feel that my college experience was a very personalized experience, and the professors were very supportive.”
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s OTA program, please visit the college’s Medical Education page at www.cccua.edu to schedule an advising appointment.

Cossatot Community College

Click here to learn how to login to campus email, Blackboard, and Campus Connect! The University of Arkansas - Fayetteville's Chancellor, Dr. Joe Steinmetz has announced that the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville will now charge associate degree graduates from UA Cossatot the same tuition rates those graduates were charged at UA Cossatot.




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UA Cossatot’s First PTA Class Graduates

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Photo: from left to right (first row): Kyle Duncan and Adam Bailey; (second row): Jeanne Spain, Katy Worrell, Kylie Bowens, and Mandy Mote.

Photo: from left to right (first row): Kyle Duncan and Adam Bailey; (second row): Jeanne Spain, Katy Worrell, Kylie Bowens, and Mandy Mote.

On Friday, August 9, 2019, a Pinning Ceremony was held at UA Cossatot Ashdown Campus for the 2019 PTA Class. UA Cossatot launched its Physical Therapist Assistant Program last year, and now, six students have graduated from the program.
The Pinning Ceremony took place in the Barbara Horn Civic Center at 6:00 P.M. The six students who received pins at the ceremony include Adam Bailey of Murfreesboro, Arkansas; Kylie Bowens of De Queen, Arkansas; Kyle Duncan of Ashdown, Arkansas; Mandy Mote of Hensley, Arkansas; Jeanne Spain of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Katy Worrell of Maud, Texas.
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole welcomed everyone to the ceremony and discussed the origin of starting the PTA program at the college. PTA Program Director, Jennifer Sanderson introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Rosalyn Henry.
Dr. Rosalyn Henry is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who works as a Director of Rehabilitation Services in Texarkana, Texas. She also serves on the UA Cossatot PTA Advisory Council. Dr. Henry gave the graduates advice and offered encouraging words.
Jennifer Sanderson congratulated the PTA class of 2019 and expressed how proud she was of them and all of their hard work. The graduates then received their PTA pins.
Two additional awards were given at the ceremony. Jeanne Spain received recognition for having the highest program grade average in the class. Katy Worrell received an academic achievement award for having the second-highest program grade average in the class.
PTA graduate, Jeanne Spain said, "This whole experience has been exciting, and it is an honor to have been able to go through this program. It is also very surreal to be in the first PTA group at UA Cossatot to start and finish this program."
When asked what their favorite thing about the program was, the group of graduates said, "The PTA program has given us so much knowledge, but what we have enjoyed the most is the relationships, friendships, and connections we have made by being in this program."
Now that these students have graduated, new students are entering UA Cossatot PTA Program this month. To learn about pre-requisites for the PTA Program or deadlines to apply, please visit UA Cossatot Medical Education page at www.cccua.eduto schedule an advising appointment.

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Representative DeAnn Vaught To Seek Re-Election

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Horatio – At the urging of her family and supporters, State Representative DeAnn Vaught today announced she will seek another term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Serving since 2015, Vaught has become known as one of the most passionate voices at the Capitol, particularly when it comes to advocating for rural Arkansas.

Her experience and strong voice have been instrumental in lowering the tax burden on every single Arkansan while slowing the out of control growth of state government. “I work hard to fight for our way of life, our right to farm, our 2nd Amendment rights, protecting unborn children, and bringing awareness to mental health issues and child abuse,” said Vaught about her priorities. Vaught represents district 4, which includes parts of Howard, Sevier, and Little River Counties. She has worked hard with local leaders to continue efforts for job growth and economic development. Since her first election, Arkansas is among the leaders in the country in wage growth and is enjoying the highest employment numbers in state history. The agriculture community is close to Vaught’s heart, “District 4 is full of amazing farmers who care for their livestock and the environment, they do not need more red tape keeping them from doing what they love, and we all need them to keep feeding the world!” Due to her time and experience within the legislature, Vaught is a strong leader in the House. She is Vice-Chair of Executive Audit and currently serves on the Education Committee, Insurance & Commerce, House Management, and House Rules. She also serves on Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and is the PEER Review Co-Chair.

With a very successful track record of passing bills she sponsors, Vaught has led efforts to improve teacher salaries, protect property rights, and increase speed limits on certain state highways. Says Vaught, “I am very grateful for everyone’s support and hope to continue to serve you as your District 4 State Representative.”

Vaught resides on her family farm outside of Horatio with her husband Jon. They have 3 grown daughters and are members of First Baptist Church, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, and Arkansas Pork Producers.

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Free Beekeeping Course on Nashville Campus of UA Cossatot

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Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association is offering a free basic beekeeping course September 9. The three-hour course is for those who have never kept bees but think they would like to try. Participants will learn everything they need to get started – basic concepts and costs of beekeeping, equipment and supplies required and where to purchase, as well as long-term costs and time required. The free class will be taught by Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association President Fred Douville. Refreshments will be served. Classes will be September 9, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at UA Cossatot in Nashville, Room 101. Although the class is free, preregistration is required to insure adequate handouts and refreshements. For more information about the course and to register, contact Debra Bolding at (870) 557-2352.

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Heavy Rains hit parts of SW AR Tuesday

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Heavy rain and high winds moved through the area late Tuesday afternoon to bring some relief from heat indices the past couple of days near 110 degrees. Temperatures should be slightly milder later in the week with less humidity, highs in the low to mid 90’s, and lows in the low to mid 70’s. Pictures are on De Queen campus of UA Cossatot. (3 pics)

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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In Arkansas, there are on average 71 billion gallons of water flowing in rivers, 4.8 trillion gallons in lakes and 200 trillion gallons in the ground.

Our state is abundant with water resources and much of our economy depends on it. It is estimated Arkansans use 157 gallons of water every day.

August is National Water Quality Month. It reminds us to take a look at what our households and communities are doing to protect sources of fresh water.

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants and regulating quality standards for surface waters. But most people are unaware of the little ways they can pollute their water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using and disposing of harmful materials properly. When hazardous waste is dumped on the ground it can contaminate the soil. Contaminated soil then contaminates the ground water or nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as:

· Motor oil

· Pesticides

· Leftover paints or paint cans

· Mothballs

· Flea collars

· Household cleaners

· A number of medicines

Next, don't overuse pesticides or fertilizers. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain hazardous chemicals which can travel through the soil and contaminate ground water.

It is also recommended to keepyard waste off the streets, sidewalks, and driveways, and gutters. If yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves enters our storm drains, it flows untreated directly to creeks, streams, and lakes. As yard waste breaks down, nutrients that are released can lead to water pollution.

Overall, Arkansans have access to good quality water. But it is not a resource to take for granted. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension has extensive material on how to best protect conserve and protect our water at www.uaex.edu.

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Your best source for unbiased, research-based information on agriculture, communities, the economy, families and youth.