UAM Department of Social Work

05/13/2026

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05/09/2026

You are invited to attend the FREE Annual Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Prevention Conference hosted by Phoenix Youth and Family Services.

This impactful event will be held on May 14, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM at the Crossett Community Center, located at 105 W. 2nd Ave, Crossett, AR.

The conference will bring together community leaders, professionals, and advocates to address critical issues surrounding domestic violence and substance abuse while providing valuable education, resources, and prevention strategies.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED!

CLEST hours will be available for qualifying participants, and Narcan training will be provided to equip attendees with life-saving overdose response skills.
We encourage you to please register in advance to help us plan a successful event. If you are interested in being a vendor, we would love to have you participate.

PLEASE REGISTER BY EMAIL OR PHONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The registration form is attached to this email as well. There will also be on-site registration at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, please contact:
Kelsey Davis at [email protected]
or
Arnetta Pugh at [email protected]
Phone: 870-364-1676

We look forward to your participation as we work together to empower, educate, and prevent.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our Director of Social Work, Marie Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, on being selected as the recipient of the 2026 UAM Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award. This award recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

Professor Jenkins has served the University of Arkansas at Monticello community for 16 years. During her time at UAM, she has taught a variety of social work courses, supervised field education placements, advised students, and contributed to curriculum development. She has also served on numerous university committees and supported initiatives focused on student support, raising awareness, and increasing access to resources. She currently serves as chair of the UAM Food Hub Committee and advisor to the Student Social Work Association. She has been instrumental in developing the UAM Student Research Symposium and in bringing the Options, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Awareness Clothesline Project to campus.

Congratulations, Ms. Jenkins! We appreciate your continued dedication to students, the social work profession, and the UAM community. 💚

05/08/2026

🎓🌟 Today was their day! We loved getting to celebrate and cheer on our Social Work graduates and all UAM graduates today. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 👏🎉

💚- The UAM Department of Social Work Faculty and Staff

05/07/2026

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, is the big day!

As we count down to UAM’s 2026 Spring Commencement, we’re celebrating our incredible Bachelor of Social Work graduates in our Senior Spotlight Series! 🎓💚

✨ Last, but certainly not least, is senior, Jaden Whittle!

Jaden is from Lake Village, Arkansas, and he completed his BSW Field Practicum at New Haven Counseling & Health Services. During his senior year, in an incredible act of service and leadership, Jaden served as President of both the UAM Student Social Work Association (SSWA) and the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Throughout his time at UAM, Jaden has demonstrated exceptional maturity, integrity, and professionalism. He leads by example, and he strives to make a meaningful impact on those around him.

Jaden's Favorite Memory from the Social Work Program:
"One of my favorite memories from the social work program was the SSWA bake sale. It was special because it brought us together, helped me get to know my classmates more, and gave us a chance to work as a team outside of the classroom."

Jaden's Plans After Graduation:
"After graduation, I plan to apply and interview at New Haven Counseling & Health Services, where I completed my internship, as well as other agencies, and choose the one that best fits me professionally."

🌟Special Thanks from Jaden🌟
"I would like to thank Mrs. Nikki Oglesby, my field instructor during my second semester, and Mrs. Angela Shepherd, my field instructor during my first semester. I'd also like to thank my mom and dad for their support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout this journey. Thank you also to my professors, Mrs. Isaac, Mrs. Grissom, and Ms. Jenkins, for your guidance and wisdom."

Jaden, we are extremely proud of your hard work, leadership, and dedication throughout your time at UAM. Congratulations on your graduation and academic success—we look forward to all you will accomplish in the future! 🎓🌟👏

05/07/2026

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, is the big day!

As we count down to UAM’s 2026 Spring Commencement, we’re celebrating our incredible Bachelor of Social Work graduates in our Senior Spotlight Series! 🎓💚

✨ Today, we'd like to recognize senior, Blakely Leopard!

Blakely is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and she completed her BSW Field Practicum at Advantages of Southeast Arkansas, Inc. During her time at UAM, Blakely has served as the Secretary of the Student Social Work Association (SSWA). She is also a lifetime member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Blakely truly has a heart for helping others, and she has consistently shown calmness, compassion, and integrity. Her caring spirit, steady presence, and dedication to serving others have made a meaningful impact on those around her. She approaches each challenge with grace and empathy, reflecting the core values of social work.

Blakely's Favorite Memory from the Social Work Program:
"Our last day in class! We talked about where we all started and how we have gotten so close. It was bittersweet."

Blakely's Plans After Graduation:
She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree and spend time with her precious baby boy, Luxon.

💚Special Thanks from Blakely💚
"I would like to thank my fiancé, Nick Willis, and the rest of my family for supporting me and pushing me to do my best even when it all felt too overwhelming. I would also like to thank all of my instructors for their grace, understanding, and guidance. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Deanna Doherty at Advantages for making my internship so memorable!"

Blakely, we are incredibly proud of you! We are excited to see you continue your education, and we're so happy you'll have lots of time to spend with Luxon. Congratulations on your graduation and academic success! 🌟💚👏

05/07/2026

3...2...1… The countdown is on… UAM Graduation is THIS Friday, May 8th! Leading up to graduation, we want to recognize each of our amazing Bachelor of Social Work graduates in our Senior Spotlight Series! 💚👏

✨ Our next graduate is…Sharanda Bridges!

Sharanda is from Humphrey, Arkansas, and she completed her BSW Field Practicum at Delta Counseling Associates in Monticello.

After graduation, Sharanda plans to continue working in social work with a focus on mental health. She shared, "I want to gain more experience working with individuals and families, advocate for people in need, and make a positive impact in my community."

Sharanda's Favorite Memory from the Social Work Program:
"One of my favorite memories was working with clients during my internship (day treatment) and being able to apply what I learned in real life. It showed me why I chose social work."

💚Special Thanks from Sharanda💚
"I would like to thank my family for their support and my professors and field instructors for guiding me. A very special thank you to Mrs. Grissom for always being there for me, for her patience, kindness, and encouragement. You all truly made a difference in my journey, and I’m so grateful."

Sharanda has shown resilience, determination, and positivity. We are so proud of all she has accomplished and cannot wait to see the difference she will continue to make in the social work profession!

Congratulations, Sharanda, on your graduation and this exciting next chapter! 🌟💚👏

05/06/2026

3...2...1… The countdown is on… UAM Graduation is THIS Friday, May 8th! Leading up to graduation, we want to recognize each of our amazing Bachelor of Social Work graduates in our Senior Spotlight Series! 💚👏

✨ Next, we'd like to recognize senior, Kayla Coady!

Kayla is from Crossett, Arkansas, and she completed her BSW Field Practicum at the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Ashley County. Kayla was a recipient of the UAM Academic Partnership in Public Child Welfare stipend, and she plans to continue her work with DCFS after graduation. During her time at UAM, Kayla was an active member of the UAM Student Social Work Association (SSWA), and she was recently inducted into Phi Alpha, the Social Work Honor Society. Kayla is hardworking, dedicated, and kind! She embodies the core values of social work and seeks to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

💚Special Thanks from Kayla💚
"I would like to thank my fiancé for always encouraging me, and to his mom for being such a big support when I needed help with my kids. I want to thank my coworkers at Options, Inc. Domestic Violence Shelter for their grace and for working with me during my school years. I would also like to give a huge shout-out to the executive director of Options for giving me the opportunity to gain over two years of experience in social services. I especially want to thank Carveyetta Walker and the Ashely County DCFS staff for being willing to teach me. You made a huge difference in my life, and I appreciate you so much! Lastly, I want to thank my oldest son for being so understanding of my busy schedule and when I couldn't be there for certain things. Both of my kids are my motivation, and I am so thankful for them.

Thank you also to my social work professors, Professor Isaac, Professor Jenkins, and Professor Grissom. Y'all pushed me to be my best, gave me grace when I needed it, pivoted when I had something going on in my personal life, and got me to where I am today. I would also like to give my appreciation to Dr. Adam McKee, who was one of the best professors I have had. I will always remember him."

Kayla, we are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we are so excited to see the positive impact you will continue to make in the field of social work. Congratulations on your graduation!🌟💚👏

05/06/2026

3...2...1… The countdown is on… UAM Graduation is THIS Friday, May 8th! Leading up to graduation, we want to recognize each of our amazing Bachelor of Social Work graduates in our Senior Spotlight Series! 💚👏

✨ First up is…Natoyia A. Etherly!

Natoyia is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and she completed her BSW Field Practicum at Phoenix Youth and Family Services. During her time at UAM, Natoyia has been an active member of the UAM Student Social Work Association (SSWA) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., while also working a full-time job at Hospice Home Care. Her journey through the program reflects determination, strength, and a true heart for service.

Natoyia's Favorite Memory from the Social Work Program: Presenting group projects to the class and overcoming the nerves of interviewing to be accepted into the social work program

Natoyia's Plans After Graduation: To work at Hospice Home Care as a social worker

💚Special Thanks from Natyoia💚
“I would like to thank my husband, Delucus Etherly, for the encouragement and support throughout this experience and for lifting me up whenever I was feeling down. I would also like to thank my professors, Mrs. Isaac, Mrs. Grissom, and Ms. Jenkins for believing in me.”

Natoyia, we couldn't be prouder of you! We are excited to see the difference you'll continue to make in the field of social work. Congratulations on your graduation and academic success! 🌟💚👏

05/01/2026

📢Job Opportunity:

Assistant Professor of Social Work at University of Arkansas at Monticello

Internal Applicants:
You currently ARE a University of Arkansas System employee, including current student employees:
Log in to Workday.
Search “Find Jobs” in the search box to view all open positions.
Once you have submitted an application, click My Applications to view the status.

External Applicants:
If you are currently NOT a University of Arkansas System employee, click the link below:

http://www.uamont.edu/jobs

Applicants must create an account to complete the application process.

Please address any questions to Marie Jenkins, Director of Social Work, at [email protected].

Employment Opportunities Welcome to the UA Monticello job site! UAM, one of thirteen campuses of the University of Arkansas system, is located in southeastern Arkansas in the beautiful timberlands, rich in outdoor recreational activities, and approximately 100 miles south of Little Rock. UAM is a ....