University of Arkansas at Monticello celebrates 2026 Homecoming Week events
The University of Arkansas at Monticello marked its 2026 fall celebration across the Monticello campus. Multiple events honored university alumni, student leaders and athletic achievements. The week included banquets, parades and campus awards.
The annual UAM Sports Hall of Fame banquet took place on Oct. 8. Five former athletes entered the hall:
- Monte Erwin
- Jake Nowlen
- Danielle Rollins
- Katherine Taju
- De’Andre Washington
Nat Grubbs earned honors as the 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Spirit Winner.
The UAM Alumni Association held a reception on Oct. 9. Dr. Drew Perry and Francis J. Porto II received the Young Alumni Rising Star Award. Five graduates received Achievement and Merit awards:
- Dr. Barrett L. Brown
- Hani W. Hashem
- Kathy Lyon
- Shela Upshaw
- Leslie “Les” Walz
Greg Montgomery received the 2026 Continuing the Connection Award. Kelly Koonce and Anna Koonce earned the Chancellor’s Legacy Award.
The university recognized several student scholarship winners during the week. Five students received the 2026 UAM Alumni Legacy Scholarship:
- Karen Cantrell
- Ethan Clemons
- Jacob Courson
- Indica Rose Gist
- Dante Salazar
The UAM African American Alumni Association held a reunion on Oct. 10. The group recognized eight 2026 Alumni Elite honorees:
- Latanza G. Atkins
- Lue Bailey
- KeyAira Brown
- André Haywood
- Ray Pickett
- Imani Riley
- Ronald C. Sloan
- Rodetrius Whitson
Campus leaders held the Homecoming Coronation Ceremony on Oct. 10. Riley Kate Derryberry won the crown as the 2026 UAM Homecoming Queen. Derryberry is a junior biology major from Monticello.
Festivities ended with a tailgate party, parade and football game against Oklahoma Baptist University. Crowds cheered for UAM Football, UAM Cheer and the “Pride of Southeast Arkansas” Marching Band.
University homecoming events bring graduates back to their former college. Campus organizations host gatherings to connect former students with current campus programs. These annual traditions recognize community members and campus supporters.
The events concluded the official campus schedule for the week in Monticello.
