UAM professor co-authors book
John Hunt, professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has co-authored a new book, “Mammals of the Southwestern United States: Biology of Native and Some Extirpated, Extinct, and Introduced Species,” a comprehensive reference on mammal species found in the region.
Hunt is also director of premedical studies and assistant dean of science for the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at UAM, according to a news release.
Published by Lynx Nature Books, the volume documents 246 mammal species that currently or historically occurred in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Written for both professional and general audiences, the book serves as an accessible resource for naturalists, sportsmen, students, educators and biologists.
The southwestern United States is home to some of North America’s most distinctive mammal species, including several that are rare or endangered. Each species’ account in the book includes full-color photographs; skull plates showing top, side and bottom views; color distribution maps of the species’ range in the Southwest and across North America; and updated biological information.
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Hunt has taught at UAM for 22 years and offers courses in mammalogy, comparative anatomy, environmental science and evolution.
“This book would not have been possible without the financial and institutional support of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences and UAM,” Hunt said.
Hunt co-authored the book with the late Troy L. Best, an emeritus professor of biology at Auburn University and a nationally recognized mammalogist, who authored five previous books and conducted research on four continents.
Best, who died days before the book’s publication, was Hunt’s graduate mentor at Auburn, and the two collaborated for nearly 30 years on projects involving mammals and birds.
This volume follows their earlier publication, “Mammals of the Southeastern United States,” published in 2020 by the University of Alabama Press.
“Mammals of the Southwestern United States: Biology of Native and Some Extirpated, Extinct, and Introduced Species” is available for purchase on the Lynx Nature Books website.
Details: John Hunt at huntj@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1466.
UAM sets spring orientation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold orientation Jan. 5 for the spring 2026 semester. Prospective students are encouraged to attend and register for classes during the event. Spring 2026 semester classes will begin Jan. 7.
Orientation is open to students who have already been admitted to UAM, as well as those still considering attending the university during the spring 2026 semester. The event provides an opportunity for new or prospective students to meet with advisers, receive assistance with admissions steps, and register for spring classes, according to a news release.
Orientation for prospective UAM students will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 102 of the Student Success Center on the Monticello campus.
Prospective students interested in attending the UAM College of Technology–Crossett or the UAM College of Technology–McGehee should attend orientation sessions on those campuses at 1 p.m.
Students may visit any office related to attending school in the spring. Prospective students who plan to attend UAM but have not applied or registered for classes are encouraged to bring applicable admissions documents and transcripts. Details: UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Girls conference forms available
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is accepting applications for its 2026 Girls of Promise® conference scheduled for April 10.
“For more than two decades, the Girls of Promise conference has been one of the state’s most impactful early-pipeline initiatives, introducing 8th-grade girls to futures in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through immersive experiences, hands-on learning and direct engagement with women leaders across Arkansas,” according to a news release. Each year, hundreds of girls from around the state participate in this research-informed program, which helps them explore emerging careers, increase their confidence, and see themselves as future business and community leaders. Applications are due Feb. 6. Details: womensfoundationarkansas.org.
New troopers graduate
Forty-nine recruits became Arkansas State Troopers during a graduation ceremony held at the Benton Event Center on Dec. 18. Several have ties to southeast Arkansas, according to a news release.
Following months of testing and interviews, the new troopers were selected from a pool of 430 applicants to join the 2025-A Arkansas State Police Training Academy class. The recruits began their 12-week training program on Sept. 28 at the State Police Training Academy in Little Rock.
Area graduates in Troop E include:
Reagan Eades, Jefferson.
Hunter Mealer, Prattsville.
Bradley Stevens, Stuttgart.