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Second-year health careers opportunity program at SAU prepares next generation of health professionals

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University hosted its second year of the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy, an initiative funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and coordinated in partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

HCOP scholars at closing ceremony

The four-week summer session opened in June with remarks from Dr. Jason Franks and closed in July with closing comments from SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks. The academy introduced 23 rising college freshmen from the Arkansas Delta region to a wide range of healthcare careers through immersive experiences and hands-on training.

Site coordinator Dr. Daniel McDermott, associate professor of biology, welcomed back 2026 HCOP scholars who participated in the program the previous summer. “Our goal of the program was to provide the scholars with skills and experiences that would both help them prepare for college and expose them to several healthcare professions,” McDermott said. “With this being the second year for the scholars, we designed activities to build from the 2025 academy.”

Those activities included several healthcare simulations within SAU’s nursing department, coordinated by Christina Arnold, such as IV insertion and medication administration, birthing simulation, myocardial infarction simulation and pneumonia simulation. Scholars also completed several emergency medicine simulations at the UAMS Simulation Center in Little Rock, giving them hands-on experience in a hospital setting.

SAU biology and chemistry faculty led several scientific experiments, including cellular respiration, karyotyping, muscle contraction measurement and acid titrations. Scholars performed high-level molecular experiments as well, including isolating and identifying bacteria from yogurt using both biochemical techniques and sequencing. A DNA fingerprinting experiment let scholars examine their own genetic fingerprint and apply the technique to solve a simulated crime, demonstrating real-world application.

Scholars were also introduced to epidemiology, performing an outbreak simulation with the UAMS College of Public Health (COPH) and completing a multiweek project that involved collecting and graphing data before presenting on a chosen infectious disease. The UAMS COPH led a biostatistics activity, LBR Fitness held a physical wellness and nutrition session at the Mulerider Activity Center emphasizing the role of personal health in healthcare careers, and Unified CDC Inc. presented a financial literacy session covering budgeting for college and savings.

HCOP scholars presenting during closing ceremony

“The HCOP Academy is about more than introducing scholars to healthcare careers, it is about helping them see themselves as future healthcare professionals,” said Yolanda Carman, HCOP program manager at UAMS APWP. “Through hands-on learning, mentorship, financial literacy and college preparation, we are building their confidence, strengthening their readiness for college, and supporting the development of a diverse healthcare workforce that can serve communities across Arkansas.”

Scholars visited UAMS twice during the program, organized by Yolanda Carman, touring the NICU, College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy and the Department of Neuroscience, along with hands-on activities with the College of Pharmacy and Department of Neuroscience. They also had a question-and-answer session with several anesthesiologists at different stages of their residency and career.

The academy also emphasized college and career preparation, including resume building, an AI-in-education seminar with the SAU Library, an internship and shadowing seminar with SAU Career Services, and a session on preparing for professional schools led by Stephen Attebery, UAMS AHEC Scholars program manager.

“HCOP reflects SAU’s commitment to expanding educational and career opportunities for students from the Arkansas Delta,” said Dr. Abdel Bachri, dean of SAU’s College of Science and Engineering. “By combining rigorous scientific instruction, realistic clinical simulations, professional mentorship and college preparation, the HCOP Academy helps students develop the knowledge, confidence and sense of purpose needed to pursue healthcare careers. These scholars represent the future of healthcare in Arkansas, and investing in their success is an investment in the health and well-being of communities across our state.”

The HCOP Academy is part of a larger effort to build a diverse and resilient healthcare workforce in Arkansas, where access to care and health equity remain persistent challenges. By offering early exposure to healthcare professions, mentorship and college preparedness, the program helps incoming freshmen succeed in college and pursue careers in healthcare. Scholars in the program are followed throughout their freshman year and beyond. Southern Arkansas University extends its sincere appreciation to the HCOP team and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for their continued partnership and dedication.

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El Dorado School Board To Hear Construction Update

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado School Board will meet Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting, with updates on the district’s new intermediate school, school supplies and school-based health services among the items on the agenda.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10.

Board members are scheduled to receive a construction update on the new intermediate school, one of several reports planned during the meeting.

The board will also recognize Jai Durvasula as the State Civics Bee Champion. Jennifer Lee is scheduled to present a report on school supplies for kindergarten through fourth grade, while Debbie McAdams will provide a report from the district’s school-based health center.

Other business includes consideration of the minutes from the board’s July 13 meeting, monthly bills and fund transfers for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Board members are also scheduled to discuss 30-60-90 day plans and hear information on surrogate parents from Shawn Beard.

The meeting agenda concludes with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

News

Hospital Board, Food Trucks Top City Council Agenda

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado City Council will meet Thursday, Aug. 13, with several items on the agenda, including discussions involving the hospital board, food trucks and an interlocal agreement concerning district court.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m., following a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at 5:10 p.m.

Under unfinished business, council members are scheduled to continue discussions concerning the hospital board and food trucks.

Several items are listed under new business, including consideration of an interlocal agreement related to district court.

The council will also receive a report from the Chamber of Commerce and a finance report from Dianne Hammond.

David Lee and Greg Williams are scheduled to address the council regarding Future Business Leaders of South Arkansas.

Planning and zoning appointments are also on the agenda. Council members will consider the reappointment of Greg Williams and the appointment of Kyle Young.

The meeting will include an opportunity for public comments, reports from city department heads and consideration of other city business.

The El Dorado City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 5:15 p.m.

News

Lockheed Martin Contract Could Bring Hundred Of Jobs To Camden

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN, Ark. — A massive new federal defense contract awarded to Lockheed Martin is expected to significantly expand missile production in Camden and bring hundreds of additional jobs to South Arkansas.

The U.S. government has awarded Lockheed Martin a seven-year contract modification worth up to $53.86 billion for production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors.

Combined with a $4.7 billion award announced in April for the first year of the program, the multiyear contract has a total potential value of approximately $58.62 billion.

The agreement is expected to have a major impact on Lockheed Martin’s Camden operations, where final production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors takes place.

Lockheed Martin says employment associated with the program in Camden is expected to increase by about 50%, growing from approximately 1,200 jobs to around 1,850. That represents roughly 650 additional jobs in Camden.

The company also plans to dramatically increase production, with a goal of tripling PAC-3 MSE manufacturing capacity by the end of 2030.

The PAC-3 MSE is an air and missile defense interceptor designed to defend against threats including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

Camden is one of numerous locations across the country that will perform work under the contract. Other locations include Huntsville, Alabama; Wichita, Kansas; Grand Prairie and Lufkin, Texas; and several facilities in Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and other states.

The estimated completion date for work under the contract is March 31, 2035.

The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama is overseeing the contract. No funds were obligated at the time the latest modification was awarded July 29.

Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet described the expansion as a “once-in-a-generation moment,” saying the company is increasing investment, hiring and facility upgrades to meet the government’s demand for greater missile production.

The planned expansion further strengthens Camden’s role as a major defense manufacturing center and could provide a substantial economic boost to Ouachita County and the surrounding South Arkansas region.

News

One Killed, One Injured In Union County Crash

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A Strong woman was killed and an 84-year-old man was injured in a single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon near El Dorado, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The crash happened at approximately 2:38 p.m. Aug. 6 on U.S. Highway 82 Business near Junction City Road in Union County.

Arkansas State Police reported that 84-year-old George L. Robinson of Strong was driving a 2013 GMC Sierra westbound when the pickup left the roadway.

The vehicle struck a concrete culvert, became airborne and then struck a utility pole.

Robinson’s passenger, 74-year-old Ruby Payne Johnson of Strong, was killed in the crash. Her body was taken to the Union County Coroner.

Robinson was injured and transported to Baptist Health for treatment. The extent of his injuries was not provided in the preliminary crash report.

State Police reported that the weather was clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police.

News

SouthArk Prepares For Historic College Move-In

Published

23 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — South Arkansas College and the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce are asking businesses and residents across the community to help “Paint the Town Maroon” as SouthArk prepares to welcome students to campus and mark a major milestone in the college’s history.

The communitywide campaign is already underway and continues through Monday, Aug. 17, as students prepare to move into SouthArk’s first-ever residence hall.

Organizers are encouraging local businesses to display maroon decorations, place welcome messages in windows and offer discounts to students who show a valid SouthArk ID.

Community members and businesses can also show their support on social media using the hashtag #PaintTheTownMaroon.

A special #WearYourStars Day is planned for Friday, Aug. 14. Businesses, schools, organizations and residents throughout Union County are encouraged to wear SouthArk Stars shirts or maroon clothing that day.

Participants are also encouraged to post photographs on social media using #WearYourStars, showcasing community support for the college and its students.

The campaign coincides with a significant moment for SouthArk as students prepare to move into the college’s first on-campus residence hall.

The addition of student housing marks a new chapter for the El Dorado college, expanding the traditional campus experience and bringing students into the community as full-time residents.