The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases names of fall 2019 graduates and names of those graduating with honors.
257 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees allowing for 374 fall 2019 awards.
24 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 14 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 16 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:
Victoria Alfaro Zapata of De Queen; Geovany Alvarez Cruz of Wickes; Sanjuana Alvarez Hernandez of De Queen; Eduardo Benitez Jr. of De Queen; Jordan Boyer of Nashville; Rica Burns of Ashdown; Pablo Cardenas of Nashville; Bryan Carrillo of Horatio; Lizeth Chavelo of Nashville; Tessa Ewing of Glenwood; Kaydra Fox of Glenwood; Karen Fuller of Broken Bow; Anna Gatliff of Ashdown; Jill George of Hot Springs; Loren Gills of Nashville; Denby Jester of Ashdown; Gregory Linville of Idabel; Alicia McCord of Texarkana; Kianna McElroy of Nashville; Ethan Mitchell of Amity; Lindsey O’Donnell of Mineral Springs; Jammey Reese of Mineral Springs; Alberto Sandoval of Horatio; and Ali Whisenhunt of De Queen
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:
Morgan Allen of Dierks; Alexandra Bartholomew of Idabel; Michael Bevill of Nashville; Brent Craver of Grannis; Hannah Davis of Amity; Kayle Helms of Lockesburg; Martha Johnson of Foreman; Colby Markham of Amity; Mary McFadden of Doddridge; Jennifer Neal of Texarkana; Leslie Rios Gonzalez of De Queen; Amanda Saxby of Fouke; Jesus Wences of De Queen; and D.C. Young of Nashville
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Cum Laude Honors:
Angela Calderon of De Queen; Katelyn Cowling of Foreman; Caleb Deer of Dierks; Brittany Fallecker of Winthrop; Jarrah Furr of De Queen; Alejandro Hernandez of De Queen; Aracely Hernandez of De Queen; Joshua Lingo of Murfreesboro; Perri Lowrey of Dierks; Loretta McClaughlin of Nashville; Sarah Millette of Glenwood; Casey Parker of Nashville; Tarnesa Ramnarine of Ogden; Laura Rivera of Hope; Meshalia Ruth of De Queen; and John Simmons of Texarkana
UA Cossatot Students Graduating Fall 2019 Include (listed with highest degree(s) earned):
Alleene: Tiffany Dossett, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;
Amity: Hannah Davis, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jordan Estrada, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG and SMAW Welding; John Hanney, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines and Diesel Brakes; Brianna Hill, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Colby Markham, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Ethan Mitchell, Technical Certificate: General Studies; and Sean Palavicini, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding
Ashdown: Austin Bearden, Associate of General Studies; Glena Blagg, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ty Buchanan, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Kyle Burnham, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Rica Burns, Associate of Science: Psychology; Keely Butler, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Hunter Cheyne, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Molly Corbell, Associate of Science: Psychology; Christopher Dunn, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dentin Earnest, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines; Mason Garner, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Anna Gatliff, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Shawon Gulley, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; and Psychology; Nathan Gwin, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Stephanie Hawthorne, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Denby Jester Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Cole Little, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Trevor Meyers, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Laqulla, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Jeb Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Dustin Schmidt, Certificate of Proficiency Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Milton Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Alexandra Staton, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; James Sullivan, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Matthew Swilley, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Jasmine Thompson, Associate of General Studies
Ben Lomond: Jake Day, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Blevins: Kristen Buck, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Broken Bow: Karen Fuller, Associate of General Studies; and Tahnee Johnson, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Cove: Silas Barrett, Associate of Science: Psychology; and Dayton Ralls, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Delight: Amy Campbell, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; and Linda Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development
De Queen: Victoria Alfaro Zapata, Technical Certificate: General Studies and Health Professions; Sanjuana Alvarez Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Steven Bell Jr, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Eduardo Benitez Jr., Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Katrina Billingsley, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Israel Bustamante, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Angela Calderon, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jamilyn Clark, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Aubry Collum, Technical Certificate: Welding; Magali Cornelio, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and SMAW Welding; Johnny Daley, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Collin Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; James Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Ashlee Dunn, Associate of Science: STEM; Rosa Elizondo, Associate of Science: Medical Sciences; Carter Faulkenberry, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW and Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Bryan Figueroa, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Jarrah Furr, Associate of Science: Business; Aida Gallardo, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Alexis Gallardo, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Joanna Gallardo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Rosa Gallardo, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; Valeria Gomez, Associate of Science: STEM; Ahiezer Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Maria Gonzalez, Associate of Science: Psychology; Cristian Gorosquieta, Technical Certificate: Welding; Erica Gutierrez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alejandro Hernandez, Associate of Science: Medical Sciences; Aracely Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Brenda Hernandez, Associate of Applied Science; Registered Nursing; Jose Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Miguel Luna- Armenta, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Jaqueline Marrufo, Technical Certificate: General Studies and Health Professions; Lisette Marrufo, Technical Certificate : Health Professions; Aaron Martinez, Certificate of Proficiency; SMAW Welding; Cristopher Munoz, Technical Certificate: Welding; Chase Pearce, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Connor Pearce, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines; Jerardo Perez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Allan Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Guillermo Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Guadalupe Ramirez-Aguero, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Leslie Rios Gonzalez, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistants; Miriam Rodriguez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Robert Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jesse Rubio, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing: Rafael Ruelas Magana, Associate of Applied Science: Business Management and General Technology; Meshalia Ruth, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Giovany Salgado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kevin Sims, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jorge Soto Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Zachary Tollett, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and MIG Welding; Randy Velazquez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Jesus Wences, Technical Certificate: Welding; Ali Whisenhunt, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Michelle Whisenhunt, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Willie White, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and Maria Zuniga, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Dierks: Morgan Allen, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Chantel Alonso, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Caleb Deer, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Heather Franklin, Associate of Arts; Elian Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Aaron Kesterson, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Perri Lowrey, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jacob O’Neal, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Jacie Sims, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Walker Vallee, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Max Vaughn, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology
Doddridge: Mary McFadden, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Eagletown: Peter Carney, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Emily Hughes, Associate of Science: STEM
Foreman: Jade Akins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Katelyn Carver, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Katelyn Cowling, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Latasha Fenton, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Kenneth Green, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Martha Johnson: Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Hunter Lewis, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Braiden McKinney, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Jace Reich, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Kaleb Trim, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power: and Kory Voss, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices
Fouke: Amanda Saxby, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; and Debbie Teague, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Gillham: Zachary Birmingham: Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Casey Hill, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Candice Hoagland, Associate of Applied Science: Business Management; Hadley Philamlee, Associate of Science: Agri Business; Jose Rios, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; and Sydney Sneed, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Glenwood: Tessa Ewing, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Kaydra Fox, Technical Certificate: General Studies, and Sarrah Millette, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Grannis: Joslyn Frachiseur, Associate of General Studies; and Juan Trinidad, technical Certificate: Business Management
Haworth: Kristina Garcia, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; and Nicole Marable, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Hope: Yudid Gallardo: Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; and Laura Rivera, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Horatio: Bryan Carrillo, Technical Certificate: Welding; James Chandler, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Brandon Delgado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Eric Dickerson, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Lacey Hankins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Edith Luna, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; john Marshall, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Levi Nottingham, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Rodolfo Ramirez Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical devices; Omar Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Alberto Sandoval, Technical Certificate: Welding; Carli Sneed, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Richard Thompson, Associate of Arts; and Jeffery Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers.
Hot Springs: Jill George, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Idabel: Alexandra Bartholomew, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Gregory Linville, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Kirby: Payden Turner, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Lockesburg: Brittany Bennett, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Corazon Balderas, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Julie Blackwell, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Matthew Brewer, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and SMAW Welding; Blayne Buster, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Charles Dowdy, Technical Certificate: Welding; Daniel Galeno Sotelo, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kyler Gammill. Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Ty Gentry, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Cole Hanney, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Kayle Helms, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Jason Huesca, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Tasha King, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Juane Maxwell, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Tamberlyn Nelson, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Braden Smart, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kevin Walker, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical devices; and Bine Whisenhunt, Associate of Arts
McCaskill: Darren May, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding
Mineral Springs: Sally Crawford, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Kamryn Forbes, Associate of General Studies, Janey Juniel, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; Adrianna McDaniel, Technical Certificate: Business Management; Lindsey O’Donnell, Associate of General Studies; Jammey Reese, Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Shirley Scoggins, Associate of Science: Psychology; and Matthew Stone, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Murfreesboro: Austin Baker, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Richard Branch, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician; Chad Cox, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; and Joshua Lingo, Technical Certificate: Welding
Nashville: Rachel Barfield, Associate of General Studies; Michael Bevill, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jordan Boyer, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Ernesto Bustamante, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Pablo Cardenas, Technical Certificate: Welding; Lizeth Chavelo, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6 ; Caleb Clayton, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kevin Conant, Associate of General Studies; Christian Davis, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding; Haley Davis, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Armando Fraire, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Loren Gills, Associate of Applied Science : Occupational Therapy Assistant; Zorayda Guerrero , Technical Certificate : Business Management; Emily Jamison, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Oscar Luna, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Samuel Maroon III, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Kianna McElroy, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Loretta McLaughlin: Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Fabian Mercado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Juanisha Neal, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Casey Parker, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alec Pettigrew, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Laisa Ramirez, Associate of Arts; Jace Reid, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Chloe Scoggins, Associate of General Studies; Trey Scott, Associate of Arts and Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Spoo, Associates of Applied Science: Accounting; Patricia Stevens, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; William Turley, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Brianna Upton, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Hadyn Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Ty Williams, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and D.C. Young, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding
Newhope: Karley Stapp, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Marlee Stapp, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, and Grant Strasner, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Devices
Ogden: Wesley Grimes, Technical Certificate: Agriculture; Tarnesa Ramnarine, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Micah Stafford, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Searcy: Micah Heathscott, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Shreveport: Sonya Kelly, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Simms: Tiffany Peek, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Texarkana: Shelly Forrest, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Lori Gathright, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Cloris Hopkins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Alicia McCord, Associate of Applied Science Occupational Therapy Assistant; Jennifer Neal, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Jayci Pettigrew, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; John Simmons, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Kelsey Solida, Technical Certificate: Health Professions.
Umpire: Christopher Moore, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers
Wake Village: Marcy Preuss, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Washington: Aaron McBride, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding
Wickes: Goevany Alvarez Cruz, Technical Certificate: Welding; Sebastian Medina, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; and Elizabeth Richardson, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Wilton: DeAnna French, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Winthrop: Carson Brackett, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Kaylee Dossett, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Brittany Fallecker, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Cassidy Smiley, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and Natalee Voss, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From delivering the food to the grocery store shelves to stocking up retail stores with must have gifts, the trucking industry touches every aspect of the holidays.
As the trend towards online shopping continues, the trucking industry continues to provide a critical infrastructure for our nation. Arkansas companies play an important role in providing the drivers and logistics.
As a midway point between Mexico City and Montreal, our central location enables Arkansas to have a large and growing distribution and logistics services sector. Arkansas offers access to a market of 100 million people within a 550-mile radius of the state. That represents 40% of the total U.S. population.
More than 55,000 Arkansans are employed at more than 80 distribution centers and 10 major trucking companies in the state.
Arkansas is home to two transportation companies on Fortune magazine's list of the largest 1,000 companies in the United States, based on annual revenue - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and ArcBest. And of the 25 largest employers in the state, 20% are in the transportation services sector.
The trucking industry is a growing industry. Nationwide, the number of trucking businesses grew 15.9% between 2012 and 2016, outpacing total growth across all industries. This translates into an increase of 200,000 workers in the trucking industry during that time period.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at least one in 10 truckers are veterans, double the rate of workers in general.
The Census Bureau also notes the demographic of new truckers is changing. Among younger truckers under age 35, more of them are women and they are more educated than their older counterparts. They’re also more urban. The percentage of young truck drivers coming from rural areas is about half that of older truckers, with fewer than 20% of younger truckers living in rural areas.
Although many truckers work a regular 40-hour workweek, almost half of truckers work longer hours. And many are working extra hours during this season. So if you see or know a trucker, thank them this season for tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs
UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2019 Honor Students
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registar releases fall Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List recognizing honor students.
95 students are named on the Chancellor’s List maintaining a minimum of a 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of 12 college credit hours. 99 students are named on the Vice Chancellor’s List maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of 12 college credit hours.
The UA Cossatot Fall 2019 Chancellor’s List Includes:
Amity: John Hanney, Camryn Wegener, Karlie Hernandez, Ethan Mitchell, and Dalton Cox
Ashdown: Krista DeVille, Lexy Walden, Earnest Drake, and Mackenzie White
Cove: Tessa Chaney
Delight: Laura Eoff and Riley House
De Queen: Carlos Aparicio, Eduardo Benitez, Israel Bustamante, Angela Calderon, Jesus Cisneros, James Davis, Bryan Figueroa, Ahiezer Gonzalez, Luis Herrera, Orlando Herrera, Giovany Salgado, Carter Faulkenberry, Jennifer Garibay, Julie Gomez, Osiel Perez, Eruby Rodriguez, Kobe Stafford, Johnny Daley, Ashlyn Chambers, Joshua Downing, Kenneth Martin, Natalie Martinez, Jesus Wences, Yatzari Dominguez, Belen Guevara, Mariah Miller, Miguel Montero, Allan Ramirez, Guillermo Ramirez, Erica Resendiz, Kendra Rodriguez, Ariel Varela, and Randy Velazquez
Dierks: Payton Bobo, Lauren Boeckman, Austin Richards, Kimberly McCauley, Haylin Halcombe, Brayden Counts, and Jacob O’Neal
Eagletown: Peter Carney
Foreman: Kory Voss
Fouke: Amanda Saxby
Gillham: Jose Rios. Alicia Harris, Karina Lopez-Balderas
Glenwood: Tessa Ewing
Grannis: Maeghan Vaughn
Horatio: Bryan Carrillo, Angela Gutierrez, Madison Olvey, Jaisee Bailey, and Alberto Sandoval
Idabel: Gregory Linville
Lockesburg: Heather Bradshaw, Kyler Gammill, Alondra Galvez, Tamberlyn Nelson, and Madison VanBibber
Mineral Springs: Clayton Ashmore, Lindsey O’Donnell, and Jammey Reese
Nash: Allyson Braley
Nashville: Hannah Barfield, Pablo Cardenas, Geraldine Childs, Jacquelyn Howard, Samuel Maroon, Anna Rhodes, Shyla Schwartz, Lizeth Chavelo, Kianna McElroy, Chelsie Nolen, Devin Young, Ernesto Bustamante, Juanisha Neal, Aaron Lott, Caleb Clayton, and Isabel Jamison
Newhope: Natalie Henegar
Texarkana: Sarah Morphew
Umpire: Christopher Moore
Wickes: Sebastian Medina
The UA Cossatot Fall 2019 Vice Chancellor’s List Includes:
Amity: Destany Bright, Hannah Davis, Eufemia Estrada, and Cullen Smith
Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Allie Anderson, Ty Buchanan, Christopher Dunn, Braden Gentry, Susan Hill, Caleb Kyle, Ashley Thompson, and Caleb Befeld
Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison
Cove: Silas Barrett
De Queen: Edgar Blanco, Faith Bolding, Eda Lopez, Toni Manzella, Jacqueline Martinez, Molly Smith, Jessica Swan, Tiffany Worley, Alejandro Hernandez, Ana Karen Martinez, Robin Pickett, Drew Sikes, Abraham Arellano, Halley Gentry, Jared Hickson, Taylor Dorse, Yudibeth Herrera, Neri Mejia, Jasmine Montiel, Skye Nickerson, Aracely Ortiz, America Perez, Guadalupe Ramirez-Aguero, Raven Revels, Angeles Rojas-Duran, and Angela Vertiz
Dierks: Morgan Allen, Elian Hernandez, Caleb Deer, Blayn Turner, Aaron Kesterson, Walker Vallee
Foreman: Kaleb Hacker and Thomas Butler
Gillham: Bailey Branson and Candice Hoagland
Glenwood: Sarrah Millette, Kaydra Fox, Kamryn Reid
Grannis: Brent Craver
Hope: Laura Rivera
Horatio: Denise Angeles, Matthew Chandler, Krystal Scott, Summer Morgan, Levi Nottingham, Eric Dickerson, and Alejandra Resendiz
Idabel: Sheila Hernandez
Kirby: Saydee Johnson and Elica Vasquez
Lockesburg: Blayne Buster, Kevin Walker, and Brittany Walker
McCaskill: Cameron Lane
Mineral Springs: Katelyn Hipp, William McAlister, Gustavo Perez, and Janey Juniel
Murfreesboro: Lakyn Roberts
Nash: Madison Falgout
Nashville: Zachary Backus, Jordan Boyer, John Hardin, Abbie Lamb, Kailee Parker, Codie Jamison, Casey Parker, Gerson Perez, Elizabeth Rather, Oscar Luna, Brooklyn Anderson, Hannah Faulkner, and Kaitlyn McConnell
North Little Rock: Dennis Cleghorn
Ogden: Wesley Grimes
Ozan: Logan Harris
Saratoga: Ashley Jackson
Texarkana: Lauren Gay, Katherine Malca, Kayla Mills, and Carmen Hartefields
Umpire: Haley Manasco
Winthrop: Carson Brackett
Christmas Bucks Drawing Friday Morning at Howard County Chamber
Christmas Bucks drawing live from the Nashville Chamber coffee at the Chamber office
Weyerhaeuser Presents Giving Fund Grant to UA Cossatot
On December 12, 2019, following UA Cossatot’s Christmas party, school representatives met with Sandra Gandara, Administrative Assistant for Weyerhaeuser, where Christmas came early in the form of a $6,000 donation from Weyerhaeuser’s “Giving Fund Grant”.
These funds will be used for further development of the Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute, where both secondary and post-secondary students receive quality training in all areas of industrial maintenance.
UA Cossatot Division Chair of Skilled and Technical Sciences, Steve McJunkins, said, “Thank you, Weyerhaeuser, for this generous donation and all your support. We could not provide this level of training without the assistance of our business partners.”
To learn about classes and programs offered at the UA Cossatot Lockesburg Campus, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471. To learn about ways one can support UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts, at droberts@cccua.edu or 870-584-1172.
Hemp Producer Meeting Thursday December 19th
Information session for potential hemp growers at UA Cossatot in De Queen
Hemp meeting, second half
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program Finishes Fall Semester
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology program is a three consecutive semester program offered to students at the Nashville Campus. This semester the cosmetology students have been learning the required knowledge to receive their technical certificate. They have also been taking part in community activities and educational trips.
In September, the students traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the Armstrong McCall World’s Fair Hair Show. For two days, they learned skills and techniques, observed hair and beauty competitions, met with exhibitors, and listened to several guest speakers.
One of the guest speakers included experienced stylist Arod the Barber, who is known for working with many internet celebrities and specializing in trending hairstyles and freestyle design. Guy Tang was also another guest speaker who spoke about how to bring excitement and fun into the cosmetology industry. On the trip, the students were also able to see the Alamo and explore the city of San Antonio.
On October 10, the 26th Annual Golden Gathering took place at the Nashville City Park. This event is designed for people ages fifty-five and up to have a fun day in the park. Along with food, freebies, Bingo, and entertainment, the UA Cossatot Cosmetology program set up a booth to offer free manicures to those who were present. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the students also studied wig care and wig making in October.
In December, four students in the program finished their requirements, passed their board exams, and graduated from UA Cossatot on December 13, 2019. These students include Angela Calderon, Kianna McElroy, Tessa Ewing, and Jaime Sims.
The Cosmetology program at UA Cossatot is an educational opportunity offered at the college but is also a business with several services and low prices. The services provided by the program are available to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
To view the prices and full list of services, please visit www.cccua.edu/cosmetology. For appointments or for more information, please call 870-845-5976. Walk-in customers are also welcome
Mexican Consulate Donates to UA Cossatot Foundation
During this fall semester, the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas worked alongside the UA Cossatot Foundation to provide a total donation of $5,000 towards student scholarships.
The six students awarded were Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aquilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.
IME Becas is a program implemented by the government of Mexico to support low income Hispanic students living in the United States who are completing basic education, higher education, or technical careers. The government of Mexico allocates funds to this program which can be complemented by other organizations that also support the educational advancement of students who are decedents of Mexico or those majoring in Spanish.
Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas presented the donation to UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Every fall semester the UA Cossatot Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro applies for this grant. Erika Buenrrostro said, “This partnership has allowed us to help provide assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to find aid to help pay for school.”.
UA Cossatot Participates in Hispanic Women Organization of Arkansas Panel
Erika Buenrrostro is the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success at UA Cossatot. Erika was invited to serve on the panel for the Hispanic Organization for Women Conference in Springdale, Arkansas in October. Topics she discussed at the conference included Latinos in higher education, trends, Hispanic Serving Institutions in Arkansas, and her employment at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot is the only Hispanic Serving Institution (HSIs) in Arkansas and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. With Erika’s employment at UA Cossatot and her experience as the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, she has valuable knowledge that the committee members of the conference wanted her to share.
In Springdale, Erika shared her experience of being a former college student and a minority student. She then spoke about UA Cossatot’s best practices in achieving Hispanic enrollment.
Minorities tend to face obstacles in earning a certificate or degree from a college. At the conference, Erika discussed ways UA Cossatot reaches the needs of Hispanic men and women. Through the Center for Student Success, UA Cossatot helps students with self-care practices and gives students a safe place to seek assistance.
“It is important for students to know that their school cares about them. Also, if assistance is available, they should be aware of that. Every student is different, and UA Cossatot realizes that. I am proud to work for a college that believes in helping all students achieve their dreams,” said Coordinator of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro.
Erika also discussed financial aid opportunities that are available to the public, programs available for secondary and post-secondary students, as well as opportunities available through Adult Education and Continuing Education at a community college.
The conference concluded with Erika stating that Hispanics, especially Hispanic women, have more opportunities than ever before to receive higher education. While promoting educational opportunities at UA Cossatot, Erika expressed ways other colleges can help Latinos reach their goals
Christmas Tour of Southwest Arkansas
With the Christmas season upon us, we thought we would post a video of some pretty holiday sights right here in our own backyards!
Dierks Christmas Parade Monday Night December 16th
Howard County Cooperative Extension Service Holiday Break
We hope you have a wonderful holiday! Just a reminder – the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service will be closed for our winter break Monday, December 23, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Our office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The holidays are a magical time at the State Capitol. Lights illuminate the exterior at night, the halls are draped with garland, and school choirs from across the state serenade us with carols throughout the day.
But there is one particular day in the season here at that stands apart from the rest. On Tuesday, we celebrated the 5th year of Christmas in the Capitol. At this event, legislators gather with the Governor, constitutional officers, and state employees as we bring gifts for the more than 4,000 children in Arkansas foster care.
This year was the biggest yet. Several of the children were able to make it the event. And seeing their faces as they open the gifts is a humble reminder of our duty to them as legislators. As Rep. Charlene Fite said, “We love them. And we see a bright, bright future for them.”
Earlier that day, the committee for Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs was given a quarterly report from the Division of Children and Family Services.
Currently, there are 4,362 children in foster care. Neglect and substance abuse are the most prevalent reasons for children entering foster care.
Additional funding for DHS approved by the legislature in recent years has helped to increase the number of caseworkers and decrease the average worker caseload. The average caseload statewide stands at 21 cases per worker. The Division’s goal is 20 or fewer.
Arkansas consistently exceeds the national standard of 40.5% in finding a permanent living situation for children within 12 months removal from their home.
There are 1,502 licensed foster family homes open statewide, providing a total of 3,394 available beds. The ratio of foster home beds to children in foster care was less than one (.78) at the end of the first quarter. The goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child.
Kids in foster care do better in homes, not facilities. We need caring, patient, and flexible foster families who can provide temporary care to kids while we work to get them safely back home to their original families as quickly as possible.
While we need foster homes for all of our kids in foster care, we especially need homes for teens and for sibling groups.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, visit www.fosterarkansas.org
ARCCC - Creating Connections for Children
Our mission at the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services is to keep children safe and families together. We do that by engaging families and working together to build supports to assist parents and families in successfully and safely caring for their children.
Santa House Hours in Sevier County
Two Retirees Honored at UA Cossatot Christmas Party on Thursday
Jim Fleming of UA Cossatot was honored at the college Christmas party on Thursday for his 19 years of service to UAC. Fleming is retiring at the and of this semester and Dr. Steve Cole presented Jim with a plaque at the event.
Nursing instructor Kay Trotta was recognized for her years of dedicated service on Thursday! Department head Kim Dickerson presented "Mama Kay" with a crystal clock and other gifts at the UAC Christmas party.
UA Cossatot Graduation Tonight in Lockesburg
University of Arkansas Cossatot graduation ceremonies begin at 6:00 Friday night, December 13th, at the Historic Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.
UA Cossatot hosts two commencement ceremonies each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall to honor summer, fall, and spring graduates. The 2019 UA Cossatot Commencement Ceremony honoring Summer 2019 and Fall 2019 graduates will be held on December 13, 2019.
Crafting with Clause Coming to Horatio
Horatio High School students Ben Morphew, Jairo Mendoza, Maggy Sandoval, and Kenzey Nelson
Knife Show in De Queen Thursday Night December 12th
Logan Pearce is in our studio today to talk about a big knife show coming to De Queen tonight.
Crafting with Claus in Horatio December 19th
Nashville First Graders at Nashville Rotary
Nashville first graders, under the direction of Stacia Petty, entertained the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday!