Claire Fisher - ӣ��Ƶ

BRTC Student Attends ACC Student Leadership Academy

Claire Fisher — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:00:38 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) student Johnathan Cummins recently attended the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Student Leadership Academy in Little Rock at the State Capitol.

Cummins was accompanied by Mary Anderson, Director of Admissions, and Erin Kerley-Mathews, Admissions Counselor.

Students who attend the leadership academy sessions receive training in leadership, government process, communications, and critical thinking. They also get the opportunity to meet with local legislators and watch them work in their committee meetings.

ACC is a non-profit association that provides “opportunities for networking, collaboration, and advocacy” for all 22 community and technical colleges in Arkansas. The Board of Directors is made up of the President/Chancellor from each of the 22 institutions, and they stand together with the executive director and staff to find ways to best serve their students, communities, and industries.

For more information about ACC or their Student Leadership Academy visit .

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BRTC Hosts Preview Day for Marshallese Students

Claire Fisher — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:56:40 +0000

On Friday, April 10, ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) hosted over 50 Marshallese students from Pocahontas High School.

Students got to hear from Erin Kerley-Mathews, academic counselor, and Beth Davis, director of career, technical, and concurrent education, about all of the Career and Technical Center (CTC) programs they could enroll in, as well as the programs they could enter after graduating high school. They also heard from Candy Taylor, Department of Labor (DOL) project director, about BRTC’s CTC Allied Health programs and how the college can help support students interested in that career field.

Representatives from Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), located in Springdale, also made a special trip to BRTC to talk to the students about the services they can provide through BRTC and the DOL project. MEI emphasized the importance of education reminded them about the mentoring, tutoring, and translation services they offer.

BRTC’s Allied Health Equitable Recruitment and Retention Project is funded by a $1.7 million dollar grant from the Department of Labor Strengthening Community College Training Grant. With this grant BRTC is able to better support minority students in the healthcare sector. Eligible students have access to enhanced support services like books and classroom materials, laptop access, mentoring, program uniforms, and transportation.

For more information about BRTC’s Allied Health Equitable Recruitment and Retention Project contact Candy Taylor at candy.taylor@blackrivertech.edu or call (870) 248-4166. You can also visit /ctc-allied-health-services/.

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BRTC Holds 3rd Annual ARC @ The Armory Welding Competition

Claire Fisher — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:53:45 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) hosted the 3^rd Annual ARC @ The Armory welding competition for BRTC traditional and career and technical center (CTC) students on Thursday, April 9.

This event included welding teams from BRTC, Rector, and Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center (NEACTC). The teams competed in a 3-hour, timed event that required students to interpret a blueprint, prepare needed materials, and fabricate a piece from those blueprints.

Based on their performance students were awarded a variety of welding-related prizes which were graciously donated by BRTC’s industry partners. The three highest-scoring teams also received prizes, and the members of the first-place team each received a $1,000 BRTC scholarship. In first place was BRTC Piggott’s Levi Moore, River Shaw, and Wyatt Childers. Second place winners were Rector’s Colt Reddick, Sawyer Featherston, and Cutter Robinson. Third place winners were NEACTC’s Max Smith, Keygen Hadl, and Maison Turner.

For more information about BRTC’s Armory programs, contact Dean of Business and Technical Programs Phillip Dickson at (870) 248-4125 or via email at phillipd@blackrivertech.edu.

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BRTC Expands Partnership with Paragould High School

Claire Fisher — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:49:42 +0000

Paragould High School (PHS) juniors and seniors now have access to concurrent credit options at ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC).

The new addition builds off of an existing partnership between BRTC and PHS that gave juniors and seniors early career training and opportunities through BRTC’s Career and Technical Center. Now, students have the option to take the necessary courses to work towards earning a Certificate of General Studies before graduating high school.

“Across Arkansas, there is a strong push to expand access to concurrent credit and career pathways so students can be better prepared for both college and the workforce,” BRTC Director of Career, Technical, and Concurrent (CTC) Education Beth Davis said. Davis also added, through recent initiatives like the ACCESS legislation, the state is working to increase accelerated learning opportunities and remove barriers so more students can take advantage of programs like this.

The partnership allows students to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and potentially save both time and money as they move into the next phase of their education or career. Former CTC Director and current Dean of General Studies Darenda Kersey said PHS has been “a valued partner of BRTC’s Career and Technical Center for several years,” and she is excited to see this collaboration expand by offering even more opportunities for PHS students through concurrent credit.

BRTC’s Certificate of General Studies is a 31-hour certificate that covers core classes like English, history, math, and science, while also touching on subjects like fine arts, technology, and social sciences. If students choose, they can continue their studies at BRTC and upgrade their certificate to an Associate of General Studies (AGS) or an Associate of Arts (AA). The AGS and AA provide flexibility and transfer to all Arkansas public 4-year universities. Along with core education, BRTC’s General Studies program also houses degrees related to the fields of agriculture, criminal justice, and K-6 elementary education.

For more information about BRTC’s General Education program contact Darenda Kersey at darenda.kersey@blackrivertech.edu or (870) 248-4183.

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NRA Selects BRTC as 1 of Only 4 Approved Programs in the Nation

Claire Fisher — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:18:39 +0000

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has selected ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) to be 1 of only 4 affiliated colleges in the United States to offer “short-term gunsmithing courses to aspiring gunsmiths.” The other three colleges are located in Colorado, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. BRTC houses Arkansas’s only gunsmithing program.

An NRA designation makes the Northeast Arkansas region as well as the entire state of Arkansas more competitive nationally in the firearms and ammunition industry. Already Arkansas’s firearms and ammunition industry has an economic output of $2.3 billion and employs more than 8,400 Arkansans. Support from and affiliation with the NRA will further illustrate Arkansas’s interest in being a leader in this industry.

The unique honor of being an NRA-affiliated colleges is highly coveted. The NRA’s high standards and strong institutional support assure gunsmithing students a quality education. To become an approved NRA gunsmithing school, colleges must have “an existing gunsmithing program, minimum three years, with full-time students currently enrolled in classes, knowledgeable and experienced instructors, and proper facilities to host potential students.” NRA-recognized firearm training programs are considered the gold standard due to their rigor, quality, technical accuracy, and strict safety standards.

The NRA’s approval process is highly selective and the opportunity to become an NRA-affiliated college is rare, especially for a program as young as BRTC’s. One college, Trinidad State in Colorado, has been an NRA school for 49 years. Murray State College in Oklahoma has been affiliated for 32 years and Montgomery Community College in North Carolina has been NRA-affiliated for 10 years. Lassen Community College, who operated the nation’s oldest gunsmithing school for 80 years and was affiliated with the NRA for 42 years, vacated their slot when their Board of Trustees discontinued their gunsmithing program, providing the opportunity for BRTC to apply for affiliation.

Leaders from the three NRA-affiliated colleges performed a site visit at BRTC on March 26 during which they interviewed program staff and students, examined the gunsmithing classroom and its machine tool lab, and evaluated the safety and comprehensiveness of the program’s criteria. The accreditors were pleased with BRTC’s program. “The faculty and administration of Black River Tech have done an excellent job of establishing a Gunsmithing curriculum program. This is a difficult task, and one that that is compounded by the lack of local existing programs to collaborate with,” said Mark Dye, Director of the Gunsmithing Department at Montgomery Community College. “During my visit, I was surprised by their progress and dedication their future success."

“The success of BRTC’s gunsmithing program over the last six years has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Dean of Business and Technology Phillip Dickson. “Achieving NRA approval is a testament to our team’s dedication to a vision we established back in 2020. We look forward to the continued expansion of this program, remaining steadfast in our mission to provide the firearms industry and our state with the highest caliber of skilled professionals.”

BRTC’s Gunsmithing Technology courses are safety-based and versatile depending on the needs and future aspirations of the student. The program offers three Certificates of Proficiency in Gunsmithing Technology: Riflesmithing, Shotgunsmithing, and Pistolsmithing. It also offers a Technical Certificate in Gunsmithing Technology with a Rifle Emphasis and an Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing Technology. The program has awarded 125 credentials since beginning in 2020 with several students coming from out-of-state.

For more information about NRA or NRA-affiliated colleges visit .

For more information about BRTC's gunsmithing program visit /college-coursework/academic-units/technical-programs/gunsmithing/.

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BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy Graduates 54th Class

Claire Fisher — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:42:49 +0000

On Thursday, April 9, ӣ��Ƶ’s (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held the Spring 2026 graduation ceremony for Class 2026-A on the BRTC Pocahontas campus. The graduating class was composed of 33 officers from 20 different agencies and completed 608 hours of training.

The recruits and their families were welcomed by BRTC President Martin Eggensperger, Vice President of Academic Affairs Brad Baine, and LETA Director Jared Bassham at the start of the ceremony. George Vaughn of the Paragould Police Department, class spokesperson, followed Bassham and left the class with words of encouragement. Director of the University of Arkansas System Criminal Justice Institute Alicia Corder was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

The United Police Supply’s Jonathan Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was presented to Joshua Hutchinson of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. Timothy Delmundo of the Jonesboro Police Department was awarded the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Servant Leadership Award. The Liberty Hill Outfitters Law Enforcement Scholarship was awarded to Austin (AJ) Smith of the Mammoth Spring Police Department.

BRTC LETA faculty recognized and awarded the top recruits from Class 2026-A. Austin (AJ) Smith of the Mammoth Spring Police Department was named Top Overall, which is earned by having the overall highest average in the areas of academics, firearms, EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course), and physical fitness. Dalton Hooker of the Cave City Police Department earned second overall. George Vaughn of the Paragould Police Department earned third.

The 2026-A class earned an average of 92.28%. Top Academic Awards went to Dalton Hooker of the Cave City Police Department, 1st; Austin (AJ) Smith of the Mammoth Spring Police Department, 2nd; and George Vaughn of the Paragould Police Department, 3rd.

Nine LETA recruits scored a perfect 100 on their firearms training. After competing to break the tie, three recruits were awarded first place. First place winners were Gage Eades of the Paragould Police Department, Joshua Hutchinson of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and Louis Stephens of the West Memphis Police Department. Wyatt Minyard of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office earned 2nd place, and Dalton Hooker of the Cave City Police Department earned 3rd.

Top Physical Training Awards for the women’s division went to Alex Williams-Wooten of the West Memphis Police Department, 1st; Taylor Fisher of the West Memphis Police Department, 2nd; and Sherriunte Porter of the Forrest City Police Department, 3rd.

Top Physical Training Awards for the men’s division went to Timothy Delmundo of the Jonesboro Police Department, 1st; Hunter Darby of the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, 2nd; and Jacob Martinez of the West Memphis Police Department, 3rd.

Top EVOC Awards went to Joshawa Lipsey of the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, 1st; Austin (AJ) Smith of the Mammoth Spring Police Department, 2nd; and Jacob Birkhead of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, 3rd.

Pictures of the ceremony can be found at .

For more information about BRTC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy contact Bridgette Rose at Bridgette.rose@blackrivertech.edu.

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Join Us for NEA Local Launch!

Claire Fisher — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:53:42 +0000

Join us for NEA Local Launch Job Fair and connect with employers hiring across Northeast Arkansas! With more than 300 jobs, this is your chance to explore opportunities, meet employers, and take the next step in your career.

April 15, 2026; 12 PM – 2 PM

ӣ��Ƶ – Randolph County Development Center

Industries include manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, office, transportation, and education. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or job seeker, NEA Local Launch is designed to help you start here and grow here.

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BRTC Phlebotomy Program Holds Easter Egg Hunt for CTC Phlebotomy Students

Claire Fisher — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:01:35 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) Career and Technical Center (CTC) phlebotomy students recently put their skills to the test with an educational Easter egg hunt.

Phlebotomy Instructor Mykal Haas’s students searched for five different colors if blood vial tops instead of racing to collect candy. Once the students identified all five colors, they took them back to the classroom and had placed them in the correct order of draw for a chance to win a prize. The order of draw winner was Marlee Barnett.

The students were also on the hunt for a golden Easter egg, which granted the winner another prize. The class also competed in an “Anything But an Easter Basket” challenge, where student brought items ranging from coolers to mailboxes to collect their eggs. The winner of both the golden egg and “Most Creative Basket” was Nelly Lati.

BRTC's phlebotomy program prepares individuals to draw blood samples from patients using a variety of invasive procedures. After completing the program students should be able to demonstrate competency in collecting blood samples, apply knowledge of venous anatomy, and illustrate clinical safety.

For more information about BRTC’s Phlebotomy program visit /college-coursework/academic-units/allied-health/phlebotomy/.

Marlee Barnett (left) and Nelly Lati (right).

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UA System Criminal Justice Institute Director Alicia Corder Named Keynote Speaker for BRTC LETA Graduation

Claire Fisher — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:39:54 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ’s (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) Director Jared Bassham is pleased to announced the keynote speaker for the Spring 2026-A LETA graduation will be University of Arkansas System Criminal Justice Institute Director Alicia Corder.

Corder retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on December 31, 2025, after nearly 23 years of service. Most recently she served as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI Little Rock Field Office. Before becoming the SAC of Little Rock, Corder served as the Section Chief for the Internal Affairs Section, in Washington DC at FBI Headquarters, overseeing all allegations of misconduct concerning FBI employees.

Corder began her FBI career in 2003 and worked counterterrorism matters in Sacramento and Los Angeles Field Offices until 2010. She then worked violent crime and white-collar matters in Modesto, California until 2013. From 2013 to 2015 Corder worked in Washington DC at FBI Headquarters before being selected as a squad supervisor for Washington Field Office in 2015. In 2018, Corder was selected as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the St. Louis Field Office where she oversaw all criminal programs.

Prior to joining the FBI, Corder practiced law in Indiana. She received a JD from Indiana University School of Law and a BS from Indiana State University.

The BRTC LETA Spring 2026-A graduation will be held Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Randolph County Development Center (RCDC) on the BRTC Pocahontas campus. There will also be an Open House for the new LETA barracks beginning at 5 p.m., with a brief tour of the college following. Graduation is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the LETA Facebook page.

For more information about the BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy contact Bridgette Rose at (870) 248-4190, or email at bridgette.rose@blackrivertech.edu.

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BRTC Hires David Weick as Fiscal Support Specialist

Claire Fisher — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:32:04 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) is pleased to announce David Weick has moved to the position of Fiscal Support Specialist – Accounts Payable. Before accepting this position, he served as Purchasing Assistant.

Congratulations, David!

For more information about employment opportunities at BRTC visit/employment/ .

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BRTC Celebrates Pi Day

Claire Fisher — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:10:15 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ’s (BRTC) math department celebrated Pi Day at both locations, Pocahontas and Paragould, on March 11 and 16.

The Pocahontas celebration was led by instructors Daphne Perkins and Jessica Stout, and the Paragould celebration was led by instructor Travis Harris. The faculty members passed out waters, individual pies, pizza, and Pi themed pencils to 186 students.

Attending students also filled out a survey for a chance to win a $25 Walmart gift card. The Pocahontas winner was Chloe Crosy, and the Paragould winner was Barkley Evans.

For more information about BRTC visit /.

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BRTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Gives Guest Lecture at WBU

Claire Fisher — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:06:57 +0000

ӣ��Ƶ (BRTC) Vice President of Academic Affairs Brad Baine was recently invited to give a guest lecture for the Legal and Ethical Issues class at Williams Baptist University (WBU).

"I am grateful to return to my alma mater and visit with WBU students as we discuss their aspirations and plans to pursue professional opportunities," Dr. Baine said. "My intention for presenting this information is so these future educators can understand the expectations for their career as they are preparing to be a quality professional."

During his visit with the students, Baine shared case studies and examples of ethical violations and the corrective actions that took place. Baine said the topic of professional ethics is always relevant and, due to his past experience as a member of the Professional Licensure Standards Board in the state of Arkansas, he is always eager to encourage future professionals to adhere to the Arkansas Code of Ethics.