News
SAU Students Benefit From Guest Speaker Series

MAGNOLIA – College students often have to wait until after graduation to learn what it’s like to work in their field. However, Dr. Esther Mead is bringing that valuable knowledge to the students in her class at Southern Arkansas University.
Mead, an assistant professor of Information Systems in the Rankin College of Business and an adjunct instructor in the College of Science and Engineering, has scheduled a series of speakers from the computer and information systems industry for students in her course entitled Information Technology Seminar.
“The speakers love doing this for the students,” said Mead.
The guest speakers record short videos for the class. Speakers share their academic and professional experiences, what a typical day at work looks like, advice for students on how to continuously improve their skills development within the industry, and tips for landing their first job following college.
Mead has enlisted speakers from her own network, including former coworkers in the IT field, former students, and former classmates. “Many I worked with, some I went to school with, and some I mentored,” explained Mead.
This semester’s lineup pf speakers participating this spring include Jinhang Jiang, senior data scientist at McKesson; Kazi Tanvir Islam, lead software engineer at Eaton; Recep Erol, HPC administrator at the University of Arkansas; and Connice Trimmingham, senior software engineer with GLG.
Other speakers this semester include Nicholas Kuettle, cybersecurity engineer with SurePoint Technologies; Ricky Eckhardt, senior software engineer with Go Camp; Shiblee Nooman, senior informatics analyst with CancerLinQ; and Oluwaseun Walter, software engineer with J.P. Morgan.
In addition to creating their videos, the speakers share their contact information, including emails and often cell phone numbers, offering students the opportunity to reach out with questions or for career advice.
“The students appreciate it,” said Mead. “They love being able to contact the speakers and interacting with them.”
At the end of the semester, students reflect on their experiences in the class and write about what they’ve gained from the speakers’ insights.
News
Here Comes the BOOM!!!

El DORADO – Following up on their announcement during the Symphony on the Square, the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce released the details about bringing back the 4th of July Fireworks show. The free fireworks show had long been a staple of 4th of July celebrations in South Arkansas. Burn bans due to drought conditions, budgetary restrictions, and sometimes just lack of volunteers had stopped the spectacular a number of years ago. A press release from the Chamber says:
It’s Showtime in the Sky – We’re Bringing Back the Boom!
Join us Friday, July 4 at the Union County Fairgrounds for El Dorado’s Independence Day celebration, brought to you by the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Dorado. Gates open at 7:30 PM, with a patriotic ceremony at 8 PM and fireworks lighting up the sky around 9 PM. Enjoy music by DJ Bmoe, a community-wide flag wave, and the Patriotic Car Decorating Contest. Tailgate with friends and celebrate fun, and community. Thanks to our generous sponsors: Murphy USA, LSB Industries, Standard Lithium, First Financial Bank, RightFiber, Diversified Services, and Mac’s Tree Service.
News
Celebration Set To Honor Retiring AD

EL DORADO – El Dorado School District announced a retirement celebration for Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell. “In honor of Phillip Lansdell, a true leader and mentor. We look forward to celebrating his legacy and wishing him all the best in his retirement.”
Lansdell, a graduate of Southern Arkansas University has received countless awards during his tenure as Athletic Director, including the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association. Earlier this year he was named the Class 5A Athletic Director of the Year. Coach Lansdell’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 43-year career in education and athletics. Lansdell has spent 35 years at El Dorado, first joining the district in 1990 as the baseball coach before transitioning into administrative roles. He later became the principal at Hugh Goodwin Elementary before taking over as the Wildcats’ athletic director following the retirement of Mike Bender. Under Lansdell’s leadership, El Dorado’s athletic programs have achieved sustained success, winning 41 conference championships, 17 state titles, and earning 10 state runner-up finishes. His tenure also saw significant facility upgrades, including the installation of turf at Memorial Stadium and the construction of a new high school athletic facility.
Before arriving at El Dorado, Lansdell began his coaching career at Converse High School in Louisiana after graduating from Southern Arkansas University. He guided the Wildcats to a state baseball championship in 1986 before returning to SAU to work on his master’s degree. He then took the El Dorado baseball job, beginning a long tenure that would shape the school’s athletic success. The celebration is set for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. as a drop-in event at the El Dorado School District Administration Building, located at 200 West Oak Street.
News
Local Ambulance Service Recognized As Pediatric Ready

EL DORADO – In a press release ProMed Ambulance celebrated their recent recognition as a Pediatric Ready Ambulance Service.
“ProMed Ambulance is proud to announce its official recognition as a Pediatric Ready Ambulance Service by the Arkansas Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. This designation places ProMed among the top 5% of ambulance providers in the state and makes it the only service in South Arkansas to receive this distinction. Achieving the Pediatric Ready status reflects ProMed’s steadfast commitment to providing high-quality, age-appropriate emergency care for children in every community we serve. The designation was made possible through the leadership of ProMed Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator John Burdue and the tireless efforts of the entire clinical and administrative team.
What This Recognition Means for the Community:
* **Enhanced Pediatric Training:** – All frontline EMS personnel have completed specialized training in pediatric emergency care, ensuring clinical excellence in high-stress situations involving children.
* **Pediatric Equipment Standards:** – Every ProMed ambulance meets or exceeds state requirements for pediatric-specific equipment and medications.
* **Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator:** – Oversight and continuous improvement in pediatric care protocols are led by a designated clinical leader focused solely on the unique needs of children.
**Community Trust and Readiness:** – Families can rest assured that ProMed teams are trained, equipped, and ready to respond to all emergencies — from the smallest infants to growing adolescents.
**Statewide Leadership:** – As a top 5% provider, ProMed is helping set the bar for pediatric EMS excellence across Arkansas.”
“We are deeply honored to receive this designation,” said Ken Kelley, President and CEO of ProMed Ambulance. “This achievement represents our team’s ongoing dedication to excellence and our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities — our children.”
###
News
Governor Names South Arkansans Among Appointees

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the latest rounds of appointments to various Arkansas Boards and Commissions, including some South Arkansas residents.
Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board
- Detri Brech, Arkadelphia – Term to expire January 14, 2030. Replaces Rosalea Hyland
Arkansas Forestry Commission
- John McAlpine, Monticello – Term to expire January 14, 2030. Reappointment.
Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission
- Ricky Davis, Junction City – Term to expire September 1, 2028. Reappointment.
Old State House Commission
- Rebecca Gosnell, Magnolia – Term to expire March 19, 2033. Replaces Stacy DeJarnette.
State Board of Health
- Dr. Keith Davis, Smackover – Term to expire December 31, 2028. Replaces Glen Byrant.
News
Longtime El Dorado Educator Earns Doctorate In Instructional Leadership

EL DORADO – The El Dorado School District is proud to celebrate Dr. Angula Davis, who recently earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Leadership from National University. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Dr. Davis’s career and in her family legacy—she is the first of eight siblings to earn a doctoral degree.
Dr. Davis, a 1986 honor graduate of El Dorado High School, has dedicated 28 years to teaching, with 27 of those years proudly served within ESD. She has taught a wide range of music education courses, including elementary and middle school general music, band, orchestra, and music production. She has also served as a mentor to novice teachers, sharing her knowledge, passion, and commitment to excellence in education.
Her educational journey is a testament to her perseverance and love of learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Lyon College (1990), a Master of Arts in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio (1993), where she also earned her Ohio teaching license, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University (2012).
Dr. Davis reflects on her doctoral journey with both humility and pride. “If someone had told me 25 years ago that I would be pursuing a Doctorate while teaching full-time amid a pandemic, I probably would have stared blankly and then laughed hysterically,” she said. “I began this journey excited about fulfilling my career goal of obtaining a Doctor of Education degree and establishing a legacy of higher education for my family.”
Her path was not without challenges. Amid personal health issues, family illnesses and loss, emotional strain, financial hardships, and the global pandemic, Dr. Davis pressed forward—relying on her faith, community, and inner strength. “I learned that I am resilient in ways that I could never have imagined,” she said. “One particular night, I heard an utterance emanating from within, ‘Procrastination is a self-inflicting wound.’ That word from the Lord changed the trajectory of my pursuit.”
Dr. Davis is the daughter of James and Rebecca Davis, one of eight children, and the proud mother of one amazing daughter and three perfect grandchildren. She credits her family, church, WMS colleagues, and friends for their unwavering support throughout her academic journey. “Thank you to the ESD for the opportunity to share my love of music with countless youth,” she said.
Dr. Davis will retire from ESD at the end of the 2024-25 school year, closing a remarkable chapter of service, mentorship, and musical excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Davis plans to pursue a leadership role in Educator Preparation Programs, where she can contribute to the development of effective teacher training curricula and mentor new educators as they transition into the profession.
-
News4 months ago
El Dorado man killed in single vehicle crash
-
Regional News4 months ago
Radio DJ known as “Roy D. Mercer” passes away Friday
-
Obituaries2 months ago
Parker Hammett, Addis LA
-
Sports4 months ago
Hampton Bulldogs hire new head football coach
-
News5 months ago
Junction City woman killed in Nevada County accident
-
News3 months ago
Robin J. Carroll, Former Prosecutor and Judge Passes at Age 54
-
News2 months ago
EL DORADO POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASES REPORT ON DEATH OF 19 YR OLD
-
News1 month ago
“He’s Lucky To Be Alive! God Has A Plan For Him!”