The Herd at UARM

08/25/2026

The America250 series may have come to an end, but it’s still 2026. 🇺🇸

Our Student Spotlight Section in the Spencer Building will remain on display through the end of the year.

If you’re on campus before we close for Christmas Break, we encourage you to stop by and take a look at the wonderful writing our students have done in the past few months.

Thank you to THE MENA STAR for providing our students with this publishing opportunity.

Student voices. Making history. Published locally.

08/19/2026

We are incredibly proud of Gracie Hill, a 2026 graduate of the UA Rich Mountain School of Cosmetology, who was recently recognized and featured by Milady for sharing her story and love for cosmetology education.
During her time at UA Rich Mountain, Gracie was named Outstanding Cosmetology Student, passed her theory cosmetology exam on her first attempt, and is preparing to receive her cosmetology license.
But her story goes even deeper. Gracie shared how studying skin disorders and diseases through the Milady Cosmetology 14th Edition helped her recognize concerning changes in her own skin. After visiting a dermatologist, she was diagnosed with melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, both caught in the early stages and surgically removed.
Her story is a powerful reminder that cosmetology professionals are trained to do so much more than create beautiful hair and nails. They are educated to recognize changes in the skin, understand the science behind their profession, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.
We are so proud of Gracie, her accomplishments, and the dedication of our cosmetology faculty, Tonya Boydston, Kelly Craig, and Angela Dixon, who helped prepare her for this next chapter.
Congratulations, Gracie! We are proud to call you a UA Rich Mountain Buck! 🦌❤️

08/17/2026

Former Buck, Marissa Pate, published an article in the UA Little Rock peer-reviewed journal Quills & Pixels. “The Art of Passing in Craft’s Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom” is featured in the journal’s latest issue.

Congratulations, Marissa!

To read the full article click the link below and find the article:

2025-2026 Quills & Pixels Developmental Editors: Wanda Adams, Amber Anderson, Chloe McGehee, Jayla Henderson, Michelle Keithley, Anna Schafer, Darby Tanner Production Editors: Wanda Adams, Amber Anderson, Chloe McGehee, Jayla Henderson, Angie Pattillo, Darby Tanner 2025-2026 Table of Contents Letter...

07/27/2026

UARM's Physical Science Instructor, Dr. Gyanwali, was recognized with the NISOD Excellence Award. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. Congrats, Dr. G!

07/16/2026

This week, we added 68 more Bucks to our Herd. 🦌 🦌 🦌

We hope your kids enjoyed their time on campus this week for our Kids’ College Program. Thank you for trusting us with your children. ❤️

To our volunteers, our instructors, and our community partners, thank you for making this year’s program a success! 🫶🏻

07/03/2026

Most of the students have returned home for the summer, but their work has continued to run in the local paper.

Congratulations to Abigail Armstrong, who had TWO articles run from late May to mid-June! 🥳

—the invention of Kevlar, ran May 28th
—the invention of duct tape, ran June 11th

Abigail’s articles for the semester focused on the accomplishments and inventions of women throughout history. 🙌🏻

07/02/2026

Most of the students have returned home for the summer, but the work they did when they were here continues to run in the paper.

Congratulations to Tessa York, who had FOUR articles run from late May to mid-June!

—The Transcontinental Railroad, ran May 21st
—The Pony Express, ran June 4th
—The Oregon Trail, ran June 18th
—The Whiskey Rebellion, ran June 25th

The last one ran in conjunction with an article on Lana Gail, local singer, and her new country album, also named Whiskey Rebellion.

Both articles on this topic reference the historial event.

05/18/2026

Look 👀 who stoped by to pick up her copy of last week’s paper!

Mallory’s article on the Little Rock Nine was the article of the week for THE MENA STAR’S America250 series.

05/15/2026

This week’s paper showcases this year’s graduates. It also features an article on the Little Rock Nine written by one of our graduates, Mallory Abercrombie. Congrats, Mallory!

The graduation edition of The Mena Star hit the stands today (Thursday). In it you will find graduation photos of students from the Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River, and Smithville school districts, plus the names of the UA Rich Mountain graduates.

This issue also has special stories related to education such as the 2026 Educated Adviser Award winner, Mindy Lyle, of Acorn High School; a look back in history at the Little Rock Nine in our America: 250 Years series; school sports, including a shout out to Brylee Bahr winning the state championship in 4A pole vaulting; and a special interview with Mena High School senior Kallye Gates, who was one of 22 students to attend the FBI’s Future Agents in Training course.

Pick up your copy of The Mena Star today.

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Angel Roa Saenz! He demonstrated the most growth between the AA/AGS Entrance and Exit Exams - exams students in these degree plans take upon upon enrollment and again upon graduation.

To mark his achievement, Dr. Gyanwali presented Angel with a prize pack from the bookstore. He will also receive a certificate that acknowledges this achievement. Way to go, Angel! 🙌🏻