UAPB updates students on refunds
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff expects all student refunds to be completed by the end of the week, Chancellor Anthony Graham wrote in an open letter Wednesday morning.
The delays in refunding, he wrote, stemmed from a combination of factors including a change in leadership within the Office of Financial Aid, a reduction in staffing and technology processing issues. Graham wrote the university is “acting swiftly” to address each challenge, prevent future disruptions and strengthen its systems.
“While the overwhelming majority of students received their refunds on schedule this semester, approximately 270 students experienced delays,” Graham wrote. “That number has now been reduced to 90, and we expect to have all remaining refunds completed by the end of the week.”
Graham began the letter by mentioning the priority for the university is “serving students with excellence, transparency and care in every aspect of their academic journey.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He closed it by writing:
“We understand how important these refunds are to our students and their families, and we deeply regret the frustration and hardship this delay may have caused. UAPB is committed to continuous improvement and to providing timely, reliable service to every member of our campus community.”
100% of UAM-CTC nursing grads pass
The 2025 graduates of the Practical Nursing program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) recently achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The NCLEX-PN evaluates whether nursing graduates have the knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively.
The perfect pass rate reflects the program’s commitment to excellence and demonstrates that UAM-CTC graduates are well-prepared to provide quality care in today’s healthcare environment, according to a news release.
UAM-CTC credits the achievement to the program’s dedicated nursing instructors and the clinical site partners who provide students with valuable hands-on experience.
For more information about the Practical Nursing program at UAM-CTC, contact (870) 460-2016.
Art League announces events
The Pine Bluff Art League will conduct a meeting and workshop.
PBAL MEETING
The PBAL will host its regular monthly meeting from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in room A & B. Pam Wooley will present an oil painting demonstration. She’s a PBAL member and recent award winner of the 2025 “Annual Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition,” according to a news release.
This event is free and open to the public ages 15 and older.
For more information, contact PBAL President Vickie Coleman at (870) 540-9975.
PAINTING PARTY
PBAL will host a new painting party from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Reynolds center.
“Get into the holiday spirit during Pam Wooley’s new acrylic workshop and learn step by step how to use the paint medium, develop brush techniques and blend colors. This two-hour paint party is an invitation to be creative and enjoy a social atmosphere. Beginners and experienced artists are welcome,” according to the release.
The cost is $35. Materials and appetizers are included.
The event is for ages 15 and older.
To pay, participants may make a check out to the Pine Bluff Art League and mail it to Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
For more information on the league workshop, contact Wooley at (870) 357-2328. For more on payment, contact Pine Bluff Art League Treasurer Permelia Huffman at (870) 543-0225.
Class size is limited.
Details: pbal.org or mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.
Blue Cross holds food drive
Arkansans are encouraged to join Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield by participating in the Take Good Care Food Drive.
Through Nov. 14, nonperishable food and personal care items can be donated at any ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.
Locally, the Pine Bluff office is at 509 Mallard Loop. Donated items will be distributed to local community food pantries and resource centers, according to a news release.