Locals earn Rutherford grants
Four students from University of Arkansas System campuses have earned grants from an endowment honoring James L. “Skip” Rutherford III, dean emeritus of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. Two are from southeast Arkansas, according to a news release.
“I am once again so impressed with the individuals selected to receive this year’s mini-grants,” Rutherford said. “It’s humbling to have this program established in my name, and I hope that these awards provide a financial boost to help these students reach their goals in higher education and beyond. I appreciate the selection committee for their hard work in this process and all of the donors who have helped make this program possible.
Honorees are:
Taylor Brooks, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Paige Callender, University of Arkansas at Monticello
Kali Combs, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
Samantha Kohoutek-Miller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Brooks is a senior completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science at UAPB where he has worked as a lead dormitory resident assistant and as a tutor for fellow students.
He is vice president of the Black Male Achievers and is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Brooks has interned with Citi, Medtronic and Alcon to gain experience in software engineering, system security and risk assessment.
He plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity and use his grant to help pay his final education expenses, as well exam fees and test prep materials for cybersecurity certifications.
Callender is a senior in the School of Education at UAM who expects to graduate this summer and become a local school teacher.
Callender previously completed her bachelor’s in business administration at UAM and has worked as a dispatcher in the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office.
She will use her grant to pay for tuition and books to complete her final coursework this summer and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher and giving back to her community. Each spring, undergraduate and graduate students from any UA System campus have the chance to apply for the grant.
Simmons declares dividend
Simmons First National Corp. announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on Simmons’ Class A common stock of $0.2125 per share, which is payable on July 1, to shareholders of record as of June 13. The cash dividend rate represents an increase of 1 percent from the dividend paid for the same time period last year, according to a news release. The indicated annualized cash dividend rate of $0.85 for 2025 represents a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 6 percent and marks the 116th consecutive year that Simmons has paid cash dividends. Details: simmonsbank.com.
Mayors to address retired teachers
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. May 15 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers and White Hall Mayor Noel Foster will give updates on the “state of their respective cities,” according to a news release. Member reservations are required for the luncheon to be provided by Ms. Dee’s Diner at $12 per person. Members are asked to bring pull-tab cans of fruit to be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor to assist families in need. For details on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
