Housing Option for Students is Discussed at Board of Visitors Meeting

On September 9, 2019, UA Cossatot held their bi-monthly Board of Visitors meeting at the college’s Lockesburg Campus. At the meeting, division reports were given, announcements were made, the board passed nine new and edited policies, and UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole spoke about the possibility of the college having dorms in the future.
During the July Board of Visitors meeting, the board approved for Dr. Cole to move forward with research regarding student housing. On August 20, Dr. Cole attended a UA Trustees retreat that included a session on explaining the positive benefits of colleges pursuing public/private relationships, or P3s. He shared his research results with the Board of Visitors.
Dr. Cole stated that a P3 arrangement for dormitories would allow UA Cossatot to have better access to capital for major construction projects. It would also allow for turnkey development and management options for student housing and other projects.
At the beginning of September, the college published a student housing survey that went out to over fifteen hundred current and potential UA Cossatot students. Almost three hundred surveys were completed, and the results were shared at the meeting. The three most positive pieces of the housing survey were that 79% of those polled indicated they would definitely live in on-campus housing, they would prefer to live on campus year round, and DeQueen (62%) and Nashville (31%) were the campuses where students would be most interested in living. The feedback will be used in the college’s decision-making process as UA Cossatot moves forward with student housing plans. More research will take place this fall to uncover accounting and legal issues so that the college can possibly make student housing an option for students at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, “I think that for UA Cossatot to always remain competitive and growing, we will, at some point in our history, have to develop student housing. This will aid in the growth of not only our in-demand academic programs, but our growing athletic programs as well.
Other information discussed at the Board of Visitors meeting included the college beginning new development on a strategic plan for 2025. The college has selected an employee strategic planning committee, and surveys will be released to stakeholders and shareholders of the college very soon.
Lauren Volarvich was recently hired as an English instructor at UA Cossatot. The first PTA class graduated this summer from UA Cossatot’s PTA program. Also, the enrollment report revealed fall enrollment this semester at UA Cossatot was higher than last year, showing an 8% increase over last fall.
The college also invited UA Cossatot Student Ambassador, Jessica Aguilar and Miss UA Cossatot 2019, Perri Lowrey to attend the Board of Visitors meeting as special guests.
The next UA Cossatot board of visitors meeting is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2019.

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.

UA Cossatot’s Diesel Technology program is underway!

UA Cossatot's program will prepare students for enry-level positions in the diesel technician trade in light, medium, and heavy duty applications. Students learn to work on brake systems, drive trains, electric and electronic circuits, hydraulic systems, and diesel engines, all of which are valuable skills for a successful career. The program will consist of stackable credentials beginning with 4 Certificates of Proficiency in each discipline area, a Technical Certificate that includes each of the four discipline areas leading to an AAS degree in General Technology.

Public Forum in Horatio Tuesday Night

Tonight, the second in a series of town hall meetings in Sevier County to discuss a proposed 1% sales tax to construct a new hospital, will be held at the Horatio Elementary School Cafeteria. The meeting gets underway at 6 and will be live streamed on the Ed 88 Facebook page.

Burn Bans Across South Arkansas Counties

Eleven south Arkansas counties are now under a burn ban and that number may increase over the next several days as hot, dry weather continues across the state.

Stephanie Barrett Lions Club Speaker in De Queen Tuesday

Lion Jeff Brown introduced Stephanie Barrett as the guest speaker to the De Queen Lions Club noon meeting today. Barrett explained her duties as prosecuting attorney for the 8th Judicial District South in Arkansas, which serves Miller and Lafayette counties. Barrett also serves on the AR Prosecuting Attorneys Board of Directors and the APAA Legislative Committee.

Landsdell Family Clinic in De Queen Grand Opening Thursday September 12th

Thursday from 11 AM – 1 PM at 500 E Collin Raye Dr, in De Queen

Sevier County Promotes an Online Tourism Review Campaign

This fall, the Sevier County Tourism Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the Sevier County Economic Development Director are asking for the community’s support as they launch a “Love Local” online tourism review campaign. This campaign will involve everyone’s input from local community members to visitors of Sevier County.
The county leaders are challenging residents of Sevier County to speak up and share reviews online about local dining, shopping, events, attractions, and service-related businesses in Sevier County. By leaving an online review through Trip Advisor, Facebook, Google, or another online platform, Sevier County will receive more promotion. Individuals who blog or write in any platform are also encouraged to share more about why they love Sevier County and highlight specific locations. “We know that so many people use these online tools to plan their vacations, day trips, and weekend destinations,” shared Keisha McKinney, Economic Development Tourism Chairperson. “When they find one of our local Sevier County spots through tier research, we want them to know what we love about our town; our favorite dish at a local restaurant, why we love a certain spot at the lake, or who always has the clothes or accessories that fit our individual style.”
When county residents visit a local business or see something beautiful, unique or exciting in Sevier County, they are now encouraged to post a review about it on the Internet or through a tourism review smart phone app.
Business owners will be asked to show their support by encouraging their staff to ask customers about their experience while also promoting review participation. “We are encouraging our business owners to participate, respond to the reviews, make sure their menus and sales are shared and that their staff know there is an emphasis on customer’s experiences,” explained Lisa Taylor, Economic Development Director.
The goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of Sevier County restaurants, attractions,
entertainment venues, and service organizations and attract new and returning visitors throughout the fall travel season. “On any given day, over the next few months, our community will encounter out-of-state guests for the first time, day trippers looking for ATV trails, road bike courses or a quiet day on the lake.” McKinney continued “These visitors will be searching for beautiful views or fall’s changing colors on one of the state’s historic byways traversing a national forest. We can be a destination at the beginning or end of their trip when they need a restful spot for the evening and something to fill their hungry bellies. Sevier County can meet those needs and no one can tell them about it more than the people who get to enjoy it as a local.”
With everyone’s positive insight, thoughts, and feedback displayed and submitted online, the county’s web presence will advance, curious visitor’s questions will be answers, looming ambiguity can be erased, resulting in an increased awareness of Sevier County.
For more information about the “Love Local” online tourism review campaign, please e-mail Lisa
Taylor at ltaylor@cccua.edu

Mass Flu Clinic Friday September 27th at De Queen Fire Department

Mass Flu Clinic scheduled in Sevier County for Friday, September 27, 2019 from 7 AM – 3:30 PM at the De Queen Fire Department, 115 N 3rd St in De Queen.

14th Annual Ladies Day September 21st in Horatio

Public Forum Tonight at De Queen High School Cafeteria

A public forum to explain the proposed 1% sales tax to construct a new Sevier County hospital will be held at the De Queen High School cafeteria this evening beginning at 6. For those unable to attend, Ed 88 will be live streaming the event on our Facebook page.

We are proud to present our 2019 UA Cossatot Rotaract Officers

(Left to right) Belen Hernandez-Vice President , Eruby Rodriguez- President and Lissette Hernandez – Secretary

These students will be dedicating their time to finding innovative solutions in their communities, the world's most pressing challenges while developing leadership skills, guiding their fellow peers, and promoting the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

UA Cossatot Basketball Players Plan to Participate in a Shoot-A-Thon at Lockesburg Gym

UA Cossatot has announced that the college's men's and women's basketball team will be conducting a Shoot-A-Thon on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. This event will be an opportunity for the players to raise funds for the men's and women's basketball programs, travel gear, and bag expenses.

The Shoot-A-Thon allows sponsors the chance to support UA Cossatot's basketball program and student-athletes. Sponsors can give money in two ways. Sponsors can either 1) sponsor a player for an amount per free throws made or 2) provide a flat donation.

Players are planning to shoot 100 free throws. The sponsor's tax-deductible pledge will be the amount the sponsor checks on their form, multiplied by the number of free throws the player makes out of 100 free throws attempted.

If one chooses to sponsor a player per free throw, sponsors can mail the completed Shoot-A-Thon form to Coach Brad Phillips, Colt's Basketball, University of Arkansas Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, Arkansas 71832. Completed forms can also be scanned and e-mailed to bphillips@cccua.edu. After the Shoot-A-Thon, Coach Phillips will let you know the results of the player and the amount of your pledge.

Sponsors can send money before the event if they choose to give a flat donation. For donations, please make checks payable to the UA Cossatot Foundation.

Sponsor Forms can be picked up at the front desk of any UA Cossatot Campus, or downloaded at www.cccua.edu.

For any questions about the Shoot-A-Thon, please contact Coach Brad Phillips at bphillips@cccua.edu

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.

Ashdown High School Financial Aid Meetings

Financial Peace University

Instructor and Alumni Recommends UA Cossatot

Jimmy Arnold began his college career in the fall of 1999 at UA Cossatot and graduated in the spring of 2002 with an Associate of Arts degree. In 2008, Mr. Arnold was hired to teach history and political science at UA Cossatot, where he continues to work as an instructor committed to improving the lives for those in his region.

Jimmy was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in a small town called Saginaw. After leaving Saginaw, Texas Jimmy moved to De Queen, Arkansas where he has lived for the past forty-eight years.

Before attending college, Jimmy worked in De Queen at Pilgrim’s Pride for twenty-seven years. In 1999, he decided to make a change and enrolled as a student at UA Cossatot. Arnold chose to attend his local community college because it was close to home. He could also get all of his general education courses out of the way before transferring to a four-year college.

To accomplish this goal, he pursued an Associate of Arts degree, which is designed to transfer to any Arkansas four-year university. After graduating in 2002 from UA Cossatot, Jimmy transferred to Henderson State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science. After graduating from Henderson State University, he entered the graduate program at Texas A&M – Texarkana where he graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in 2007.

Jimmy Arnold said, “As far back as I can remember, I have loved history, and I have wanted to teach it. To me, history is so exciting! I am also a big Civil War buff!”

Mr. Arnold has taught State and Local Government in the past, and currently teaches U.S. History and American Government. When asked what his favorite class to teach was he said, “Hands down, my favorite is U.S. History To 1876.”

Mr. Arnold has enjoyed his experience at UA Cossatot as a student and continues to enjoy it as a teacher. As an employee, he said, “My favorite thing about working at UA Cossatot is being able to teach and interact with my students.”

He also said, “My time at UA Cossatot as a student was probably one of the most exciting times in my life! I was very much involved in student organizations. I even served as a Regional Vice President for the Oklahoma/Arkansas Region of Phi Theta Kappa.”

Jimmy recommends anyone who is considering getting a college degree to begin at UA Cossatot. “The support I received, not only from my instructors but from the staff as well, was awesome! UA Cossatot is also great because students can get their basic general education courses out of the way. After that, they can solely focus on their major after they transfer,” said Jimmy Arnold.

When reflecting on his community, family and the history of the college, Jimmy said, “I love De Queen and the people. Back in 2012, my wife and I lost our home in a house fire. The support we received from the people of De Queen was very touching. My wife is known, around De Queen, as Mrs. Jen and she has operated the Happy House Pre-School for 39 years. It was her love, prayers, and support that sustained me during my college years.”

Jimmy added, “To watch the college grow and improve over the last two decades is awesome! I am honored and proud to have had a small part at UA Cossatot, and I hope to continue teaching for many years to come!”

To learn more about UA Cossatot’s Associate of Arts degree or other associates degrees offered at the college, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471

Amy Westfall and Julie Rhodes in the Studios of Ed 88 Thursday (Audio Included)

On the Thursday Ed-ition of the Morning Show, we visited with Nashville High School Career Coach Amy Westfall and UA Cossatot High School Coordinator Julie Rhodes to discuss some of the many educational opportunities at UAC that are available to our high school students.

Nashville Spotlight on Sunshine Acres

Our Nashville Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Business of the Week is Sunshine Acres. We are visiting with Susan Nannemann.

Howard County Fair Is Underway

The Howard County Fair Schedule of Events includes:

Wednesday, September 4
8:00 to 9:00 a.m. -- May enter fresh flowers and field crops
10:00 a.m. -- Rabbit and Poultry Show ( remove and judging)
10:00 a.m. -- Judging Educational Exhibits, Food Preservation, Clothing , Baked Goods, Household Arts and Crafts, Farm Crops, Horticulture, and Art show. (Exhibit hall will be closed during judging)
1:00 p.m. -- Exhibit building open
6:00 p.m. -- Goat Show
7:00 p.m. -- Hay Bales Decorated

Thursday, September 5
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. -- Exhibit building open
5:00 p.m. -- Hay Bale Judging
6:00 p.m. -- Cattle Show

Friday, September 6
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. -- Exhibit building open
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. -- Junior Livestock Sale
12:00 noon-- Luncheon for Junior Exhibitor and Auction Buyers

Saturday, September 7
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. -- Exhibit building open
9:00 a.m. -- Fair Parade Begins
9:30 a.m. -- Pie Contest Check-in
10:30 a.m. -- Cupcake Contest Check-in
12:00 p.m. -- BBQ Chicken Judging
1:00 p.m. -- Winners for Hay Bales, Pies, Cupcakes, and Chicken BBQ are Announced
9:00 p.m. -- Check out livestock exhibits

Blood Drive in Nashville Wednesday Begins at Noon

UA Cossatot's Hector Cortez visited with Ed 88 this morning to talk about the blood drive at the Nashville campus that gets underway at noon today.

Leah Harper Guest Speaker at Tuesday's Lions Club Meeting in De Queen

Lion Jeff Brown introduced Tuesday’s guest speaker at De Queen Lions Club. Leah Harper, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital heart cath lab manager and EHAC(early heart attack care) educator, talked about the importance of signs and symptoms that lead to a heart attack.
High blood pressure, pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, diabetes, chest pains, etc...shouldn’t be overlooked. Pay attention to your body and watch for early signs that lead to bigger issues. Download the EHAC free mobile app for details, instruction and information to help you watch for early signs.