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Hargis named UAM vice chancellor for Advancement. The University of Arkansas at Monticello has announced the appointment of Brian Hargis as vice chancellor for Advancement. Hargis assumed the role on September 1, 2026, bringing more than two decades of experience in relationship building, community leadership, strategic partnerships, fundraising support and organizational growth across the banking and nonprofit sectors. A proud UAM alumnus, Hargis earned his Bachelor of Science in agriculture business degree from UAM and has remained deeply engaged in advancing opportunities throughout southeast Arkansas. In 2016, he completed the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, further strengthening his leadership and financial management expertise. Prior to joining UAM, Hargis served nearly 15 years as community president for Simmons Bank in Monticello, where he led market operations and cultivated strong partnerships among businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders and community stakeholders in southeast Arkansas. Throughout his career, Hargis has demonstrated a unique ability to connect philanthropic resources with community needs. Most notably, he partnered with the Simmons First Foundation to secure support for numerous organizations and initiatives, including UAM, the SEARK Concert Association, the Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas, Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services and The Centers for Youth and Families. He has also served on the board of the Monticello Economic Development Commission since 2011, helping guide initiatives that promote economic growth and regional collaboration. Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, stated, "Mr. Hargis brings a strong combination of professional experience, financial expertise and a genuine love for UAM and our community. As a UAM alumnus, he understands the impact of this university on the lives of our students, our community and our state. His background in banking and finance and his ability to build meaningful relationships will be tremendous assets as he leads our advancement and alumni efforts. We are excited to welcome him back to UAM and look forward to the leadership he will bring to this important work." "I am incredibly honored to return to my alma mater and join UAM as vice chancellor for Advancement," Hargis said. "UAM has played a profound role in my life and career. I look forward to working with alumni, donors, community leaders, faculty, staff and friends of the university to build more meaningful partnerships and create new opportunities that will benefit our students and the communities we serve." As vice chancellor for Advancement, Hargis will oversee fundraising, alumni engagement, donor relations, foundation partnerships, grant development and external relations efforts designed to support UAM's strategic priorities and enhance student success.

Simmons Bank closing 26 locations, 6 in Arkansas by end of 2026. Posted: Sep 4, 2026 / 04:21 PM CDT Updated: Sep 4, 2026 / 04:21 PM CDT PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) - Arkansas-based Simmons Bank recently announced it would close more than two dozen locations by the end of the year. In a Sept. 3 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Simmons First National Corporation, the parent company of Simmons Bank, said it would be closing 26 locations. "The Company's decision was made as part of a broader review of the Company's retail network strategy, and the Branch Closures are intended to align Simmons Bank's branch network with evolving customer preferences while maintaining customer access, preserving service levels, and continuing to provide advice, guidance, and financial solutions through nearby branches and other banking channels," the filing said. Simmons also noted in the filing that approximately 100 associates will be impacted by the closures, but around 70% of them will be retained and hired at other branch locations or alternative positions within the company. KNWA/FOX24 reached out to Simmons Bank for comment on the closures, and a spokesperson provided the following statement: "How customers choose to bank with us has changed significantly in recent years. While branches remain an essential part of our customer experience, many routine transactions have migrated to digital, ATM, phone and other self-service channels. As customer preferences continue to evolve, we periodically evaluate our physical network to ensure we are serving customers where and how they prefer to bank while preserving the relationship-based service they value. After careful review, we have decided to close 26 branch locations effective Friday, December 4. By reducing overlap within our network, we create additional capacity to invest in customer-facing capabilities, digital tools, product innovation and other enhancements that strengthen the overall customer experience. This redeployment will help us drive growth in all our markets. As we undertake this effort to build a stronger and more sustainable delivery model, we remain focused on supporting customers throughout the transition. We will not compromise the customer experience, and receiving branches have been evaluated to ensure they can effectively support incoming customers while maintaining service levels. Our commitment to serving our communities remains unchanged. Customers will continue to have access to banking services through nearby branches and other banking channels, and we will maintain a strong presence in the communities we serve." These Arkansas locations will be closing, according to the spokesperson: * 4200 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith * 2350 Malvern Ave. in Hot Springs * 501 W. Washington in Jonesboro * 3901 Camp Robinson Rd. in North Little Rock * 1704 North University in Pine Bluff * 8107 Dollarway Rd. in White Hall The spokesperson mentioned that customers at impacted locations can visit a nearby Simmons Bank branch, "which is, on average, less than 3 miles away." All closures are expected to be effective on Dec. 4, the filing said.