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The University of Arkansas at Monticello held its spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 10, in the Steelman Field House. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, recognized graduates completing master’s degrees to certificates of proficiency 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, 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).  

Trenton Eubanks, a member of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship and a 2024 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, gave the invocation at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and Kaden Brewer, a member of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship and a 2024 graduate receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in business administration and accounting, gave the invocation at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Scott Bearden, assistant professor of music, sang the national anthem and alma mater at both ceremonies.  

Dr. Donald Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System, spoke during the ceremonies.  

UAM Board of Visitors members Michael Jones, of Little Rock, and Gregg Reep, of Warren, were in attendance at both ceremonies. 

Dr. Doss congratulated the graduates and their families and friends, stating, “We share your joy and pride over the achievements of these hardworking students—our newest University of Arkansas at Monticello graduates.” She also made special acknowledgments of graduates who were first-generation students, parents, active in campus organizations or members of the armed forces.

Crystal Halley, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, shared the finalists for the 2024 UAM Hornaday Outstanding Faculty Award: Dr. Ed Bacon, instructor of biology in the UAM School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences; Greg Hatley, instructor of economics and finance in the UAM School of Business; and Jason Smith, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies in the UAM School of Arts and Humanities. 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 Dr. Bacon as the 2024 Hornaday Award recipient. Since joining the UAM faculty in 1974, Dr. Bacon has taught a wide variety of courses, working to equip his students with the necessary skills to reach their goals. Halley stated, “Through his 50 years of service, Dr. Bacon has shown unwavering commitment and support for the UAM community. ... One of Dr. Bacon’s colleagues summed it up perfectly by saying, ‘Ed is a great teacher, a great researcher, an outstanding colleague and an excellent human being.’” 

Dr. Doss announced West Monroe native Larry Walther as UAM’s 62nd Distinguished Alumnus. Walther graduated from UAM in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics degree with a minor in economics. During his time at UAM, he was a member of Theta Xi and served as the speaker of the Student Senate. In August 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Walther the Treasurer of the State of Arkansas. 

During the 2 p.m. ceremony, UAM posthumously awarded a Master of Education in Teaching degree to Ryan Michael Mallet. His mother, Debbie Mallet, accepted the degree on his behalf. Mallet was a graduate student at the time of his passing in June 2023.  

A short video honoring Larry Walther as UAM’s 62nd Distinguished Alumnus can be found here. 

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

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

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

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