Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Barber School Program at Grimes Unit

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Published September 25th, 2023

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing has announced the successful licensure of a barber school program at the Grimes Unit correctional facility. The program, licensed on September 25, 2023, has maintained continuous compliance and produced its first licensed graduate.

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What changed

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) has issued a notice regarding the barber school program at the Department of Correction (DOC) Grimes Unit. The program was officially licensed on September 25, 2023, and has since operated in continuous compliance with licensing and instructional requirements. The notice highlights the transition of instructors and celebrates the first graduate, Joseph Barnhart, who successfully passed his barber examination on August 4, 2025, and is awaiting licensure.

This announcement serves as an informational update on the program's progress and its role in workforce training and reentry preparation for incarcerated individuals. While no new regulatory obligations are imposed by this notice, it underscores the ADLL's commitment to skilled trades education and public safety. Compliance officers should note the successful implementation of this vocational training initiative within a correctional setting.

Source document (simplified)

ADLL-DOC Grimes Unit Partnership

02/02/2026

The Department of Labor and Licensing announces the successful licensure and continued operation of the barber school program at the Department of Correction Grimes Unit, marking a significant milestone in workforce training and reentry preparation.

The DOC Grimes Unit was officially issued a license to operate as a barber school on September 25, 2023. Since its approval, the program has remained in continuous compliance with licensing and instructional requirements, ensuring uninterrupted, credentialed instruction for all enrolled participants.

Cocoa Broadway was initially licensed as the barber instructor at the Grimes Unit on September 25, 2023. Ms. Broadway is a licensed barber who completed her professional training at Washington Barber College and later earned her Teacher Manager Instructor credential through GoodFellas Barber College in November 2020. She served as instructor until her departure in 2024.

James Young was hired to assume instructional duties following Ms. Broadway’s departure. Mr. Young has been a licensed barber since February 2005 after completing his training at New Tyler Barber College. He later completed the Teacher Manager Instructor program at the same institution and was licensed as a TMI in March 2015. Mr. Young was officially licensed as the barber instructor for the DOC Grimes Unit on September 19, 2024, ensuring continuity of instruction without lapse.

The program has already produced its first licensed graduate. Joseph Barnhart became the first barber applicant to successfully examine from the DOC Grimes Unit and was issued a barber license on August 4, 2025. Following licensure, Mr. Barnhart completed the Teacher Manager Instructor training program and participated in the TMI examination on January 12, 2026. His licensure is currently pending.

Several additional participants have completed the barber training program and successfully participated in the January 12, 2026, examination. These individuals are currently awaiting licensure:

• Theodis Gordon
• Duringus Gray
• Fredrick Norris
• Kenny Sutton

The Department of Labor and Licensing continues to work closely with program participants and institutional partners to support licensure completion and workforce placement. The DOC Grimes Unit barber school reflects the Department’s commitment to skilled trades education, public safety, and economic opportunity through structured, credential driven training.

Further updates will be provided as licensure decisions are finalized.

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