UAM adult ed director earns awards
Dorissa Kaufman, Ed.D, director of adult education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM), was named the 2025 recipient of the Luther H. Black Award for Outstanding Administrator.
The award was presented by the Arkansas Association for Continuing and Adult Education (AACAE), one of the highest honors in Arkansas’ adult education system, according to a news release.
The award recognizes an administrator who has made exceptional contributions to the advancement of adult education at the community, state or national level. Candidates must have at least five years of administrative experience and demonstrate a deep commitment to fostering adult education as a lifelong learning process.
Kaufman has worked in adult education for more than 18 years, serving as director for 17. She led UAM’s Adult Education program through significant growth, expanding services across eight counties and overseeing 15 centers that provide critical educational opportunities for adult learners, according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
As part of her role, Kaufman promotes instructional excellence and ensures each center stays current with curriculum, teaching strategies and data-driven practices. Colleagues describe her as a supportive, positive and highly engaged leader who ensures staff members have the resources, training and encouragement needed to help students succeed.
“I am truly honored to receive the Luther H. Black Award and deeply grateful to AACAE for this recognition,” Kaufman said. “Adult education has been my life’s work, and I am proud to serve alongside a dedicated team and a university that believes in the power of second chances and lifelong learning. This award reflects the commitment of our entire UAM Adult Education family to the success of every learner we serve.”
Kaufman was selected for her leadership, strategic vision and dedication to expanding access to adult education in Arkansas. Her work has strengthened partnerships, expanded programming and aligned adult education services with workforce, academic and community needs throughout the region.
Steven Jossell, vice chancellor of UAM-CTM, praised Kaufman’s achievement.
“Dr. Dorissa Kaufman’s selection as the 2025 Luther H. Black Award for Outstanding Administrator recipient stands as a fitting testament to her exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing adult education,” Jossell said.
“For more than 18 years, she has defined excellence by establishing one of Arkansas’ most impactful and far-reaching programs, setting uncompromising performance standards and leading with a remarkable blend of optimism, approachability and authentic care. Her strategic acumen, deep command of curriculum and data-informed instruction and her ability to galvanize teams toward superior results have strengthened communities and transformed lives across eight counties. I, and the UAM-CTM family, are profoundly proud of Dr. Kaufman and celebrate her receipt of this distinguished, well-deserved, statewide honor,” Jossell said.
Downtown holiday event set
Pine Bluff Downtown Development (PBDD) will present Hop, Stop & Shop … in Downtown Pine Bluff, a festive new holiday celebration to be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday. The family-oriented event invites the community to experience downtown in a whimsical and interactive way, complete with trolley rides, shopping, music, vendors, and holiday cheer at every stop, according to a news release.
The event is free to attend and open to all ages.
“Downtown Pine Bluff is full of potential and personality, and this event gives our community a chance to see and feel that energy,” said Angelisa Henry, executive director of Pine Bluff Downtown Development. “Hop, Stop & Shop brings together our local businesses, artists, vendors, choirs, and families in a way that celebrates both the season and the spirit of Pine Bluff.”
Visitors will be able to ride the trolley through a series of stops downtown, including The Generator, UAPB Business Support Incubator, Indigo Blue, ArtSpace, The Hen House, Visionz, Pine Bluff Public Library, FBT Bank, Magnolia (The Bank), and Jubilee Celebration Center. Each stop will feature a unique experience, such as live performances, vendor markets, giveaways, treats, and décor.
Local vendors will be housed indoors along the route, offering handmade gifts, food, crafts, and seasonal items. Participating downtown businesses will also extend their hours, activate their spaces with music and treats, and decorate their storefronts.
Local choirs and artists will participate, with performances by Jenkins Choir, Damascus Missionary Baptist Church Choir, St. Mark of Sherrill, and Southern Soul artist Cameron Foster. Musical support will be provided by pianist Eryk Johnson and drummer DeShunda Henry, who will accompany groups performing Christmas selections at the UAPB Incubator. Families are also invited to stop by the incubator to take festive Christmas portraits. Details: Angelisa Henry at pbdd110pine@yahoo.com or (870) 536-8742.
Free event set in Star City
Carnell Russ NAACP and Carnell Russ Foundation will host a free community event, “Giving Gifts in Gratitude,” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Star City Civic Center parking lot. Organizers will be giving away a variety of items including clothes, electronic gadgets, toys, and vegetables, according to a news release. Leatrice Russ-Glenns is executive director of the foundation.
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Leon’s Catfish and Steakhouse, according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
JRMC blood drive Dec. 23
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will conduct a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Henslee Conference Center. Walk-ins are welcome.
Our Blood Institute is offering holiday shirts and movie tickets, while supplies last, according to a flyer. A photo ID is required of blood donors. Details: 877-340-8777 or obi.org