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Ivy to host medical, dental students
The Ivy Center for Education will showcase medical student Kevin Crumpton and dental student Ciarra Collins, who are attending Meharry Medical College. They will speak to the Future Medical Professionals/Club Scrub Project students virtually from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 4.
Both presenters are former Ivy Center scholars, according to a news release.
Crumpton, a native of Pine Bluff, is a 2018 graduate of Pine Bluff High School. He is the son of the Rev. Kevin Crumpton and Tonia Crumpton of Pine Bluff. He is a 2022 graduate from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in chemistry.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to become a doctor,” Crumpton said. “As a result of that desire, I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College. My current interest in medicine is dermatology. Upon graduation, I hope to someday own my own practice and establish better healthcare in my hometown and other small, rural areas that are like the one I grew up in.”
Collins is a native of Atlanta, Ga. Her parents are Dr. Kenneth Collins and Deidrea Collins, both Pine Bluff natives. She is a 2017 graduate of Eagles Landing High School in McDonough, Ga., and a 2021 graduate of UAPB where she obtained a degree in biology. She received a Master of Health Sciences degree at Meharry Medical College in 2022 and is currently a third year dental student.
“I am currently a third year clinical student and now have my own patients,” Collins. “I must admit, it is challenging, but quite enjoyable and rewarding. Going from shadowing to now doing some of the work is what I would call exhilarating. Helping the community is my goal.”
Students in 7-12th grades, parents and community supporters are encouraged to join the Ivy Center for this interactive presentation that will connect aspiring medical and dental professionals with former Ivy Center scholars.
Attendees will gain insights into the medical school and dental school including test taking, requirements and the impact doctors and dentists have on healthcare.
“We, the Ivy Center for Education, are growing our own medical professionals for Pine Bluff/Jefferson County,” said Mattie Collins, Ivy Center president.
Danielle Harris is the Club Scrub coordinator for the project.
“It is so rewarding to see young intelligent Scholars share their medical journey at Meharry Medical School with our Club Scrub Scholars. They truly make a difference,” Harris said.
The Club Scrub Project is made possible through a grant from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation/JRMC Health Grant, and a donation from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Delta Omega Omega Chapter.
The presentation will be on Zoom only using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
For details about other Ivy Center projects such Club Scrub 2, ACT Boot Camps, Future Engineers and Annual College Tour, send an email to mattie1908@gmail.com or to djharris@uams.edu.
UAPB Alumni scholarships available
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Alumni Endowment Scholarship applications are available for Fall 2025-Spring 2026. The deadline to apply is Feb. 19. Applicants must be full-time and first-time degree seeking students with a 2.3 or better grade point average and 30 or more hours by the end of this semester, according to a news release. Details: UAPB.EDU/ALUMNI.
Civic panel to be sworn in
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commissioners will be sworn in at noon Tuesday. For participants who can’t attend, they may join the conference call at (978) 990-5002 and use access code: 7020010, according to a news release. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
TOPPS will give away food
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. Feb. 11. The distribution will follow a drive-through format, according to a news release.
All participants must register and bring an ID that includes proof of address. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one box allowed per household. Details: Annette Howard Dove, founder/director, TOPPS Inc., (870) 850-6011.
Archeological park to host events
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park at Scott will host “A Sack in Time” and gourd workshop.
“‘A Sack in Time” workshop will teach participants the technique of twining from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 15 at the park’s visitor center. The session is $15 per person.
“You can keep the skills of prehistoric people alive by learning to twine your own bag,” according to a news release.
Twining is the process of interlacing strings to make textiles. Participants will twine a small bag out of natural fibers using only a wooden frame and their fingertips. Reservations are required by Feb. 12.
A gourd workshop will also be held Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center. The workshop is $5 per person.
“The Plum Bayou people, who built and gathered at this ceremonial center a thousand years ago, grew bottle gourds likely for use as containers,” according to the release.
Participants can honor this tradition by making a gourd craft of their own. Past participants have made gourd birdhouses, bowls, dippers and more. All materials are provided. Reservations are required by Feb. 12. Details: (501) 961-9442.
Kevin Crumpton