The University of Arkansas-Monticello College of Technology at Crossett held its annual Blood Drive from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 15, and received 131 units. The blood drive, usually held twice a year, occurs once in the fall and once in the spring.  

   Shela Upshaw, a COT-Crossett instructor, said 18 students from her class participated as well as the staff and practical nursing students.  

   A few Ashley County political figures also attended the blood drive including State Representative Eddie Cheatham and the new sheriff David Johnson.  

   The Blood Drive was just one of the many events that the nursing department centered around.  

   Upshaw and one of her students Lindsey Larson went to speak to four groups of seventh grade girls in Land’s class in Crossett on reproduction.  

   They also recently attended the Arkansas License Practical Nurse Association (ALPNA) convention in Hot Springs. A few of the presentations viewed at the convention included, “Grief Defined,” “Leadership” and “Laugh for the Health of it.”  

   Upshaw said, “There were over 500 people, mostly students (at the convention).”  

   Among their many accomplishments, Upshaw recently received a letter and certificate of excellence from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for having 100 percent pass rate on NCLEX-PN for July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006. 

   In Upshaw’s 10 years of teaching, only two out of a large number of students did not pass the boards. The UAM Nursing Program ranks in the top 50 in the nation.   

   A UAM graduate, Upshaw has been with COT- Crossett for 10 years and works part-time in the emergency room at Ashley County Medical Center.