Organizational meeting for the Colts' Adopt-A-Player program was Thursday morning at UA Cossatot De Queen campus. We currently have 18 men and 12 women scholarship basketball players enrolled. They come to UAC from across Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Adopt-A-Player program will provide assistance, guidance, and friendship to these young people. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please comment or call or text to (870) 584-6176.
UA Cossatot Announces Summer 2020 Graduates
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases names of summer 2020 graduates and names of those graduating with honors.
16 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees allowing for 19 summer 2020 awards.
3 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 3 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
Students Graduating Summer 2020 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:
Stacey Carter of Newhope, Alexa Copeland of Nashville, and Camryn Wegener of Amity
Students Graduating Summer 2020 with Cum Laude Honors:
Micah Brown of Nashville, Hannah McElroy of Ashdown, and Gerson Perez of Nashville
UA Cossatot Students Graduating Summer 2020 Include (Listed with Highest Degree(s) Earned):
Amity: Camryn Wegener, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology
Arkadelphia: Kameron Carpenter, Associate of Science: Business
Ashdown: Hannah McElroy, Technical Certificate: General Studies and Alex Threadgill, Associate of General Studies
Brooklyn, NY: Yong Gao, Associate of General Studies
Delight: Monica Riley, Associate of Science: Teaching: Middle Level
Foreman: Mattison Grant, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Mineral Springs: Bianca Garcia, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Murfreesboro: Sara Martin, Associate of Sciences: Psychology
Nashville: Jessica Bradford, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Micah Brown, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alexa Copeland, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Gerson Perez, Associate of Arts, and Tijuana Wesson, Associate of Science: Psychology
Newhope: Stacey Carter, Associate of General Studies
Ozan: Jessica Aguilar, Associate of Arts
UA Cossatot Announces Summer 2020 Honor Students
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases summer Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List recognizing honor students.
Four students are named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. Two students are 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 Summer 2020 Chancellor’s List Includes:
De Queen: Angel Espinoza Trujillo
Gillham: Bailey Branson
Nashville: Dennis Guzman
North Little Rock: Dennis Cleghorn
The UA Cossatot Summer 2020 Vice Chancellor’s List Includes:
Nashville: Jeffrey Cardinale
Winthrop: Kiarra Young
AUDIO FROM KUAF: Education Secretary Discusses PPE Supply, Classroom Setups, Teacher Strikes
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24. In the second half of our interview, we discuss personal protective equipment supplies on the school district and state levels, classrooms where distancing desks six feet apart is not possible, the possibility of a teachers strike, and much more.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/education-secretary-discusses-ppe-supply-classroom-setups-teacher-strikes
Education Secretary Discusses PPE Supply, Classroom Setups, Teacher Strikes
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24.
Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (08.20.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, August 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
UAMS Modeling Estimates Fewer Coronavirus Cases With Virtual School Opening
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be “significantly lower” by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction.
The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug. 14, predicts 3,000 new daily infections by Oct. 6 with virtual learning only, 5,500 daily infections with a hybrid of virtual and in-class instruction, and 8,000 daily infections if all classes are in person.
UAMS Modeling Estimates Fewer Coronavirus Cases With Virtual School Opening
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be "significantly lower" by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction. The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug.
AUDIO: Education Secretary Discusses Reopening Schools, Quarantine Protocols, Teacher Pay
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings numerous times. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24. In the first half of our interview, we discuss why schools are reopening at full capacity while businesses operate at 66 percent capacity, quarantine protocols for students and staff following coronavirus exposure, additional pay for educators, and much more.
Education Secretary Discusses Reopening Schools, Quarantine Protocols, Teacher Pay
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings numerous times. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24.
Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,079
Active Positive: 59
Recovered: 1,009
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,272
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 380
Active Positive: 43
Recovered: 334
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,965
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 237
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 193
Deaths: 5
Negatives: 1,363
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 186
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 145
Deaths: 2
Negatives: 2,813
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 151
Active Positive: 46
Recovered: 104
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,616
From De Queen Public Schools
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (08.19.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
Registration Open Through Friday
Fall 2020 registration has been extended until Friday, August 21! Our campuses are open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm daily to visit with your advisor and get your path to your dream career journey started!
VIDEO: U.S. Senator John Boozman at UA Cossatot De Queen Tuesday
U.S. Senator John Boozman made a stop at our UA Cossatot De Queen campus on Tuesday afternoon to talk about the YouthBuild program, COVID-19, and the political climate in America, among other things. (Please excuse the audio issues during the first few minutes) The Senator will visit Ashdown later today and will be in Nashville on Wednesday.
Senior United States Senator for Arkansas, John Boozman, visited UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Senator Boozman met with UA Cossatot representatives to receive an update about the college and its programs. Local elected delegates were also invited to attend the private meeting to discuss issues, news, and accomplishments for Sevier County.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, introduced Senator Boozman at the start of the meeting and welcomed him and his staff to the college. Dr. Cole informed everyone at the meeting that Senator Boozman was instrumental in UA Cossatot receiving the funding to start their new YouthBuild program, which officially began at UA Cossatot on Monday, August 17.
UA Cossatot YouthBuild Instructor, Steve McJunkins, provided an update to the senator about the program. McJunkins stated that they expect to have approximately ten students in the program this semester by the end of the week. In response to helping students during the current COVID-19 crisis, UA Cossatot has extended fall registration through this Friday, August 21, 2020. McJunkins added that they are also expecting a large number of students to enroll in the YouthBuild program in the spring, especially since they will have more time for student recruitment.
McJunkins explained that students in the program could choose two career pathways to gain employment. Students ages 16-24 accepted into the program will have the option to choose the Industrial Maintenance/Welding pathway or the Construction/Carpentry pathway. McJunkins stated both paths provide excellent skills training for the students and many benefits for their local communities.
UA Cossatot Director of Adult Education, Jennifer Black, thanked the senator for his help and involvement in helping UA Cossstot obtain only the second YouthBuild program in the state. Mrs. Black stated that students who are already enrolled in the program are working on achieving their OSHA 10 certification and CPR training in their first two weeks in the program to further their job opportunities.
The college's Vice-Chancellor of Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett, provided an update about how the first week of fall classes are going at UA Cossatot and plans for the fall 2020 semester. Dr. Aylett shared that most courses that are not online this semester can easily transition to an online format if health and safety conditions worsen due to COVID-19. She also mentioned that UA Cossatot has personally reached out to each student to discuss any concerns or issues that they may have to help each student feel more comfortable this semester.
Senator Boozman received updates about the college's skilled and technical programs and an update on the college's agriculture program. UA Cossatot Agriculture Instructor, Kelli Harris said at the meeting that her students were adjusting well to embracing technology in their classes, and that they are very flexible.
"Technology is a great part of the future of agriculture. It is great for production and the environment, and I think it is great that UA Cossatot incorporates it in the classroom," said Senator Boozman.
When asked about the future of technical programs, Senator Boozman stated that these programs are the future. Senator Boozman said, "We need people in these careers as we move forward. These careers will lead to good jobs where individuals can support their families, and I appreciate UA Cossatot helping in that effort."
Senator Boozman congratulated UA Cossatot on its successful programs and said he plans to continue working with UA Cossatot to help Arkansas residents.
Dr. Cole and De Queen City Mayor, Jeff Brown also provided information about community news currently taking place. Mayor Brown said, "We do have families in our community that are struggling due to COVID-19. Thankfully, many people have shown support and offered assistance including our public schools. Our businesses in De Queen and throughout the county are doing well though. Our business owners have been doing a great job, and the community has chosen to support them."
Dr. Steve Cole mentioned that community leaders in Sevier County are encouraging more residents to respond to the U.S. Census, something Senator Boozman endorsed. "The U.S. Census is critical, and every person that is not counted is a loss," said Senator Boozman.
As the Chair of the Sevier County Hospital Board, Dr. Cole also provided an update about plans for the future Sevier County Medical Center to be built in De Queen. "In mid-October, an 18-month construction process will begin on the new hospital. The hospital is set to open in early 2022, and it will also provide approximately 113 new jobs," said Dr. Cole.
Senator Boozman showed his support for Sevier County's growth and stated that he would help introduce the Sevier County Hospital Board to grants and letters to help support the $1.2 million sewer project that will occur due to the new hospital location.
As the meeting ended, Senator Boozman thanked everyone for their excellent work. He mentioned that he looks forward to returning to UA Cossatot and working together with its employees and with local community members
Wednesday's Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Case Numbers
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,074
Active Positive: 67
Recovered: 996
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,231
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 376
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 319
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,950
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 227
Active Positive: 36
Recovered: 187
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 1,355
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 177
Active Positive: 37
Recovered: 139
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,796
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 146
Active Positive: 44
Recovered: 101
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,604
Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,067
Active Positive: 70
Recovered: 986
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,206
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 376
Active Positive: 55
Recovered: 317
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,938
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 219
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 181
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 1,354
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 171
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 135
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,767
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 144
Active Positive: 45
Recovered: 98
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,595
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Blytheville Tuesday (08.18.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Blytheville on Tuesday, August 18th, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Beginning in-person school again in Arkansas is not easy. A lot has changed since March 2020. Everyone has a lot of questions.
In an effort to help answer questions from educators and parents, the Arkansas Department of Education has made new resources available.
This week, the department released the Arkansas Ready to Learn Healthy School Guide. We have posted a copy on our website www.arkansashouse.org .
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
The guide was written and assembled by a team of medical, behavioral health, and education experts from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and partners. The goal of the guide is to bring together good health information.
This information includes the latest scientific advice, guidelines, and best practices. Every school is different. This guide can help school officials, educators, and families plan for in-person learning.
In addition to the guide, the Arkansas Department of Education has established a Ready for School Resource Call Center. The purpose of the call center is to provide Arkansans with information and resources regarding the reopening of schools. The Ready for School Resource Help Line: 1-833-353-6050.
The Help Line is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bilingual support is available. The Help Line is made possible through a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Bilingual Resource Network, Arkansas Children’s, Republic of the Marshall Islands Consulate, and UAMS.
The Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Department of Education also have a hotline available for school district and school questions about:
• Students or staff who may have COVID-19
• How to isolate students or staff so they don’t spread the virus if they have it
• How to quarantine people who may be close contacts to students or staff who may have COVID-19
The ADH and ADE hotline number: 1-833-504-0155.
The Department of Education is making decisions every day. Some decisions may change as we learn new information about the virus that causes COVID-19. We will continue to pass along information as it becomes available.
VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Monday (08.17.20) 330PM
The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2020.
Being Social is Good for your Health
Did you know being social is good for your health?
Research has found that being socially active is as equally healthy as quitting smoking or exercise. In a study published in the journal PLoS Medicine, BYU professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy Smith report people with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships.
"When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks," Holt-Lunstad said.
"This effect is not isolated to older adults," Smith said. "Relationships provide a level of protection across all ages."
Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) members not only benefit from being socially active they also gain knowledge and skills through monthly program topics, special interest workshops and project activities. Members come up with ideas for programs, which are developed cooperatively with the Extension agent to meet interests. Education is a character builder! A lifelong process that is never finished. Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) members keep up to date in these rapidly changing times through lessons on all phases of family living and special interest topics presented by speakers, educators and other club members.
In addition to being social and educated, they also give back to their community by choosing a yearly volunteer service project according to their interests.
And, of course, we like to have fun, too!
EHC members are just like you! They work, shop, and sit next to you at ballgames. They like to learn everything from A to Z to better themselves for their families, neighborhoods and for their community. They are young and old, men and women, working or retired. They come from diverse backgrounds and a rich history. They’ve come a long way from the home demonstration era of the 1900's.
Gather your friends and give us a call. We currently have two clubs that would love to have new members, but we would be happy to start a new club just for you and your friends! Their meeting schedules are:
DeQueen EHC - 2nd Wednesday each month - REA Building in DeQueen at 9:30 a.m.
Gillham EHC – 2nd Friday each month - members’ homes in Gillham at 10:00 a.m.
For more information, please contact Janet Cantrell, Sevier County Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences at 870-584-3013 or jcantrell@uaex.edu.
Students Are Back Today for the Beginning of the Fall Semester at UA Cossatot Campuses
Welcome back! First day of the fall semester at UA Cossatot with indoor, outdoor, and online classes. Fall registration continues thru tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18th, at 4:00 pm. For more info, check out our website, www.cccua.edu or call us at (870) 584-4471.
Students preparing for Lynze Greathouse's Monday morning class on the De Queen campus.
Kelli Harris' agri students took advantage of the mild August morning temps to start their first day of the Fall 2020 semester!
Hayden Harp and Quinshaun Bennett-Hale log on at the ERC.