Hendrix appoints PB native VP
Hendrix College in Conway recently named Bernadette Hinkle executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer. Hinkle will begin at Hendrix on June 1.
The longtime higher education financial leader is a Pine Bluff native, according to a news release.
“Bernadette brings a wealth of experience in higher education finance,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “She has seen significant changes, challenges, and opportunities in higher education and will make Hendrix College even stronger with her expertise. I am confident in her ability to help us to enhance our already excellent academic experience for current and future students.”
A certified public accountant and a transformational leader with experience managing complex organizations and improving processes in finance and operations, Hinkle has more than 25 years of leadership in administration, accounting, budgeting, and business services.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Her experience includes administrative, strategic, and technical expertise developed at Henderson State University, Arkansas Tech University, West Chester University in Pennsylvania, University of Arkansas System offices, and in the private sector. She served most recently as a financial consultant to higher education institutions, according to the release.
Hinkle holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I am thrilled to join Hendrix College at a pivotal time in its development and look forward to working with President Petersen and the leadership team to build on a rich legacy of excellence as we continue to inspire students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy,” said Hinkle. “I fully understand the financial challenges facing higher education today, and I also know Hendrix has an abundance of opportunities that few small colleges have.”
UAM announces ASBTDC director
Callie Esther Becks of Crossett has been named the new regional director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
She comes to the ASBTDC from the Ashley County Abstract Co., where she served as a title researcher and managed day-to-day business operations.
Becks graduated from UAM with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree, according to a news release.
The ASBTDC’s mission is to increase the vitality of the economy in Arkansas by assisting business start-ups and existing businesses. Part of a national network of more than 1,000 offices, ASBTDC provides consulting services and resources free.
A&P to meet May 14
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. May 14 at the A&P Commission offices, 623 S. Main St., according to a news release.
3rd Ward neighbors to meet
The 3rd Ward Community Watch residents will meet at 6 p.m. May 21 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave., according to a news release.
Barbershop plans ribbon cutting
5 Star Cutz Barbershop, 817 W. Sixth Ave., will host a ribbon cutting ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. Friday. The event will include free haircuts, according to a flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber’s newsletter.
OEM offers emergency alerts
The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to sign up to receive emergency alerts by text or email for certain events, according to a flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber’s newsletter.
These alerts could be for floods, fires, severe weather, public health alerts, criminal activity, or other emergency situations.
To sign up, visit https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=112882 or text “alerts” to (870) 558-5888.
Alliance names School Breakfast winners
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s No Kid Hungry Arkansas campaign announced winners of the 2024 School Breakfast Month Challenge.
Categories and winners of the 2024 School Breakfast Month Challenge are:
LARGEST INCREASE IN BREAKFAST PARTICIPATION (comparing March 2023 to March 2024): First Prize: North Little Rock School District; Second Prize: Monticello School District; Third Prize: Paris School District.
START OR RESTART BREAKFAST AFTER THE BELL: Sheridan School District.
MOST INNOVATIVE SCHOOL BREAKFAST MONTH PROMOTION: Lonoke School District.
“We want to recognize the determined efforts of these schools and all Arkansas school nutrition teams across the state, who work hard to provide nutritious meals to their students,” according to a news release.
For over a decade, the Alliance has partnered with the Arkansas Governor’s office and key child health and education advocates to proclaim March as School Breakfast Month and challenge school districts to increase school breakfast participation.
“It’s important to encourage school nutrition teams who are working hard to provide the most nutritious foods in creative ways,” said Vivian Nicholson, breakfast program director for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. “It’s no secret that school breakfast equals success and we want to recognize schools that go the extra mile.”
Participating schools were eligible to win funds for their child nutrition programs.
“We appreciate our partners at the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Child Nutrition Unit and the Arkansas School Nutrition Association for their support,” according to the release.
Callie Becks