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Carmen Sansom Named 2019 Ashdown High School Homecoming Grand Marshall

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Ashdown Public School's Retiree Carmen Sansom has been named the 2019 Ashdown High School Homecoming Grand Marshall. Mrs. Sansom will lead the parade on Friday, September 13th at 2 p.m.

She is married to Dale Sansom and they have been residents of the Hicks Community in Ashdown for 42 years, where they raise cattle. They have three daughters Jennifer Sansom, Katie Phelps, and Mollye Cobb who all graduated from Ashdown and five grandchildren Bandera, Ty, Bannon, Cayce, and Colt. Bandera, Bannon, and Colt attend school in Ashdown and Cayce and Ty attend school in Simms, TX where Mrs. Sansom graduated.


Mrs. Sansom taught 25 in the Ashdown School District. She was a math teacher at AJHS for 10 years and 15 at AHS. She said, “I thought I would only teach until our daughters graduated from college, but I loved it so much, I just couldn’t stop! I loved not only teaching but getting to know so many young people and watching them grow into amazing adults with children of their own."


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2019 Fall Officers Are Elected To Serve in Collegiate FFA

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Photo L-R: Reporter, Codie Jamison; Treasurer, Cody Chandler; Co-Vice President, Hadley Philamlee; President, Dusty Kesterson; Co-Vice President, Kinley Wright; and Secretary, Raven Revels

Photo L-R: Reporter, Codie Jamison; Treasurer, Cody Chandler; Co-Vice President, Hadley Philamlee; President, Dusty Kesterson; Co-Vice President, Kinley Wright; and Secretary, Raven Revels

UA Cossatot's Collegiate FFA organization announces the fall 2019 FFA officers. These officers will serve for a term of one semester, and be active leaders in UA Cossatot's FFA.

The officers include President, Dusty Kesterson; Co-Vice President, Hadley Philamlee; Co-Vice President, Kinley Wright; Secretary, Raven Revels; Treasurer, Cody Chandler; and Reporter, Codie Jamison.

Being a member of UA Cossatot's FFA provides students scholarship opportunities; leadership, communication, and networking skills; and the chance to build friendships with other FFA members. Students pursuing a technical certificate in agriculture or an associate's degree in agriculture business, agriculture science, agriculture education, or natural resources can join UA Cossatot's Collegiate FFA.

This fall, UA Cossatot's FFA will be taking part in numerous activities, projects, and field trips to enhance students’ in-class experience. UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA sponsor, Kelli Harris, has announced that the FFA members will be taking part in a Gillham Lake clean-up project on September 14. They will also be making preparations for the FFA Gun Raffle and Chili Supper to raise money for scholarships on November 7 at the college.

For additional information about UA Cossatot's Collegiate FFA, please contact Kelli Harris at 870-584-1218 or kharris@cccua.edu

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UA Cossatot’s Rotaract Club Attends Conference in Russellville

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On Saturday, August 24, 2019, UA Cossatot’s student organization, Rotaract, attended a conference at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. The theme of the conference was how to connect, network, and get inspired to create projects that benefit people locally and across the globe. 
The UA Cossatot Rotaract attendees included Eruby Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Joel Guerrero, Kendra Rodriguez, Ashlee Dunn, Karina Lopez, Lissette Hernandez, America Rojas, Gesille Montiel, Jhamilex Hernandez, Astrid Jasso, and Angela Vertiz. Rotaract sponsor Dustin Roberts also attended the conference. Rotaract is the college level of Rotary for individuals 18 to 30 years old. It is designed for young leaders to help develop innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
De Queen High School’s Interact club also attended the conference in Russellville. DHS Interact members that were present for the conference included Dalene Velazquez, Blanco Morales, Alma Puga, Abby Ponce, Anthony Sanchez, and Alicia Salazar. De Queen Rotary Secretary, Tammy Huddleston chaperoned the Interact students at the conference. Interact is a high school organization associated with Rotary. It is a club created to bring together young people ages twelve to eighteen to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of service above self.
Rotaract was re-established as a student organization at UA Cossatot last year. UA Cossatot employees Erika Buenrrostro and Dustin Roberts serve as Rotaract sponsors.
“It was great attending the conference where Rotaract and Interact members across the state came together for the purpose of making our communities and world a better place to live,” said Dustin Roberts. 
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s Rotaract club, please contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or at droberts@cccua.edu.

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Sevier County Coalition to Host September Lunch-and-Learn on Blood Sugar Monitoring

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On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, the Sevier County Coalition’s Live Well Sevier County Committee, UA Cossatot and the Dr. Randy Walker Family Practice and Allergy Clinic will be co-hosting a Lunch-n-Learn entitled “Taking the Madness Out of Monitoring” at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon in the Weyerhaeuser room, located in the Skilled Trades Building, and will conclude at 12:40 p.m. 
Presenter Beth Polo Beckel, will be discussing the benefits of blood sugar monitoring, misconceptions regarding the frequency of testing, common testing errors that affect the accuracy of test results, specific times to check blood sugar, how to use results to change blood sugar management decisions, and the appropriate times to take a holiday from blood sugar testing. Beckel says, “Many diabetics check their blood sugar and are unsure about what to do with the information they get. I want to help individuals know how to use their blood sugar results to achieve greater control over their diabetes and improve their health.” 
Beckel is Registered Dietician, Licensed Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator, owner of Unique Health Solutions and a member of the Dr. Randy Walker Family Practice and Allergy Clinic medical team. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Dietetics from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Veterans Administration Medical Center joint program in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has completed requirements for board certification in diabetes education through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.
Currently the owner of Unique Health Solutions, she offers a variety of consulting services and is passionate about assisting individuals in actualizing positive lifestyle change through education and the implementation of processes to support new behaviors. Beckel has worked in a variety of settings as a registered dietitian for 20+ years in the state of Arkansas. Her experiences include acute care, long-term care, research, medical supply, billing, and private practice. 
All are invited to bring their lunch and join Ms. Beckel for this free event. For more on Lunch-and-Learn programs, visit the Sevier County Coalition website at www.seviercountycoalition.com or call UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education Services at (870) 584-4471.###

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Thomas Sweeten Guest Speaker at Tuesday's Lions Club Meeting in De Queen

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Murray “Tuffy” Neeley introduced today’s speaker at the De Queen Lions Club noon meeting. Thomas Sweeten, Biology teacher and Quiz Bowl Instructor for De Queen schools, talked about his quiz bowl beginning and experiences over the last several years. Sweeten bragged on the many kids that came through the program and discussed team trips to regionals, state, and nationals. Sweeten in the last photo shows off the 2019 AR State Championship Ring.

Mena Regional Treasure Your Health and Wellness Fair on September 14

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Free Mena Regional Treasure Your Health and Wellness Fair on September 14 at Mena Regional Health System.

Free health screenings include: Prostate, Thyroid, Blood Pressure, Glucose, Lipid Panel

Free Chair Massages

Health, Wellness, Skincare, Weight loss, Nutrition and Essential Oil Vendors

Free Medicare Card laminations

Relay for Life Concession stand

Survival Flight, Air Evac and Life Net helicopter tours

Blood Drive

Hereditary Cancer Screening Information

Behavioral Health

Drug Take Back

Bounce House, face painting, balloon animals and numerous games for the kids

Vendor freebies

Amazing Door Prizes including $75 Visa Gift Cards!

AND SO MUCH MORE!

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Ben Lomond Block Party Tonight!

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Our next upcoming Block Party for Tuesday, August 27, will be held at Ben Lomond Community Building from 6-8 p.m. There will be free food, water, popcorn, snow cones, bounce house for the kids, and the highlight of the night will be the Lil’ Debbie Eating Contest! Ed 88 will be there providing the music. And it's all FREE! Be sure to bring the kids and meet the Sevier County Sheriff's Department and have some fun!

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

WEEKLY UPDATE FROM STATE REP DEANN VAUGHT:

Arkansas recently set a new record low for unemployment. The unemployment rate for July was 3.4 %, breaking the previous record of 3.5% last month. There are 19,200 more jobs in our state than this time last year.

But the story of our work force does not end there. As we approach Labor Day, it’s worth taking a look at our state’s largest occupations, what occupations are in demand, and what occupations are paying the most.

This information is released annually in the Department of Workforce Services Arkansas Labor Market and Economic Report.

Retail salespersons was estimated to have the most employees across the state with 37,050 employed in 2017 with an average wage of $24,990. Combined food preparation and serving workers was the second largest occupation with 35,520 employed, earning an average wage of $19,620.

When it comes to occupations in demand, the report is divided into three categories: high skill, moderate skill, and basic skill.

The most in-demand high skill occupations in our state are operations managers, registered nurses, clergy, elementary school teachers (except special education), accountants and auditors.

The most in-demand moderate skill occupations are truck drivers, nursing assistants, bookkeeping and auditing clerks, teacher assistants, and licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

The most in-demand basic skill occupations are food preparation and food serving workers, cashiers, retail sales, farmers and other agricultural managers.

Internists topped the occupations paying the most list with an annual salary of $247,280. Obstetricians and Gynecologists, with an average annual salary of $235,130 ranked second.

The entry wage estimate for employers of all sizes was $20,160 for 2017. The median wage estimate for employers with 250-499 employees was $32,317, while wages for experienced workers averaged $50,710 for employers in all size categories.

Our labor market is expected to continue to grow. You can find more detailed information on the labor market in various regions of the state by reading the report we have linked 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?

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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.