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Health Careers Academy at SAU inspires next generation of health professionals

Published

10 months ago

August 19, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University recently concluded a successful six-week summer session of the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy, an initiative funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and coordinated in partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Held from June 9 to July 18, 2025, the academy introduced 33 rising high school seniors from South Arkansas to a wide range of healthcare careers through immersive experiences, mentorship, and hands-on training.

The HCOP Academy at SAU was co-directed by Dr. Abdel Bachri, professor of physics and dean of the College of Science and Engineering, and Dr. Daniel McDermott, associate professor of biology. Together with Ms. Yolanda Carman, UAMS HCOP program manager, HCOP scholars from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal, improving health outcomes and making a difference in people’s lives by pursuing a career in the healthcare workforce, were welcomed to the SAU Campus.

“The mission of the AR Delta HCOP Academy is to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in Arkansas. Over the course of six weeks, our scholars embarked on a transformative journey, gaining essential knowledge across disciplines while developing hands-on skills that position them for success in the healthcare workforce.”— Shanea M. Nelson, Ph.D., executive director, UAMS Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships.

Over the six-week program, students conducted a variety of healthcare simulations within the SAU Nursing department. These included wound care, performing vitals, performing a blood transfusion, drawing blood, and assessing newborns. During the final week of the camp, students applied several of these skills in a simulation scenario where they worked together to care for a newly admitted patient.

Students performed scientific experiments under the guidance of several SAU Biology and Chemistry faculty members, including cheek cell staining and examination, introducing a new gene into bacteria and isolating that protein from the bacteria, performing dissections, acid-base titrations, and density gradients. Students also learned how to perform a variety of microbiological assays, including isolating bacteria, Gram staining and microbial diagnostic techniques, including ELISA.

In addition to SAU, scholars visited additional campuses during the program to explore careers in healthcare. Students went to the UAMS campus, exploring healthcare careers in respiratory therapy, medical lab technology, sonography, physician assistant, and radiologic imaging sciences. Students also visited the SAU Tech campus for nursing and the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and South Arkansas College to learn about careers in EMS, surgical technology, physician therapy, and radiology technology.

Additional outside partners also worked with scholars, including Newhaven Counseling and Health Services in Magnolia, which provided HCOP scholars with knowledge and shadowing experience in mental health. In preparation for this, scholars received Mental Health First Aid training and certification by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership.

Magnolia Regional Medical Center conducted a stroke analysis session and blood typing activity, and the UAMS Medical Lab Sciences program performed a urine analysis activity with the scholars. The Columbia County Ambulance Service and Survival Flight discussed careers in emergency services, which included tours of an ambulance and a medical helicopter.

Richard Reeves and Alisha Howell from UAMS South talked with students about careers in healthcare administration and nursing, respectively. LBR Fitness did a physical wellness and nutrition session at the Mulerider Activity Center, highlighting the importance of personal health and fitness in the healthcare professions.

Students gained practical skills, including resume and presentation building, and financial literacy training from Kimberly Marshall, Unified CDC, Inc., They also received professionalism in the workplace by training from Bridgette Edmondson, Bridges Workforce Solutions, and Stephen Attebery, UAMS South, who discussed how to prepare for a career in healthcare professions.

“The HCOP program offered a unique blend of informational sessions with hands-on activities, showing scholars what it was like to be in that healthcare field,” said Dr. McDermott. “A combination of many SAU faculty and our community partners allowed this camp to be an exceptional experience for our scholars.”

The UAMS College of Public Health, coordinated by Ms. Cindy Lewis, introduced career options in Public Health. Students also developed a Public Service Announcement covering health topics relevant to the students. Students presented their PSA presentations and promotional videos in the closing ceremony held on June 18, which celebrated the students’ successful completion of the program.

“It was inspiring to see these students’ curiosity grow as they explored careers ranging from nursing to radiology, public health to emergency medicine,” said Dr. Bachri. “The HCOP Academy helps them see what’s possible—and realize that a future in healthcare is within reach.”

“We’re thrilled to provide transformative educational opportunities that shine a light on diverse healthcare careers,” said Yolanda Carman. “With our tailored enrichment program like HCOP, we’re not just empowering future health professionals; we’re paving the way for a healthier future for all Arkansans!”

The HCOP Academy is part of a larger effort to develop a diverse and resilient healthcare workforce in rural Arkansas, where access to care and health equity remains a persistent challenge. By offering early exposure to healthcare professions, mentorship, and academic enrichment, the program empowers high school students to pursue higher education and ultimately serve their own communities. Scholars will continue to receive mentoring and support throughout their senior year and into college, with plans for a follow-up academy in summer 2026.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

18 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

18 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

18 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

18 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

18 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.