UAM professor named to nurses’ board
Christine Felts, professor and program coordinator for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and clinical coordinator for the School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been elected Region 4 director for the 2025 Board of Directors of the Arkansas Nurses Association.
Her term will run from December 2024 through November 2026, according to a news release.
ARNA is the professional nursing organization for Arkansas and is divided into five regions, with Region 4 representing southeast Arkansas. Felts will direct and oversee the development and delivery of services and programs that meet the needs of nurses in the region.
Felts has worked in the UAM School of Nursing for 22 years, with a clinical and academic focus on women’s health, neonatal critical care and public health.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I am honored to represent Region 4,” Felts said. “It is my goal to encourage nurses to become involved at the local, regional and state levels to advocate for the nursing profession. I look forward to this opportunity.”
Brandy Haley, dean of nursing at UAM, applauded her selection.
“Dr. Felts is one of the hardest-working nurses I know,” Haley said. “She exemplifies professionalism, scholarship and service in every aspect of her nursing career. She has been instrumental in growing our MSN program. I know she will be an excellent regional director for the Arkansas Nurses Association.”
According to its website, ARNA “fosters high standards of nursing practice, promotes professional development and advocates for the profession of nursing. ARNA collaborates with other healthcare providers to facilitate access to quality healthcare for the people of Arkansas.”
Details: School of Nursing at UAM, uamnursing@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1069.
NAACP sets party, membership event
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP invites the community to its annual Christmas Party and Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. today. The event will be held at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St.
“Please come out and join the Pine Bluff NAACP or renew your membership,” President Ivan Whitfield said on StuffinTheBluff.com. “You will be informed of upcoming events. Refreshments will be provided.”
Monticello resident earns master’s
Katelyn Grace Bayless of Monticello will graduate Friday from the University of Georgia at Athens. She will receive a Master of Music Education degree.
She is among more than 3,200 candidates to be recognized in the Class of 2024 fall commencement ceremonies. Undergraduate commencement will take place Friday at Stegeman Coliseum at 10 a.m. followed by the graduate ceremony at 2:30 p.m., according to a news release.
Simmons opens Tennessee branch
Simmons Bank hosted a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the latest Cleveland, Tenn., financial center. Simmons Bank operates more than 45 full-service branches throughout Tennessee, according to a news release.
“We are excited to open our new branch in the Cleveland community,” said Shayne Whaley, community regional executive for Simmons Bank. “This newest branch is a testament to our commitment to investing in the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve.”
The 3,000-square-foot financial center features a full-service branch, with four drive thru lanes and an ATM. Associates onsite will serve customers financial needs.
P&C Construction served as the contractor and Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects was the architectural firm of record.
Quilters Guild meets Tuesday
The Pine Bluff Quilters Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The special program for the day will be the plastic wrap game. Following the meeting, all members are encouraged to celebrate the season with a shared meal.
Show-and-tell, along with fat quarter and door prize drawings will be held after the business meeting, according to a news release.
Members with a birthday during December are asked to bring a door prize which should be related to quilting or sewing. Door prizes are given out at the end of the meeting and all winners must be present.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a fat quarter (18 by 22 inches) of 100 percent cotton for the monthly fat quarter drawing. White is the feature for December.
The Pine Bluff Quilters Guild has an annual membership fee of $20. Anyone interested in learning the art of quilt making is welcome to come, visit and become a member, according to a club spokesman. Membership is open to all who are interested in quilting, no prior experience is needed.