Rural health agency names president
The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership announces Scott Kuttenkuler as the inaugural President of the Arkansas Rural Health Academy in Pine Bluff.
Founded in January, the academy is the first-of-its-kind employer-driven training program embedded directly within rural healthcare settings, according to a news release.
The project has already trained 21 students, who are now integrated into local healthcare teams, and is on track to train and integrate more than 300 in the coming year.
Kuttenkuler previously worked with Southeast Arkansas College and the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He championed student success, forged strategic industry partnerships, and ignited public-private collaborations.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
With more than two decades of leadership in higher education and workforce development, Kuttenkuler most recently served as vice chancellor of the Saline County Career Technical Campus at Arkansas State University Three Rivers — where, together with his team, he more than doubled enrollment to more than 750 students, broadened technical program offerings, and secured in excess of $3 million in workforce grants, according to the release.
“I am honored to lead the Arkansas Rural Health Academy,” said Kuttenkuler. “Together with our partners — hospitals, clinics, colleges, and employers — we will meet learners where they are, provide real-world training, and open pathways to sustainable careers in rural health. We will focus our energies on the workforce training gaps that exist and contribute to challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. We will listen to their needs, collaboratively dream big, and leverage available resources to make meaningful change throughout the state.”
Kuttenkuler holds advanced degrees in communication and is completing a doctorate in higher education administration at Arkansas State University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott Kuttenkuler to lead the academy at this critical moment,” said Mellie Boagni, CEO of the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership. “His vision, leadership, and deep-rooted commitment to workforce development make him the ideal person to carry this work forward as we scale statewide.”
Agencies to close for July 4th
Several agencies announced the dates they will be closed for the July 4th holiday.
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices — Closed July 4-8.
Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices — Closed July 4-7.
Waste Management — Closed July 4.
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas — The agency offices and senior centers will be closed July 4, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will be taking patients to their dialysis and cancer appointments.
State offices will be closed July 4. The state Capitol building will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
City to host dump day
The city of Pine Bluff will hold a free dump day to discard various items. The event will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at Hestand Stadium.
Residents may bring appliances, couches, desks, filing cabinets, nightstands, shelving, bookcases, recliners, headboards, box springs, carpet, shelves, and changing tables, according to the city’s Facebook page.
The event won’t accept electronics, medical waste, hazardous waste, dead animals, contractor material or trash.