Stars will not admit fans to games this season

Stars will not admit fans to games this season

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, officials at South Arkansas Community College have elected to hold this season’s men’s and women’s home basketball games without fans in attendance. Instead, the college will stream these games live, for free, via the college’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/southarkcc.

It is the program’s second year, and its first played on campus in the college’s recently-renovated gymnasium. But the potential for risk to the public, as well as the logistical challenges faced by hosting large-scale events while minding social distancing guidelines, have made this decision logical, officials said.

“It is an exciting time for the SouthArk Stars basketball teams—2021 will be our inaugural season in the beautiful, fully-renovated 1940 gymnasium,” president Dr. Bentley Wallace said. “Even though we won’t have fans in the stands, we know our student athletes will be ready to compete at a very high level.”

SouthArk’s home attendance ranked in the top 10 of all National Junior College Athletic Association Division II teams in its first season. Being able to view the games from the comfort of home—or anywhere in the world with an Internet connection—has the potential to expand the fan base, athletic director Dr. Derek Moore said.

“Although fans will not be in attendance during home games this season, we are excited about the opportunity to broaden the visibility of SouthArk Stars basketball,” he said.

The Stars men’s season begins at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 in a matchup at home against Crowley’s Ridge College’s junior varsity squad. The women start their season with three straight road games before coming home at noon on Feb. 20 to play Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas. Men’s and women’s coach Nate Davis said that the programs have taken strides forward despite the unorthodox off-season.

“Our student-athletes have put in a lot of work over the last several months, and they’re finally close to seeing the results of that on the court,” Davis said. “We appreciate the support of our fans, and are looking forward to the first tip off.”

SouthArk video gets honorable mention

The entertainment and media arts program at South Arkansas Community College recently received an honorable mention for its submission to the Cancel COVID on College Campuses video contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Health.

“The Covengers: The Rage of Corona Mona” brought the program a $1,000 prize.

The ADH Office of Health Equity and its Be Well Arkansas program created the contest to challenge students across the state to produce videos that would promote ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 in higher-education settings.

Each team was asked to submit a short, fact-based YouTube video that used entertainment, emotion, creativity and/or humor to motivate other students to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. In addition to the grand prize of $5,000, one runner-up received $2,500 and 10 honorable mentions each received $1,000.

North West Arkansas Community College captured the top prize. University of Arkansas for UNICEF was the runner-up.

SouthArk’s video is available for viewing on the college’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/southarkcc.

Adult Ed gets glowing review

The adult education program at South Arkansas Community College recently received a stamp of approval during a state-level program review from Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Adult Education Section.
This is an audit that is completed every four to five years that reviews all aspects of the program including policies, services, curriculum, files, financials, facilities, equipment and software, program data, etc. Due to COVID-19, SouthArk’s adult education program was the first center in the State of Arkansas to conduct this review virtually.
According to the reviewers, the center provided exceptional organization and presentation of the virtual records in addition to a virtual tour during the review. Results of the program review were successful, with high praise and recognition from the team of reviewers.
“Our faculty and staff are passionate about serving students,” SouthArk adult education director Amy Sturdivant said. “I’m very proud of our center and the accomplishments we have made together. It’s a team effort. Now it’s time for us to celebrate a job well done.”

Johnson is selected for academy

South Arkansas Community College advising director Tim Johnson has accepted an invitation to be part of the Equity Leadership Academy for States.


Arkansas is one of 10 states selected to participate in this pilot program, which is intended to promote student equity in student success among special college populations. The efforts are funded by the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, which is steered by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

Tucker named Arkansas PBL Business Person of the Year

South Arkansas Community College vice president for finance and administration Carey Tucker has been selected as the Arkansas Phi Beta Lambda Outstanding Business Person of the Year.

The award strives to recognize outstanding leaders and supporters of Phi Beta Lambda and its members. Tucker has held his current position since 2015, following 30 years in the U.S. Air Force.

Tucker oversees college budgets, safety and security, bookstore operations and several other departments. Additionally, he has volunteered time in support of numerous campus activities, including those of PBL, of which he is a member in the professional division.

SouthArk’s Sigma Epsilon Chapter of PBL nominated Tucker for Business Person of the Year. Future Business Leaders of America and the collegiate-level Phi Beta Lambda are student organizations that promote leadership development, business awareness, career preparation and professionalism.

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