Carnegie recognizes UAM
The University of Arkansas at Monticello was named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
This distinction places UAM among a select group of 479 colleges and universities — roughly 16% nationwide — recognized for their commitment to promoting student success. UAM is one of only two four-year colleges in Arkansas to earn this designation, according to a news release.
The OCU recognition is part of the newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. This classification evaluates how effectively colleges serve students who reflect the demographics of their local communities — such as Pell Grant recipients and those from underrepresented backgrounds — and measures how graduates fare in the workforce eight years after enrollment. UAM exceeded national benchmarks in both categories, establishing the university as a model for fostering student achievement and long-term success, according to the release.
“This recognition affirms the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s commitment to providing meaningful access to higher education for students across the state and beyond,” UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss said. “We’re proud that the work we do every day to support student achievement and long-term success is being acknowledged on a national level. At UAM, we believe in the power of education to change lives, and this designation reflects that mission in action.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This classification is based on data from the updated 2025 Institutional Classification, which now offers a broader view of colleges and universities based on factors such as degree levels awarded, areas of academic concentration and overall student enrollment.
For more information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, visit the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education website.
Step-by-Step sets celebration
Thornton’s Step-By-Step organization will hold its July 4th Celebration on July 5 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park in Thornton.
The celebration will end with a fireworks display adjacent to the railroad tracks beginning at 8:45 p.m.
“We have rounded up one of the best fireworks displays of 2025 in the state for your entertainment,” according to a news release.
There will be live music and entertainment, a bounce house, food vendors and booths. It is hoped that this annual event will bring people from within the local community, surrounding areas and from all across Arkansas together to share reflections of the July 4th traditions.
“So, bring your lawn chairs and bring your favorite people, and get ready for a truly spectacular night with the best fireworks display near you for the 4th of July weekend being held on Saturday, July 5, 2025,” according to the release.
Details: Levenis Penix, 870) 352-8241; Sharon Scott, (870) 352-7968; or the Thornton’s Mayor’s Office, (870) 352-3576.
ASU tells honors’ lists
Students on the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists for the spring 2025 semester at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro have been announced.
The lists recognize undergraduate students who achieved the highest grade-point averages while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours of study.
The Chancellor’s List (designated as CL) includes students who earned a perfect grade point average of 4.0. The Dean’s List (designated as DL) includes students with a GPA of 3.6 to 3.99.
Southeast Arkansas students include:
PINE BLUFF — Kristen Cole, CL, Johneice Johnson, CL, Kennedy Landry, CL, Samantha McCain, CL, Mary Render, CL, Donald Griffin, DL, Amy Moore, DL, Jade Sanders, DL, Taylor Womack, DL, Joseph Kisel, CL.
WHITE HALL — Scout Birk, CL, Savannah Francis, CL, Sara Hartley, CL, Presley Milburn, CL, Bryan Thurman, CL, Jase Welch, CL, Kamryn McEntire, DL, Alex Rongey, DL.
JEFFERSON — Julia Pye, CL.
ALMYRA — Matthew Dawes, DL.
DEWITT — Lily Deviney, CL, Katie Everett, CL, Jaden Steeland, CL, Tyler Childers, DL, Walter Freeman, DL, Carter Hearn, DL, Magon James, DL Destiny Johnson, DL, Piper Raney, DL, Taylor West, DL.
GILLETT — Kelsey Holzhauer, DL.
STUTTGART — Emily Ayres, CL, Terry Beard, CL, Caitlin Branscum, CL, Brittany Frank, CL, Emma Hyatt, CL, Madleen Qaadan, CL, Mary Straus, CL, Tori Tefteller, CL, Heidy Bulbarela-Hernandez, DL, Kentavian Daniels, DL, Lauren Erstine, DL, Kenedie Henley, DL, Jack Stephens, DL.
TICHNOR — Sophia Whiting, DL.
DERMOTT — Kimberly Patterson, DL.
LAKE VILLAGE — Ya´Ryah Rone, DL.
NEW EDINBURG — Richard Beckner, CL.
RISON — Morgan Forman, CL, Ashley Mcknight, CL, Maddison Stover, CL, Allison Davis, DL, Keri Farrer, DL, Sarah-Catherine Reed, DL, Summer Sowrheaver, DL.
FORDYCE — Victoria Mantz, CL, Olivia Moore, DL.
SPARKMAN– Madilyn Brown, DL.
DUMAS — I’Karia Jones, DL.
MCGEHEE — Noelia Gudino, CL, Jamyra Nelson, CL, Chauncy Betts, DL, Denise Johnson, DL.
TILLAR — Armari Jackson, CL.
MONTICELLO — John Efird, CL, Malaya Reynado, CL, Heather Shrum, CL, Amanda Westhelle, CL, Noesha Anderson, DL, Caliyah Banks, DL, Jayden Johnson, DL, Autumn Grace Shrum, DL.
WILMAR — Mallory Johnson, DL.
PRATTSVILLE — Jameson Archer, CL, Rocco Hicks, CL.
SHERIDAN — Kelsey Brule, CL, Eli Casey, CL, Brady Ingram, CL, Lauren Irons, CL, Ayden Mullins, CL, Austin Webb, CL, Sloane Caldwell, DL.
DUMAS — Jeffrey Branson, CL.
STAR CITY — Alyssa Chace, CL, Reid Dutton, DL, Abigail Gill, DL, Jonathan Hibbard, DL, Sarah Lane, DL, Jacob Merritt, DL.