UAM professor earns national honor
Kay Walter, professor of English for the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, recently received national recognition for the second consecutive year for her work as the editor of The English Pub, a professional academic association newsletter for literacy enthusiasts.
The National Council of Teachers of English awarded The English Pub the 2025 NCTE Affiliate Newsletter of Excellence honor. It is the only newsletter from Arkansas to receive the recognition.
Published by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts, The English Pub is a voice for K-12 ELA teachers in Arkansas and global literacy enthusiasts. It promotes scholarship, creativity and submissions to the Arkansas English Journal, while celebrating member and student achievements. The newsletter highlights global perspectives in ELA, shares professional development opportunities, advocates for literacy initiatives and recognizes leaders in service learning and multilingual outreach, according to the news release.
Walter and the ACTELA will be honored at the 2025 NCTE Annual Convention Affiliate Roundtable Breakfast at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Nov. 23.
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Walter encourages UAM students and alumni to contribute articles to the newsletter. Additionally, UAM students can enroll in an independent study course with Walter.
“Serving as editor of The English Pub offers me a chance to spotlight quality teachers and their work and also to mentor my student assistants as they develop their professional portfolios. I am proud to garner honors to ACTELA, UAM and Arkansas by promoting literacy instruction throughout a readership which spans 51 nations,” Walter said.
Farm Trail opens applications
The Arkansas Farm Trail passport program will expand in 2026 with more farms across the state. Applications are open through Oct. 17, for farmers to join the effort connecting consumers with Arkansas agriculture.
The Arkansas Farm Trail gives visitors a hands-on experience at local farms to shop for Arkansas-grown products and learn the stories behind their food. Shoppers carry a Farm Trail passport, collecting stamps at farms when they make purchases. The more stamps collected, the bigger the prize package, according to a news release.
“The farm trail launch was a huge success, both for farmers and for families exploring Arkansas agriculture,” said John McMinn, director of commodity activities and economics at Arkansas Farm Bureau. “We’re excited to build on that momentum, expand the program and help even more farmers reach new customers.”
Benefits for farmers include free statewide marketing, promotional materials like signage and displays, and visibility driving on-farm sales. The program is open to Arkansas farms that sell local foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains animal products and more. To qualify, farms must sell from a dedicated structure like a farm stand, shop, barn or storefront on their farm.
Participation is free with an Arkansas Farm Bureau membership, but space is limited. Selection will be based on factors like regional diversity and products. Farmers can apply at ArFarmTrail.com. Details: (501) 224-4400.
Celebrate! Maya plans fundraiser
Celebrate! Maya Project’s Annual FriendRaiser & Scholarship Drive will be held from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Trapnall Hall, 423 E. Capitol Ave., in Little Rock.
The Celebrate! Maya Project’s founder is Janis F. Kearney, a native of Southeast Arkansas and diarist for former President Bill Clinton.
The project is named for the late author, entertainer and Civil Rights leader Maya Angelou, and has collaborated with schools, parents, nonprofits, and communities to provide literacy and arts programs that help young people embrace Angelou’s legacy and discover their own voices through poetry, prose, history, and art.
The evening will feature music, poetry, food, and gratitude to supporters. The public is invited to attend the FriendRaiser. All donations will be allocated to the Celebrate! Maya Scholarship fund, according to a news release.
The gathering is an opportunity for Kearney and her team to thank longtime supporters and welcome new friends. This year’s gathering and Scholarship Drive aims to inspire friends and supporters to learn more about the vital role small organizations like theirs play in shaping the lives of Arkansas children and their communities. Kearney describes the current funding landscape as difficult, requiring nonprofit leaders to be more resourceful and innovative than ever before.
The FriendRaiser offers an opportunity to announce new initiatives and showcase expanded programs around the state.
While the organization’s work is rooted in Arkansas’ Delta region, the Celebrate! Maya Project now partners with schools and communities throughout the state. Details: www.celebratemayaproject.org or janis@celebratemayaproject.org.