News

SAU Awards Prestigious Social Work Scholarship

Published

1 week ago

April 7, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – Senior Sah’Myah Holloway of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was awarded Southern Arkansas University’s first Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship in Social Work.

“I want to thank Dr. Wilson, SAU Foundation, and future donors for allowing this scholarship to honor Ms. Renda and inspire future students and me to keep going,” Holloway said.

With a spring 2025 graduation date approaching, Holloway will not be slowing down soon. She aims to pursue a master’s degree and become a licensed clinical social worker, obtain a doctorate, and open her own office in the future. While her classes at SAU have laid a strong academic foundation and provided hands-on experience in a nurturing environment, the Renda Henry scholarship has validated Holloway’s dreams, boosted her confidence, and alleviated financial stress for her family.

According to Holloway, one of the unexpected surprises of SAU’s social work program is that it “brings you people that you never knew you needed.”

For many, SAU alumna Renda Henry was one of those people.

Henry was a nontraditional graduate of the Southern Arkansas University social work program. A light in her community, she strove daily to make sure the basic needs of others were met. She fed the people in her community, listening and providing words of encouragement to them. Henry worked closely with her church’s ministry and, on most evenings and Saturdays, could be found sorting through donated items or making deliveries for those in need.

According to friend and peer Shea Wilson, Henry “exemplified the mission of social work.” Wilson, from Bearden, Arkansas, graduated with Henry, both receiving bachelor of arts in social work degrees from SAU in 2018.

Renda Henry

Henry envisioned herself in a practice serving those with substance abuse and addiction issues. When Henry’s cancer returned, her health prevented her from fulfilling this dream during her lifetime, but her spirit has continued through the Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship, established by SAU Professor of Psychology Dr. Deborah Wilson.

“When I was notified that Sah’Myah Holloway was the recipient of Renda’s scholarship, I was over the moon!” Dr. Wilson said. “To have known both Renda and Sah’Myah as students, I know they would have been friends because they are so much alike–both caring, kind, always smiling, and positive attitudes! It’s just an incredible feeling to see how beautifully this all came together.”

The scholarship fund was established through the SAU Foundation by Dr. Deborah Wilson in memory of Renda Henry to support a student majoring in Social Work. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or greater and accepted into the Social Work Program. Preference is given to nontraditional students and students with financial need who are not fully funded in another way or by another scholarship.

If you would like to donate to the Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship in Social Work fund, please visit www.saufoundation.org.

Related Topics:Renda Henry Sah'Myah Holloway SAU scholarship Social Work at SAU South Arkansas news Southern Arkansas University

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UAMS to host parent session on vaping, tobacco use

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Parents and guardians in South Arkansas are invited to a free educational session aimed at helping families understand the risks and warning signs associated with vapes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products.

Hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the event will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado, located at 1201 N. West Ave.

The session, titled “Get in the Know about Vapes, E-Cigarettes, & Tobacco Products,” is designed to equip parents with knowledge about:

The different types of vapes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes
How to recognize signs of tobacco use in teens
The health risks and effects associated with these products

Participants will receive free snacks and a $25 gift card for attending (one per household). Organizers encourage pre-registration, and a QR code is available on the event flyer for easy sign-up.

With youth vaping rates still a growing concern, the UAMS outreach aims to foster proactive conversations between parents and their children while promoting healthier communities.

For more information, contact the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado or visit the UAMS website.

News

Winners announced in El Dorado Schools art contest

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District is recognizing a group of standout students whose creative talents took center stage during a recent district-wide competition.

“We were blown away by the number of incredible entries we received,” the district said in a statement. “Thank you to all of our talented students who participated — your creativity and hard work truly shined!”

Students from across the district submitted entries that highlighted artistic expression, innovation, and school spirit. Ten students were singled out for special recognition:

Madison Smith – Barton Junior High
Abigail Davis – El Dorado High School
Marley Ann Rozier – Yocum Elementary
Merritt Cole – Northwest Elementary
Natalia Gaona – Washington Middle School
Tyrese Gibson – Barton Junior High
Haelyn Sweet – Hugh Goodwin Elementary
Presley Nash – El Dorado High School
Ryann McDill – Hugh Goodwin Elementary
Mary Leighton Longnecker – Hugh Goodwin Elementary

District officials praised the students’ efforts and encouraged the community to continue supporting programs that celebrate creativity and the arts.

For more updates from the El Dorado School District, visit eldoradopublicschools.org or follow the district on social media.

News

Storm Chances Return To Weekend Forecast

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — South Arkansas could see strong to severe thunderstorms this weekend as part of a broader weather system affecting the ArkLaTex region, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

Forecasters have highlighted two separate periods of potential storm activity: Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20. The Saturday risk appears to focus on northern and northwestern parts of the region, while Sunday brings a more widespread chance of storms across the entire area.

At this point, meteorologists say the exact timing, intensity, and coverage of the storms remain uncertain, but updates are expected as the weekend approaches.

“Confidence is increasing that there will be storms, but it’s still too early to say how strong or how widespread they’ll be,” said a statement from the National Weather Service.

Portions of Union, Columbia, Ouachita, and Calhoun counties fall within the areas highlighted for potential severe weather, with damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes all possible depending on how the system develops.

Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts closely, ensure weather alerts are enabled on mobile devices, and review their severe weather safety plans.

You can follow South Arkansas Now on social media for the latest real-time severe weather coverage.

News

Area law enforcement agencies honor dispatchers

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — Law enforcement agencies across South Arkansas, including the Camden Police Department, are celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, recognizing the vital role dispatchers play in keeping communities safe.

Observed April 13–19, the week is dedicated to honoring the men and women who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies — often referred to as the unseen heroes behind the scenes.

“These dedicated professionals are the calm voices in the chaos,” Camden Police said in a statement. “They are always there — answering the call with professionalism, compassion, and courage.”

The department’s dispatchers are responsible for coordinating emergency response across the city, relaying critical information to police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews in real time. Their work is often high-pressure, but essential to the safety of both the public and first responders.

“To our dispatch team: thank you for your tireless work, your steady voices, and your unwavering commitment to the safety of our community and officers,” the department added.

Agencies across Ouachita County and beyond have joined in recognizing their own telecommunicators this week, offering public appreciation, special events, and social media tributes.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was established in 1981 to honor the thousands of men and women who answer 911 calls and dispatch emergency personnel. Today, it remains a powerful reminder of the indispensable role dispatchers play in public safety.

News

SAU students shine at 108th annual Arkansas Academy of Science Conference

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – The College of Science and Engineering proudly announces the participation of several of the science and engineering students at the 108th annual Arkansas Academy of Science (AAS) Conference, held April 4–5 at Lyon College’s Batesville campus. SAU students presented original research through poster presentations, showcasing the University’s growing commitment to undergraduate research and academic excellence.

Students from multiple disciplines presented alongside their faculty mentors:
• Jenna Holmes, under the guidance of Dr. Adrian P. Showalter, presented Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Effectively Treat MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.
• Kristina Phipps, with mentorship from Katheryn A. Watson, Carl Drexler, Christopher R. Middaugh, Myron Means, and Mark Hooks Carl Drexler, presented Testing the Accuracy of a Bear-Tracking Satellite Transmitter Collar Under Natural Conditions.
• Alyssa Fish, Maggie Cassidy, Jasmine Vang, and Kelsey Hayes, mentored by Dr. Daniel McDermott, presented A Novel Method for Examining Extended Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Impact on Phagosome Maturation.
• Brandon Ravenscraft and Eli Beard, mentored by Dr. Lionel Hewavitharana and Dr. Abdel Bachri, presented Analyzing the Performance of Wood Ash-Modified Asphalt Concrete.
• Rylee Griffis, Hallie Nielson, Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee, Dr. Jeremy Chamberlain, and Dr. Daniel McDermott presented Optimization of Snake Leukocyte Isolation Protocol.
• Alessia Sonzini, Hannah Bearden, and Dr. James Hyde showcased their work on Analyzing the Neurotoxicity of Food Container Nanoplastics in Cultured SHY5Y Cells.
• Justin Gravett, guided by Dr. James Hyde, presented An Analysis of 3D Printer Resin Neurotoxicity in Cultured SHY5Y Cells.

In addition to student presentations, SAU faculty were recognized for their contributions to the Academy. Dr. James Hyde was nominated and elected as vice president of the Arkansas Academy of Science. Dr. Abdel Bachri, who previously served as president of the Academy, continues in his role as Historian and executive officer for the Academy.

Adding to the excitement, the Academy announced that Southern Arkansas University will host the 109th Annual Conference, scheduled for April 10–11, 2026.

Participation in conferences like the AAS provides SAU students valuable opportunities to engage with real-world research, practice public speaking, receive feedback from peers and professionals, and network with scientists from across the state. These experiences are essential for building confidence, enhancing college-to-career readiness, and inspiring future innovations.

“Having our students present at AAS not only highlights their hard work and talent but also reflects the dedication of our faculty in mentoring the next generation of scientists,” said Dr. Bachri. “In fact, in less than a month, on May 1, the College of Science and Engineering will host its 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at Grand Hall in Reynolds. Students across six departments will present posters showcasing their yearlong research capstone projects. It’s a fantastic way to close out the semester and celebrate their hard work.”

SAU remains committed to fostering undergraduate research and looks forward to welcoming the statewide science community to campus in 2026.