Monticello Live

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will hold orientation for the spring 2026 semester on Monday, January 5. Prospective students are encouraged to attend and register for classes during the event. Spring 2026 semester classes will begin on Wednesday, January 7.Orientation is open to students who have already been admitted to UAM, as well as those still considering attending the university during the spring 2026 semester. The event provides an opportunity for new or prospective students to meet with advisors, receive assistance with admissions steps and register for spring classes.

Orientation for prospective UAM students will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 102 of the Student Success Center on the Monticello campus.

Prospective students interested in attending the UAM College of Technology–Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology–McGehee (UAM-CTM) should attend orientation sessions on those campuses at 1 p.m.

In addition to registering for classes, students may visit any office related to attending school in the spring.

Amanda Smith, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), has been named dean of the UAM School of Nursing, effective December 16, 2025. She has been serving as the dean in an interim capacity since May 2025.A part-time faculty member at UAM since 2022, Smith has taught clinical courses in both the Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. She became a full-time employee at UAM in 2023, serving as assistant dean for the School of Nursing, while continuing to teach in classroom and clinical settings.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UAM in 2007 and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in nursing education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in 2024. In 2024, she was the graduate student recipient of the 2024 UCA School of Nursing Outstanding Nurse Educator Award. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing education and administration at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“I’ve enjoyed my experience as a student, faculty member and assistant dean at UAM, and I’m proud to now serve as dean and assist faculty and students in a greater capacity,” Smith said.

Smith brings more than 18 years of nursing experience to the School of Nursing, including specialties in medical-surgical nursing, geriatric psychiatry, home health, critical care, pediatrics and simulation education. She has served as a peer reviewer for BMC Nursing and currently serves on the Allied Health Advisory Board at the UAM College of Technology-McGehee, the National Park College Nursing Advisory Committee and the Jefferson School of Nursing Advisory Board.

Smith is a member of the National League for Nurses, the American Nurses Association, the Arkansas Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International and the Nurse Christian Fellowship. She is active in local civic organizations, including the Ashley County Go Red Committee, the Arkansas Nurse Honor Guard’s Ashley County chapter and Cloverdale Assembly of God outreach programs. She recently participated in a medical mission trip to Kenya, Africa, providing care in rural clinics and instructing students at the Kilimanjaro School of Missions in basic first aid.