University News

UAMS Celebrates Inaugural Class of Chancellor’s Scholars

Sept. 14, 2026 | In a celebration of scholarship and philanthropy, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recognized the inaugural class of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program at a Sept. 3 ceremony at the Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock.

Students and faculty of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology gather on the steps outside the I. Dodd Wilson Building after the white coat ceremony for the Doctor of Audiology Class of 2030 and the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Class of 2028.

White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Future Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists

Sept. 11, 2026 | The UAMS Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology recently celebrated the new incoming classes of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Class of 2028 and the Doctor of Audiology Class of 2030 with a white coat ceremony.

Four women who are on a panel on reproductive health sit in chairs onstage discussing ways to improve access and health outcomes. Keesa Smith-Brantley, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, holds the microphone and is speaking.

UAMS Co-hosts Fourth Maternal Health Roundtable

Sept. 10, 2026 | Healthcare providers, policy makers, and community partners with a shared interest in improving maternal and infant health in Arkansas recently gathered at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library to assess ongoing efforts and set future priorities. The Arkansas Maternal Health Roundtable, hosted by the Arkansas Center for Women and Infants’ Health at the University of...

Blue & You Foundation Grant Funds UAMS and Our House Shelter Pilot Program

Sept. 10, 2026 | LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) received a $224,340 grant from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas to fund the Medical Respite for the Unhoused pilot program.

A group shot of about 20 of the stroke providers, all in white coats, standing inside UAMS, posed.

For 12th Year, UAMS Nationally Recognized for Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

Sept. 9, 2026 | LITTLE ROCK — The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association have recognized the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for the 12th consecutive year for its commitment to excellence in stroke care.

A photo of Michael Manley in front of a dark-colored background.

Michael Manley, MNSc, RN, Named Assistant Dean in UAMS College of Nursing

Sept. 9, 2026 | Michael Manley, MNSc, RN, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing as assistant dean of community engagement and faculty practice.

James ‘J.J.’ Tucker, M.D., (left) and Samuel Bledsoe, M.D., are joining UAMS.

Samuel Bledsoe, M.D., James ‘J.J.’ Tucker, M.D., Join UAMS to Expand Bariatric Surgery Care Across Arkansas

Sept. 8, 2026 | LITTLE ROCK — Bariatric and general surgeons Samuel Bledsoe, M.D., and James “J.J.” Tucker, M.D., are joining the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), effective Oct. 1, and will see patients at the health system’s newly acquired hospital in Bryant.

Nathan Johnson, center, holds his Patriotic Employer Award certificate. Congratulating him are left to right, Sarah Parker, Cherika Robertson, Rebecca Bird, (Johnson), retired Col. Tom Anderson, Corinne Hollingsworth and Thao Vu. Except for Anderson, all are faculty members of the Department of Laboratory Sciences.

Department of Defense Recognizes UAMS’ Nathan Johnson, Ph.D.

Sept. 4, 2026 | The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program in the U.S. Department of Defense recently recognized Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., with the Patriotic Employer Award.

Image shows Onward Medical’s implantable ARCIM System, which is designed to address symptomatic blood pressure instability in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Device is small and silver with tubing and is held in gloved hands.

UAMS Part of Clinical Study Exploring Blood Pressure Instability Treatment for People With Spinal Cord Injury

Sept. 4, 2026 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is recruiting candidates experiencing symptomatic blood pressure instability following chronic spinal cord injury for a worldwide clinical study involving a new medical device intended to manage the instability.

Jennifer Ivy Named Director of UAMS Schmieding Kids First in Springdale

Sept. 3, 2026 | UAMS Schmieding Kids First in Springdale has a new leader. Jennifer Ivy has stepped into the role of director, bringing nearly a decade of experience with the Kids First program and a career-long passion for early childhood development.