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The University of Arkansas at Monticello held its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 8, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing master’s degrees to associate degrees during the ceremonies. 

Commencement was split into two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 10 a.m. ceremony included the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. The 2 p.m. ceremony included the School of Arts and Humanities (undergraduate and graduate), the School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education (undergraduate and graduate). 

Haven Taylor, a member of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship (MBSF) and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, gave the invocation at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Robbie Jo Freeman, a member of MBSF and a 2026 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree, gave the invocation at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Scott Bearden, associate professor of music, led the singing of the national anthem and alma mater at both ceremonies. 

Dr. Michael Moore, vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas System, spoke during the ceremonies.  

Members of the UAM Board of Visitors, Alan Riels from Crossett, Arkansas, and Tim Smith from Monticello, Arkansas, attended the 10 a.m. ceremony. Smith also attended the 2 p.m. ceremony.

Dr. Chuck Argo, vice president for Academic Affairs at National Park College (NPC), attended the 2 p.m. ceremony to assist in the presentation of diplomas to business and education students who completed bachelor’s degrees as part of UAM’s “campus-within-a-campus” partnership with NPC, which allows students to earn select UAM bachelor’s degrees from NPC’s campus in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During both ceremonies, Dr. Doss congratulated the graduates and challenged them to use their gifts to make positive impacts in the world. “Today, you leave this university not just with degrees, but you leave with a responsibility. You’re leaving with a responsibility to lead with integrity, a responsibility to act with wisdom and a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to a world that needs your ideas, your energy and your character,” Dr. Doss said. “Go forward with wisdom. Lead with integrity. Honor those who came before you. Serve with purpose and never stop learning.” She also made special acknowledgments to several groups of graduates, including first-generation students, parents and those who were active in campus organizations.

Crystal Halley, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at UAM, announced the finalists for the 2026 UAM Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award: Marie Jenkins, associate professor of social work and director of social work for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UAM; Dr. Shanna Knowles, assistant professor of marketing and management for the School of Business at UAM; and Lori Selby, associate professor of computer information systems for the School of Computer Information Systems at UAM. Dan and Charlotte Hornaday, both alumni of UAM, established the annual award in 2010 to recognize excellence in faculty teaching, research, scholarship and public service. 

Halley announced Marie Jenkins as the 2026 UAM Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award recipient. Jenkins joined the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2010 as an assistant professor of social work. In 2016, she was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor, and in 2018, she was named director of social work at UAM. Since then, Jenkins has contributed significantly to the department, school, university and profession. Notably, she has led initiatives for the undergraduate research symposium, organized food drives for UAM Food Hubs and hosted the national clothesline project on campus. “Ms. Jenkins is dedicated to her students, ensuring they understand the direct connections between classroom lessons and their future careers as social workers,” Halley said.

Dr. Doss announced Classie Jones Green as UAM’s 64th Distinguished Alumna. Green, a 1964 graduate of Drew High School in Monticello, Arkansas, became a licensed practical nurse and later enrolled in the inaugural Registered Nursing program at Arkansas A&M (now UAM). In 1972, she became the university's first African American nursing graduate. She devoted 40 years to a career in healthcare, including serving as UAM’s campus nurse from 1976 to 1987. Green was instrumental in the formation of the UAM African-American Alumni Association, where she currently serves as chair. The association named Green to its inaugural class of African American Hall of Fame Trailblazers, and donors established the Classie Jones Green African American Alumni Scholarship at UAM in her honor. In 2017, she received the Andrus State Award for Community Service, the most prestigious volunteer award for community service given by AARP Arkansas. She also serves on the board of the UAM Foundation Fund and has previously received the Continuing the Connection Award and Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit from UAM.

A short video honoring Classie Jones Green can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.

A photo album for UAM’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony is available on UAM’s Facebook page.

A video recording of UAM’s 10 a.m. commencement ceremony can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.

A photo album for UAM’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony is available on UAM’s Facebook page.

A video recording of UAM’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony can be found on UAM’s YouTube channel, UAMonticello.