Community Briefs June 13

Cancer center names medical chief

Dr. Asif Masood has been appointed as medical director at Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center.

“Dr. Masood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, solidifying the center’s dedication to providing exceptional and compassionate care for patients,” according to a news release.

Masood earned his medical degree from King Edward Medical College. He completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Hospital/Northwestern University in Chicago, and a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at Michigan State University.

“A respected and active member of the medical community, Dr. Masood is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the Arkansas Medical Society, and for the past two years has served on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society,” according to the release.

Masood is also a hematologist/oncologist at the cancer center.

“Dr. Asif Masood’s appointment as medical director marks an exciting new chapter for the Jefferson Regional Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center,” said Peter Austin, vice president and chief operating officer. “Dr. Masood is deeply committed to providing the best, most innovative, and expert cancer care to the people of Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas. His leadership and dedication reinforce our mission to deliver world-class care tailored to the needs of our community. We are proud to have Dr. Masood at the forefront of advancing cancer treatment and support in our region.”

SAU announces President’s List

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia named several area students to its President’s List. An honoree must have a 4.0 grade point average for the spring 2025 semester to be named to the President’s List, according to a news release.

Area recipients include:

Hermitage — Aislin Grace England, a sophomore pre-nursing major; Joseph Jordan Garay, a senior finance (financial analysis) major

Kingsland — Arabella Elizabeth Matthews, a junior studio art major; Landon McKinney Pierce, a sophomore physical education and health K-12 major with a minor in biology

Leola — Harley Danielle Warren, a senior agricultural education major

Monticello — Hannah Noel Diffee, a senior mass media major; Kaisa LaJune Orr, a junior pre-nursing major; Kailyn Roe’morie’ Shepherd, a junior social work major

Pine Bluff — Melody Ann Raymick, a junior elementary education (STEM) major with a minor in psychology; Kaci Ashlyn Zornek, a senior criminal justice major with a minor in psychology

Prattsville — Callie Brooke Holiman a senior social studies education major

Rison — Emily Grace Doss, a junior pre-nursing major with a minor in psychology; Molly Elizabeth Freeman, a senior elementary education (STEM) major; and Alexis Danielle Mayfield, a senior university studies major

Sheridan — Kasey Renee Ellerbee, a sophomore writing major

Star City — Adriana Acuchi, a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major

Tillar — Matthew N. Clark, a junior entrepreneurship major

White Hall — Adam Scott Taylor, a senior middle school education major

Wilmar — Daniel Diaz, a junior Spanish education major with a minor in teaching English as a second language.

SAU announces Dean’s List

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia named local students to its Dean’s List for spring 2025 semester. Student must have earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher to be named to the list, according to the news release.

Southeast Arkansas recipients include:

Pine Bluff — Jaheim Dwayne Brown, a senior industrial technology major; Jaqoune Edward Brown, a junior social work major with a minor in psychology; Sah’Myah Lanee Holloway, a senior social work major

White Hall — Sara Rose Sherrill, a sophomore agricultural education major

DeWitt — Lillie Brooke Thomason, a senior accounting major

Dumas — Kylandria Quoshan Jordan, a senior physical education and health K-12 major with a minor in psychology

Eudora — Hope Jainae Johnson, a senior marketing (retailing option) major

Hermitage — Magaly Lizbeth Uribe, a junior pre-nursing major

Jersey — Grace Elizabeth Smith, a junior pre-nursing major

Kingsland — Demetrios Alexander Guzman, a junior engineering major

Leola — Carter William Webb, a senior elementary education (STEM) major

Monticello — Meygan Elizabeth Bivens, a sophomore pre-professional exercise science major; Cantley Elizabeth Gosdin, a junior pre-health biology major; Dameon Lamun Harris, a freshman psychology major; Elyssa Fayeth Liechty, a junior accounting major; Jemar D. Matthews, a sophomore entrepreneurship major; Kelsey Margaret Wooten, a senior accounting major

Rison — Kaylea Aryn Chastain, a sophomore pre-nursing major; Asia Cantrell Cook, a senior biology major with a minor in psychology; Josie Claire Harrison, a junior criminal justice major

Sheridan — Emma Noelle Hester, a senior finance (financial analysis) major; Abby LeeAnn Stockton, a senior agricultural business major; Madelyn Kate Vaughan, a sophomore elementary education (STEM) major; Spencer Grant Williams, a senior marine biology major with a minor in history

Star City — Janiya Shanae Johnson, a senior physical education and health K-12

Warren — Ashlyn Symone Broughton, a senior business admin: finance-insurance & risk mgmt major; Malisa Diane Kennedy, a senior management major.