UAM librarian earns recognition
LaShonda Campbell, collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, was recently selected as a 2025 Core Emerging Leader by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures, a national division of the American Library Association that supports librarians in leadership, management, collections and technology.
This recognition is a result of Campbell’s contributions and continued involvement in the ALA’s 2025 class of Emerging Leaders, which she was named to in the fall of 2025. Though both the Emerging Leader program and the Core Emerging Leader program focus on leadership development for early-career librarians, the Core designation offers a more focused, in-depth experience and includes additional responsibilities, according to the news release.
As a Core Emerging Leader, Campbell will join 50 library professionals from across North America in a six-month program designed to foster mentorship and leadership. Participants will collaborate on project planning, network with peers and deepen their understanding of the ALA organizational structure. The program includes a virtual session at ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience and ongoing online collaboration and concludes with a group presentation at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June.
“It is an honor to not only serve as a 2025 Emerging Leader but also to receive an appointment to the Core division and work directly with the ALA board of directors. This assignment feels extra special to me,” Campbell said. “It will provide me with access to an incredible network of new and seasoned professionals in the field. Core’s mission to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers through community building, advocacy and learning aligns perfectly with my personal and professional growth to serve the library and UAM community well.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Westerman announces art contest
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the annual Congressional Art Competition for 2025 is open to receive entries from high school students across the Fourth District of Arkansas.
Entries are to be submitted in person by April 16. An appointment is recommended to drop off artwork at any of the following District Offices:
Pine Bluff – 211 W Third Ave., Ste. 245, Pine Bluff;
Hot Springs – 101 Reserve St., Ste. 200, Hot Springs;
El Dorado – 101 N. Washington Ave., Ste. 406, El Dorado;
Russellville – 500 W. Main St., Ste. 110, Russellville.
Winners will be announced the week of April 21. Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by congressmen, according to a news release. The competition is open to all high school students in the Fourth District. The winning artwork of the district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page online.
Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must be framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. The rules, checklist, and release form for the competition can be found on House.gov.
UAM offers $500 scholarship at event
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a priority registration event for fall 2025 classes April 14-15 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students. This event is for those who plan to attend UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM).
New freshmen and new transfer students will receive a $500 scholarship if they register for fall 2025 classes during this priority event and attend UAM’s campuses in the fall 2025 semester. Terms and conditions may apply, according to a news release. Students must RSVP by April 9 to reserve a time to register for classes. In-person registration is required. An RSVP link for the event is available on the UAM Admissions Events webpage at https://www.uamont.edu/admissions/recruitment.html.
For questions, contact the UAM Admissions Office at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
PBHS 1975 class planning reunion
The 1975 Class of Pine Bluff High School is planning its 50th reunion. There will be a reunion planning meeting at 1 p.m. March 25 at Pine Bluff Country Club. For details, participants should contact Jim Simpson (870) 692-3282, according to a spokesman.
Free virtual ACT events set
The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will present two free virtual ACT Boot Camps.
March 27 — from 6-8 p.m., the workshop will cover the math and English sections of the test.
April 3 — from 6-8 p.m., The workshop will cover the reading and science sections of the test.
The presenters are Charity Smith-Allen and team from Fetterman and Associates. Students in 7-12th grades and parents are urged to join the workshop. Use the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. The ACT Boot Camp is made possible through a grant from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. Details: kencol1@msn.com or mattie1908@gmail.com.