UAM professor receives national honor
Kay Walter, professor of English for the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, was recently recognized nationally for her work as the editor of The English Pub, a professional academic association newsletter for literacy enthusiasts.
The National Council of Teachers of English named The English Pub a recipient of the 2024 NCTE Affiliate Newsletter of Excellence Award, according to a news release.
Published by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts, The English Pub is a voice for K-12 ELA teachers in Arkansas and global literacy enthusiasts. It promotes scholarship, creativity and submissions to the Arkansas English Journal while celebrating member and student achievements.
The newsletter highlights global perspectives in ELA, shares professional development opportunities, advocates for literacy initiatives and recognizes leaders in service learning and multilingual outreach.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Walter encourages UAM students and alumni to contribute articles to the newsletter. Additionally, UAM students can enroll in an independent study course with Walter, where they gain hands-on experience in academic publishing as editorial assistants for the newsletter.
“I am proud to be recognized nationally for producing a newsletter lauded by literacy enthusiasts around the world as well as for the opportunity to contribute to the reputation of our university’s excellence, publish local writers and mentor UAM students into professional editing,” Walter said.
Steven Harper, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at UAM, congratulated Walter on the award.
“Dr. Walter does outstanding work with The English Pub,” Harper said. “I’m delighted to see that work recognized in this way. The newsletter elegantly exemplifies the interconnectedness of the teaching, scholarship and service contributions UAM faculty members make, and this award underscores the broad influence that our exceptionally dedicated faculty have on the nation’s intellectual life.”
Walter and the ACTELA will be honored at the 2024 NCTE Annual Convention’s Affiliate Breakfast at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston on Nov. 24.
Ag-Tech program open for teens
In a field that’s increasingly data- and tech-dependent, there’s a new program that encourages youths to embrace the science and technology needed to grow food for a growing global population.
ACE, or Ag-Tech Career Exploration, is an intensive year-long program that combines STEM skills as well as professional and leadership development for youth ages 16-19. The inaugural program will run from January to July 2025.
Nov. 1 is the application deadline for this U.S. Department of Agriculture-supported program, according to a news release.
“Agriculture is increasingly technology heavy,” said Jason Davis, extension application technologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “We are soon to see more automated data collection, decision making and action taking systems in our production fields. It is important that Arkansas’s next generation workforce understand these technologies and make early connections to the industry leaders that will bring these changes to fruition.”
Davis is among the researchers who will be working with youths in the program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers utilizing agricultural technology such as drones, sensors, food genetics and robotics.
Julie Robinson, professor of community, professional and economic development for the Cooperative Extension Service, created ACE as part of her work in community leadership development.
“The goal is to engage students and pique their interest in careers in agriculture before they reach college,” she said. “Students will be able to work with professionals and be exposed to avenues of science they might not have been aware of, or never considered because it was in agriculture.
“The most exciting component of this program is our international trip,” Robinson said. “There are plenty of studies showing the benefits of international study for youths, and we want to help young Arkansans have that opportunity to travel internationally.”
There is no cost to participate in the program. Robinson said some financial assistance is available for students to obtain passports for travel aboard.
Find additional information online, including an application link at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/special-programs/Education_in_Agriculture/ag-tech-career-exploration.aspx.
The program has been funded for three years by grant No. 2024-67038-42795 from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the USDA.
Eudora fire claims boy, 1
A house fire in Eudora has left a 1-year-old boy dead.
Criminal investigators with Arkansas State Police are looking into the fire that occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in the 900 block of North Pine Street, according to a news release. The Chicot County Sheriff’s Office requested the investigation from State Police.
Firefighters found the child deceased after extinguishing the fire. The boy’s body was transported to the state Crime Lab.
The State Police Fire and Explosive section will conduct an origian and cause investigation into the fire.