From Valedictorian to Doctorate: Maumelle’s Katie Dobbins has had a busy decade
From Valedictorian to Doctorate: Maumelle’s Katie Dobbins has had a busy decade
After the storm: Arkansas River Trail reopens in North Little Rock; High School All-State teams named, Education news and notes plus sports and headlines
Note to subscribers: An annual or monthly subscription is billed to your debit or credit card as ARKANSAS.SUBSTACK.COM and if you have questions, please email arkansas@substack.com. Thanks for reading and subscribing!Pandemic death count remains unchanged
The state’s Department of Health, on its Covid dashboard, showed that in the past week, there’s been no deaths due to the ongoing pandemic.
The total number of reported dead Arkansans remains at 13,116.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds
The Headlines
Upcoming meetings: The North Little Rock School Board meets at 5:30 p.m. tonight in a special meeting. Click here for the agenda.
Events: The Pulaski County Fair is ongoing this week at the North Little Rock’s Riverfront Park. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. today and Friday with Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. On Monday, Memorial Day, the fair will be open noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults while those 12 and under are free. For more, click here.
Monday is Memorial Day. City offices in Maumelle and North Little Rock will be closed. Trash and recycling pickup will also run one-day delayed next week.
Watching: Sherwood dentist Jay Powell will be on Wheel of Fortune at 6:30 p.m. Monday night on KATV. Powell is appearing as part of the show’s “Star Wars” week, which explain the lightsaber.
After the storm: Arkansas River Trail reopens in North Little Rock
The portion of the Arkansas River Trail that has been closed in North Little Rock’s Burns Park since March 31 due to the damage from the EF3 tornado has been reopened.
The trail is open to cyclists and foot traffic but all must stay on the trail as security will be there to enforce rules.
The portion of the trail near the soccer fields in Burns Park remains closed.
Roads in the park remain closed to bicycle traffic while parking lots remain in use for debris removal.
North Little Rock storm debris removal to end next week
The city of North Little Rock announced that the final phase of debris is set to begin the week of May 29.
Monday, Memorial Day, is the last day residents can take debris to the Hospitality House in Burns Park and debris can also be placed within 25 feet of the curb for removal by Crowder Gulf Disaster Recovery. Crowder will begin its final week of debris removal that Monday as well with it scheduled to end on Friday, June 2.
City spokeswoman Shara Booth Brazear said if residents need help moving debris for curb pickup to call 501-906-5014.
Free rebuilding tips
Those rebuilding and repairing homes after the March 31 tornado can visit Stanley Hardware in North Little Rock to speak with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Outreach Specialists about damage and discuss repairs.
Most of the information provided is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA staff will be available now through Saturday at:
Stanley Hardware, 4308 MacArthur Blvd., North Little Rock; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you cannot visit in person, call 833-336-2487 to speak to a specialist, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tornado relief number for North Little Rock residents, 501-906-5014
From Valedictorian to Doctorate: Maumelle’s Katie Dobbins has had a busy decade
The name rang a bell.
“Catherine Elizabeth Dobbins of Maumelle, AR, is a candidate for a PHD Ag Leadership, Educ, & Comm.,” read the email from the University of Georgia.
Is she the one from Mount?
An internet search later, it was Katie Dobbins, who was co-Valedictorian of the Class of 2013 at Mount St. Mary’s Academy and the daughter of Suzanne and Mark Dobbins of Maumelle.
After graduating from MSM, Dobbins, above, got her undergraduate degree from Hendrix, before departing to the University of Arkansas to get a master’s, along the way she earned a USDA Student Diversity Program participation certificate before finally heading to Athens and the University of Georgia to get her doctorate.
She has since got married and will be Sanders professionally.
Before she graduated, she was hired to be a professor at North Carolina State University in Raleigh where she’s the first faculty member in food systems communication at the school’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She’ll also be a N.C. State Extension specialist.
She told the N.C. State news service that, “the biggest goal of mine is that, say, five years down the road, we’re recruiting students because of NC State Agricultural Communications. We’re doing something different and we’re doing something exciting. I see a lot of potential here.”
Sanders was kind enough and took the time to do an interview with ArkansasNewsroom.com. The interview has been lightly edited and formatted for publication
When you graduated from Mount St. Mary’s, did you envision that in a decade you'd have a doctorate and be a college professor? And, if that wasn't it, what did you think?
You know, looking back, I think I always knew my future would have something to do with education. I had so many mentors that were teachers during high school and I always loved learning. However, graduating from MSM, I thought that I would actually become a plant geneticist. Marcella Melandri taught me during my time at MSM and instilled in me a love for biology. During this time, I became very interested in the environment and how plants can be a path to creating a more sustainable planet. When I graduated, I thought I would become a plant geneticist and save the world through food. While genetics didn't end up being my ultimate destination, this was a critical piece of my emerging identity as a science communicator. At the same time, I had just completed my first international exchange to Argentina, and developed a love for travel. Long story short, I don't know that I anticipated ever holding the title "Dr.", but I couldn't have found a better path for me that encompasses the environment, food, science, and travel.
Growing up in Maumelle, the Dobbins family attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marche. So, Karnawal, best festival or best festival ever?
Karnawal holds a special place in my heart. I hadn't reflected on it as a kid, but looking back, it's such a fun way to celebrate the Polish heritage of the Marche community. I would always look forward to it throughout the year. I loved that it was a chance for my parents to run the most important part of the festival (the concession stand of course) - I was always excited when I could show them off to my classmates and feel so important because I actually could go inside the concession stand. While you can go to any festival to win a goldfish or small toy, there are very few places you can go that welcome you so heartily with love and a big bowl of sauerkraut. One of my proudest moments from Karnawal is winning a "Jimmy Dean" sausage from the spin boards with my cousin Kim!
Who along your education path has inspired you the most?
There's no way to list every person who has inspired and impacted me, but here are some very special people who I would love to recognize:
Skotti Lombardi — my fifth grade teacher. I will always remember her as the person who first helped me see my passion for writing.
Marcella Melandri — my high school biology teacher. Ms. Melandri first inspired my love for science and biology and showed me how strong women can be amazing scientists! She was also my very first Spanish teacher and was the first to inspire my love of the language.
Kathy Smith — my high school English teacher. Mrs. Smith helped me cultivate a voice for my writing. I credit her for my ability to infuse science writing with a bit of creativity. Thank you Mrs. Smith for showing me how you can be both a fabulous diva and a book enthusiast!
Ruth Pineda — Ms. Pineda was the reason I decided to pursue international experiences in South America and continue studying Spanish throughout college. She helped me believe in myself as someone pursuing this academic interest, and was instrumental for me at 17 traveling abroad for the very first time!
Dr. Joyce Hardin — Dr. Hardin was my advisor and professor at Hendrix College. She helped me cultivate a love for botany and the ability to see the way plants and biology can help us be better stewards of the environment.
Dr. Ann Willyard — Dr. Willyard was my botany professor at Hendrix College and my faculty advisor for research. She was the first person to show me how research is done and gave me an unforgettable experience of conducting field work with her in the Hualapai Mountains in Arizona which is an incredibly beautiful place!
Dr. Leslie Edgar — Dr. Edgar was my master's advisor. She is the reason I am where I am today. My academic career was inspired by her, and I am so lucky she decided to pick my graduate school application out of the pile even though she had never met me before. She is inspirational, now serving as the Dean of the Agricultural Experiment Station at New Mexico State. She is a role model for women in agriculture!
Dr. Casandra Cox — Dr. Cox was also my master's advisor. Dr. Cox is one of the most genuinely kind people and cares deeply about her students' success. Without her commitment to her students and careful revisions (multiple!!) of my writing, I would not have the skills or empathy I need as a communicator and Extension specialist. She models the way for her students in every sense of the word.
Dr. Alexa Lamm — my PhD advisor. I don't even know where to begin. Lex has forged a path for women in our discipline and an innovator of science communication in the agricultural realm. She saw a spark in me and cultivated my skills as a communicator, researcher, and educator, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities she granted me. Thanks for taking a chance on me as your first UGA PhD student.
There are so many more names I could add, but as I look back, I notice this list is full of strong women who have helped make the world a better place for women in their wake. Thank you all for being constant sources of inspiration about what it means to be a strong woman writer, scientist, communicator, and educator.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm already running the risk of writing the longest email correspondence ever, so I will stop myself here.
Education notes
Students named to Spring Dean's List at Arkansas’s Fulbright College
Local students were recently named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
To qualify for the Dean's List, the following North of the River students achieved at least a 3.75 grade-point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours.
Laura-Jane Bentley of Maumelle
Clayton Boothe of Maumelle
Emma Chesher of Maumelle
Reece Couch of Maumelle
Christian Cummings of Maumelle
Lillian Hamlin of Maumelle
Aidan Harvell of Maumelle
Benjamin Kindall of Maumelle
Luke McClanahan of Maumelle
Jacob McKinney of Maumelle
Kylie Williams of Maumelle
Olivia Allen of Sherwood
Rebecca Besier of Sherwood
Ashton Davis of Sherwood
Ashtyn Dean of North Little Rock
Nickolas Devitt of Sherwood
Allyssa DeZaldivar of Sherwood
Marshall Donn of North Little Rock
Phillip Drake of North Little Rock
Lindsey Eagan of North Little Rock
Sarah Gore of Sherwood
Jamie Harris of North Little Rock
Jessica Haynie of North Little Rock
Savanna Hindman of North Little Rock
Willow Holt of North Little Rock
Morgan Ison of North Little Rock
Ellen Johnson of North Little Rock
Gweneth Keith-Powell of North Little Rock
Camille Kita of North Little Rock
Jordan Lee of North Little Rock
Samantha Montgomery of North Little Rock
Hannah Mosley of North Little Rock
Madison Nichols of Sherwood
Allison Parham of Sherwood
Ashley Phillips of North Little Rock
Olivia Phillips of North Little Rock
Laine Rainbolt of North Little Rock
Jalen Sereal of Sherwood
Tonya Sims of North Little Rock
Caleb Smith of North Little Rock
Grant Smith of North Little Rock
Mateeia Thompson of Sherwood
Matthew Whittle of North Little Rock
Ashley Williford of Sherwood
Josie Zakrzewski of North Little Rock
Local students graduate from the University of Georgia
The University of Georgia recently recognized more than 7,000 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2023 Commencement exercises.
There’s two North of the River students who got their graduate degrees.
They are:
Shannon Olivia Graham of North Little Rock, MHP Historic Preservation.
Catherine Elizabeth Dobbins of Maumelle, PHD Ag Leadership, Educ, & Comm.
The graduation was May 11. The University of Georgia is in Athens, Ga.
SNHU names Winter 2023 President's List
Southern New Hampshire University recently announced that the following North of the River students on being named to the Winter 2023 President's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Ian Bardo of Maumelle
Miesha Dennis of Sherwood
Connor Sloan of North Little Rock
Emily Dillard of North Little Rock
Sierra Flagg of North Little Rock
SNHU names Winter 2023 Dean's List: Southern New Hampshire University recently announced that the following North of the River students on being named to the Winter 2023 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Dominique McGrudder of Sherwood
Glenda Canady of North Little Rock
Jamie Hemphill of North Little Rock
Manning graduates from Belhaven University
Jerviece Manning recently graduated from Belhaven University. Manning, from North Little Rock graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Manning was among more than 600 students who received degrees from Belhaven University during the Spring 2023 commencement.
Belhaven University is a private Christian university in Jackson, Miss.
Compton on Spring 2023 Dean's List at Belmont University
Lindsay Compton of North Little Rock qualified for Belmont University's Spring 2023 Dean's List.
Approximately 49 percent of Belmont's 6,552 undergraduate students were named.Dean's List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
Belmont is in Nashville, Tenn.
Sports
All-State teams announced; CAC girls soccer loses in finals
A total of 35 high school athletes from Maumelle Charter, Maumelle, Central Arkansas Christian and North Little Rock were named to the All-State teams in the spring sports of baseball, softball, track and boys and girls soccer..
The spring sports season recently concluded at the Weekend of Champions in Conway at the University of Central Arkansas.
The only North of the River team to play for a title was CAC in girls sports and the Lady Mustangs lost to Episcopal Collegiate, 3-0. It was the third loss in three tries to Episcopal.
In noteworthy All-State news, CAC sophomore Grayson Wilson, who has verbally committed to to play quarterback for coach Sam Pittman and the University of Arkansas football program,was named All-State in baseball and basketball this past school year.
The All-State teams by sport:
Baseball
Wesley Bird ... North Little Rock
Tag Andrews ... Maumelle
Hank Gillespie ... Maumelle
Peyton Lee ... Maumelle
Webb Watson ... Central Arkansas Christian
Grayson Wilson ... Central Arkansas Christian
For the complete All-State list, click here.
Softball
Zamari Ball ... North Little Rock
Catherine Keeling ... Maumelle
Layla Ward ... Maumelle
Ella Blakely ... Central Arkansas Christian
Brook Lynn White ... Central Arkansas Christian
For the complete All-State list, click here.
Boys Soccer
Braden Kemp ... Maumelle
Ryan Kocielny ... Maumelle Charter
Dylan Ward ... Maumelle Charter
Avery Brymer ... Central Arkansas Christian
Zach Moore ... Central Arkansas Christian
Aiden Turner ... Central Arkansas Christian
Renalson Sullivan ... Central Arkansas Christian
Girls Soccer
Selah Havens ... North Little Rock
Emma Browning ... Maumelle
Kenzie Wall ... Maumelle
Allison Holzwarth ... Maumelle Charter
Riley Allen ... Maumelle Charter
Livian Burton ... Central Arkansas Christian
Piper Clements ... Central Arkansas Christian
Yasmine Hekmatpour ... Central Arkansas Christian
For the complete All-State list, click here.
Track
Terrell Sanders ... North Little Rock
LaZariyah Sanders ... Maumelle
Kaylen Robison ... Maumelle
Brenae Allen ... Maumelle
Saniya McKnight ... Maumelle
Adison Barham ... Central Arkansas Christian
Kate Tuxhorn ... Central Arkansas Christian
Corrina Teigen ... Central Arkansas Christian
Jaydyn Smith ... Central Arkansas Christian
For the complete All-State list, click here.
Baseball at Dickey-Stephens this week and next
Home stand against Frisco
Today, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Red Bull, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer! | Presented By Red Bull
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks: Presented By Tyson Foods
Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
Salute to Seattle & Jersey Auction
Kids Run the Bases: Presented By Museum of Discovery
Sunday, 6:35 p.m.
Memorial Day Fireworks
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin and only available at the Box Office.
Six-game home stand against Midland
Tuesday, May 30, 6:35 p.m.
Two for Tuesdays: Get two General Admission tickets for the price of one and only available at the Box Office.
Mug Club: Membership costs $30 and includes your first beer plus $3 select draft beer every Tuesday night Travs home game
Sponsorship: Treasure Hunt Tuesday, Presented By Arkansas Auditor of State
Wednesday, May 31, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Days of Summer: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game and only available at the Box Office. NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Moix RV Supercenter
Thursday, June 1, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Red Bull, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer! | Presented By Red Bull
Friday, June 2, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks: Presented By Metro Disaster Specialists
Saturday; June 3, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks: Presented By Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Sunday, June 4, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin and only available at the Box Office.
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! | Presented By Hog Wash
Kids Run the Bases: Presented By Museum of Discovery