Locals on dean’s list in Kansas
Pine Bluff recipients Shalonda Y. Craig and Paul D. Peacock are among students named to the Dean’s Honor Roll for fall 2025 at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. To be included on the Dean’s Honor Roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, according to a news release.
Foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County beginning Feb. 1. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs.
Last year, $36,411 in scholarships were awarded, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.
“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, executive director of Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”
High school seniors from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County are eligible to apply. The scholarships were established for, but not limited to, students in the general areas of sports, history, library sciences, English, education, health care and/or hospital administration.
Some examples of available scholarships:
The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship is for a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the health care field.
The Betty Abbott Scholarship and Pinchback Taylor Scholarship are available through Southeast Arkansas College.
The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship is available through the Math Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The deadline to apply is March 15. For details on all the available scholarships and to begin the application process visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or at (870) 850-7934.
Spring Walk Across Arkansas set
Beginning Feb. 23, Arkansans can register for the spring session of Walk Across Arkansas, a free, group-based exercise program that encourages participants to develop healthy habits and get moving.
Registration is open from Feb. 23 to March 8, and the eight-week program runs from March 9 to May 3. Register and learn more at walk.uada.edu.
The competition is hosted each spring and fall by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participants can sign up as individuals or in groups of three to eight people. Throughout the competition, participants log their minutes of physical activity each day, according to a Division of Agriculture news release.
Bryce Daniels, extension assistant professor of health for the Division of Agriculture, said Walk Across Arkansas is a “simple way to feel better, build healthy habits and stay connected with others.”
“The spring session is a fresh opportunity to reset after winter, get moving as the weather warms up and enjoy the motivation that comes from being part of a team,” Daniels said. “Even small steps add up, and participating can help you feel more energized, less stressed and more connected to your community. If you’re looking for a fun and supportive way to be more active, this is the perfect time to join.”
In the fall 2025 session of Walk Across Arkansas, 732 participants from 50 Arkansas counties reported more than 1.6 million minutes of physical activity. Of 75 participants who responded to a follow-up survey after the session, 95% reported being more physically active during the program.
Daniels said that a unique element of Walk Across Arkansas is its emphasis on group participation.
“Aside from the well-known physical and mental benefits of being active — such as improved overall health and better stress management — Walk Across Arkansas also strengthens social connections by encouraging people to be active together,” Daniels said. “It creates a sense of community at the individual, county and even state level.
“The friendly competition makes being active more interactive, but my hope is that everyone finishes the program feeling the positive impact of living a more physically active life,” he said.
Anyone can participate in Walk Across Arkansas. Division of Agriculture employees must use a personal email address, not their work email address, to register. Visit walk.uada.edu to learn more and register, or contact your local county extension agent.