Tech Action Spring 2010 Dr. Lester P. Monts inducted into Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5.
Col. Carl Baswell inducted into Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5.
Tech Action
2009-10: a season for the ages at Tech Arkansas Tech University has never seen an
Two other Tech teams — cross country and men’s
intercollegiate athletics season like 2009-10.
golf — also advanced to NCAA postseason competition.
Baseball and men’s basketball both set new program
It was a special year that brought nationwide acclaim
records for wins in a season.
to our university and made all of us proud to be Wonder Boys and Golden Suns.
All of this success, and the even greater and more
important academic success that our student-athletes
The wins and the championships were made all the
achieve, is made possible in part by our Green and Gold
more memorable by the remarkable outpouring of support
Club. This group of loyal supporters provides our coaches
that our teams received from Tech fans.
and student-athletes with the tools they need to succeed.
A total of 77,379 fans attended our home football and
Please review pages 20-23 of this issue of the Tech
basketball games in 2009-10. Countless others followed
Action. If you are moved by the dedication and the success
the Wonder Boys and the Golden Suns through the
that you read about, please take a moment and become
media.
a member of the Green and Gold Club. It is open to any
person who loves Arkansas Tech.
Our coaches and student-athletes earned the opportunity to host NCAA postseason competition in
There is a Green and Gold membership form on the
three sports — football, men’s basketball and women’s
back cover that you can fill out and return to the Arkansas
basketball — on our campus during the 2009-10 season.
Tech Foundation, 8820 Tech Lane, Russellville, AR 72801. Please call (479) 968-0337 for more information.
That opportunity to bring student-athletes, coaches
2
and fans from around the region to Russellville not only Tech Action
made a significant impact on our local economy. It also
It was a great year to be a Wonder Boy and a Golden Sun. Thank you for your support, and GO TECH!
spread the name Arkansas Tech far and wide as people from here to North Carolina learned of the hospitable nature of our people and the sportsmanship of our
Steve Mullins
teams.
Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach
tech
Alumni Association Board of Directors
President Howard Ritchie ‘70
President-Elect Jim Murphy ‘71
Past President Claude Smith ‘76
Kellye Holley Cannon ‘80 12/10
Donna Cotton Parker ‘73 12/10
Dixie Gossett ‘70 & ‘74 12/11
Leslie Miller Harris ‘08 12/12
Shirley Dodd ‘59 12/10
Chad Weisler ‘92 12/10
Tommy Johnston ‘91 12/11
Ronda Hawkins ‘92 12/12
Randy Joe Hamilton ‘76 12/10
Philip Alexander ‘89 12/11
Raymond Molden ‘96 12/11
Ann Irwin ‘83 12/12
Mike King ‘74 12/10
Doug Brown ‘06 12/11
Cara Hammond Witherspoon ‘78 12/11
Steve Pfeifer ‘71 12/12
Layton Lee ‘92 12/10
Jimmy Cunningham ‘75 12/11
John Carter ‘02 12/12
Kendall Tabor ‘89 & ‘92 12/12
Jim Murphy ‘71 12/10
Robert Ford ‘86 12/11
Molly Fleming ‘09 12/12
Angie Wyatt ‘03 12/12 Brian Bass, Ozark Campus Rep.
catch up with an old friend today www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action, Volume 46, No. 2. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations Angela DeWitt Bonds Coordinator of Young Alumni Alison Parks Coordinator of Alumni Communications and Activities Kelly Thornton Bostick Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
Editorial Committee Angela DeWitt Bonds, Jayne Jones, Julie Nebben Morgan, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner publications/creative Services Felisha Weaver Asst. Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
Cover Photograph Steve Newby Contributing Photographers Steve Newby, Chuck Lajeunesse, Ashley Schurtz, Walt Beazley E-mail address alumni@atu.edu Web site www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action is published quarterly by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801. It is sent to alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff of Arkansas Tech University. We welcome manuscripts and photographs from our readers. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your originals returned. Parents, if your son or daughter attended Tech and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Address updates can be submitted to the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Services by calling (479) 968-0242 or by sending e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Homecoming 2010
Join us for Homecoming 2010 Arkansas Tech will host a centennial celebration of its student organizations, past and present, as the focus of Homecoming 2010 on Oct. 15-16. If you were part of an organization during your days as a student at Tech and would like to plan a reunion at Homecoming, call Julie Morgan at (479) 968-0332 or send e-mail to jmorgan@atu.edu. The following reunion groups are already being organized: • Greek organizations • Agricola and Arka Tech staff members • Campus ministries • Ambassadors/PLC • ROTC • Student Senate/SGA • Blue Key and Cardinal Key For more information about Homecoming, call (479) 968-0242.
Spring 2010
3
Cover Story
Dr. Lester P. Monts Distinguished Alumnus It took courage to grow up in Little Rock with the
Monts is a native of Little Rock. He was a 10-year old
national spotlight shining on a troubled time of social
fourth grader when his neighbor, Carlotta Walls, and eight
change.
other African-American students began attending Central High School in the fall of 1957.
It took courage to become the first African-American student to enroll in the music program and the first to live on campus at Arkansas Tech University.
He was an eyewitness to history, and that defining moment for America became a defining moment for Monts.
It took courage to help prepare a case that
Faculty members such
would be heard by the
as Witherspoon, Bright,
U.S. Supreme Court.
Joan Wainright, John Nelson and Ed Connelly welcomed
It took courage to
Monts to Arkansas Tech
consult Steven Spielberg
and helped him persist to
on a major motion
graduation with a Bachelor
picture.
of Science degree in music education in 1970.
And it takes courage to hold a leadership
4
Tech Action
“That was an era when
position at one of
many of the various
the most prestigious
changes were taking place
institutions of learning in
in our society,” said Monts.
the country.
“The welcoming response I received from Chief
In recognition of a
Witherspoon, who in my
lifetime of courage and
eyes is the greatest mentor
excellence in the field
who ever lived, and Bright
of higher education,
was a significant comfort
Arkansas Tech University
for me. Of course, they
presented Dr. Lester P.
weren’t with me 24 hours
Monts with the highest
a day and there were some
honor it can bestow upon an alumnus — induction into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction — at spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15.
things during my freshman year that caused me some concern. But that was the way things were back then, and I accepted them and moved on.
“I don’t know that the students at larger universities receive the kind of attention we received at Tech back
“I found out some 30 years later that Chief Witherspoon
in the 1960s,” said Monts. “When you think about what
had called all the seniors in, including Ed Marlar and Andy
you pay for education…we paid $90 per semester my
Anders, and basically told them that he did not want
freshman year. What I received from instructors like Bob
anyone messing with me,” continued Monts. “Ed and
Bright and Gene Witherspoon, you cannot put a price tag
Andy are still among my closest friends today. That’s the
on that. Students where I work now, at the University of
wonderful thing about Tech. People I knew 45 years ago
Michigan, some of them pay $45,000 per year. That still
like Ed, Andy, Travis Beard, Tommy Reynolds, Julie Nebben
would not be enough for the grounding and fundamentals
Morgan or Hiram Byrd…I can pick up the phone and have
in education that I received at Tech.”
a conversation with them as if we were still in the lounge
Cover Story
at DuLaney Hall. I must say the bottom line for me is that if the relationships I had at Tech could be reflected
He also spoke to more than 20 alumni groups about the issues related to the case.
throughout society, we would have no problems.” Monts’ background in ethnomusicology led to an Monts went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in
opportunity for him to assist in the making of the 1997 film “Amistad.”
musicology from the University of Minnesota. He ensured that the film, which told the story of He served on the music faculties at Edinboro University, the University of Minnesota, Case Western
slaves brought from West Africa to America in 1839, included authentic and appropriate music.
Reserve University and the University of California at Santa Barbara before embarking upon a career in higher education administration.
“One of the most common characteristics of human beings is that no matter where they are in the world, they have some form of music,” said Monts. “It is as
Today, Monts is senior vice provost for academic
pervasive as language. My thought is to be musical is to
affairs and professor of music at the University of
be human. Once you create a mode of communication,
Michigan. He and his wife, Jeanne, have three grown
in this case music, you are able to communicate with
sons.
people anywhere. Throughout my travels in places such as China, South Africa, Qatar and all over Europe, the
Monts played a key role in preparing the University
one connection I always had with people was music.
of Michigan’s successful 2003 affirmative action case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“It is regrettable that this economic downturn is taking its toll on music programs in our schools,”
He collected data that helped prove that the
continued Monts. “If we’re not careful, we are going to
university did not discriminate based on factors of race
lose a generation of music lovers and music makers. If
and ethnicity during its admission process.
that happens, we as a culture will be in trouble.”
Spring 2010
5
Alumni News
Montgomery named Pulitzer Prize finalist Ben Montgomery, a 2000 graduate
finalists for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in
journalism program, was recently
never told a
the local reporting category. The top
named a finalist in the local reporting
soul about their
prize went to Raquel Rutledge of the
category for the prestigious Pulitzer
experience in
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Prize.
Marianna,” said “I’m honored, and humbled,”
“Not their
sense that many
said Montgomery. “I’m proud of the
parents or
of them felt it
work and the recognition. I’ve felt a
was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist
wives or
was therapy.
mix of emotions that typically exist
for his work on a series entitled “For
girlfriends. They
A few of them
at opposite ends of the spectrum —
Their Own Good,” which highlighted
were ashamed,
even thanked me
happiness and dissappointment. Now
the troubled 109-year history of the
or scared
afterward, as if I
Florida School for Boys in Marianna,
nobody would
Fla., and how the abuse of young
had helped them
believe them.
men housed there followed the
get a weight off
Once they
victims for the rest of their lives.
their chests.
understood
That’s pretty
that we wanted
rewarding, when
to hear them
you are thanked
out, that we
for just listening.”
believed them,
— Ben Montgomery
D. Fountain to tell a story that led Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to ask the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct an investigation into 31 graves located near the school and whether any crimes were committed that led to the deaths of the people buried there. The Pulitzer Prizes recognize achievement in newspaper journalism, literature and music composition. The award program
Visit www.facebook.com and “like” these official Tech Facebook pages: • Arkansas Tech University • Arkansas Tech University Athletics • Arkansas Tech University - Alumni
“...You could
Montgomery, a reporter for the St.
Moore and photographer Edmund
Come On, You know you like us
Montgomery. Petersburg Times in St. Petersburg, Fla.,
with fellow reporter Waveney Ann
Tech Action
The series was one of three
these guys had
Montgomery collaborated
6
“Most of
of the Arkansas Tech University
has existed since 1917, and it is administered by Columbia University in New York. According to the St. Petersburg Times Web site, the series that Montgomery was nominated for was
and that others were telling the same tales, the stories spilled out easy. Some of them talked and cried for hours without interjection. “It was hard to see old men cry, and to ask them again and again to visit very painful memories,” continued Montgomery. “But you could sense that many of them felt it was therapy. A few of them even thanked me afterward, as if I had helped them get a weight off their chests. That’s pretty rewarding, when you are thanked for just listening.” Montgomery, Moore and Fountain combined to make four visits to the school in question over a period of
based on more than 100 hours of
five months as part of their reporting
interviews.
for the series.
that I have a taste, I want to win. I’d like nothing more than to represent my newspaper and family and Arkansas Tech in a way that makes them proud.” Montgomery was a member of the football program at Arkansas Tech during his college days, and he played on the Wonder Boys’ 1999 Gulf South Conference championship team. Montgomery also served as editor of the Arka Tech student newspaper. He went on to work at The Courier in Russellville, the Standard-Times in San Angelo, Texas, the Times HeraldRecord in New York’s Hudson River Valley and the Tampa Tribune before landing at the St. Petersburg Times. Montgomery lives in Tampa, Fla., with his wife, fellow 2000 Arkansas Tech graduate Jennifer Evanchyk Montgomery, and their children. “After we won the GSC in ‘99, (head coach) Steve Mullins stood up in the stands and said something like: you boys keep battling your butts off and this will carry you the rest of your life,” said Montgomery. “I think of that often. It seems silly to say
They also utilized newspaper
this — cliché even — but the lessons
at the Florida School for Boys (later
clippings, congressional and court
you learn in football, and the lessons
known as the Arthur G. Dozier School
testimony and archival photographs
I learned in four years at Tech, are
for Boys) in the 1950s and 1960s
to piece the history of the Florida
incredibly simple: work hard, and with
were interviewed for the series.
School for Boys together.
a little luck, good things happen.”
Twenty-seven men who spent time
Alumni News
Harris accepted to Clinton School of Public Service Regardless of whether she was
Upon completion of her studies,
serving as Student Government
Harris will earn a Master of Public
Association president, winning
Service from the Clinton School of
the Miss Tech pageant or applying
Public Service and a Juris Doctorate
her training in journalism for the
from the Bowen School of Law.
student newspaper or the student television station, Leslie Miller
Harris began investigating the
Harris always found a way to stay
Clinton School of Public Service
busy during her days as a student at
after her husband and fellow
Arkansas Tech University.
2008 Arkansas Tech graduate,
Zach Harris, was accepted to the
So it is no surprise that when
University of Arkansas for Medical
she started looking for a way to challenge herself as she began a new life in Little Rock, Harris set her sights high.
Sciences to continue his education. “Zach has always known he wanted to be a doctor, but I
have struggled to find a specific
Harris has been accepted to
calling for my life,” said Harris. “I
both the University of Arkansas
think it has been difficult for me
Clinton School of Public Service
because my passions and abilities
and the William H. Bowen School of
do not fit neatly into a package
Law at the University of Arkansas at
typically expected by the business
Little Rock.
community. As I began the process
of researching law school, I was
“I have experienced the bustle
immediately interested in the
of Times Square in New York City
concurrent degree program with the
and toured the historic monuments
Clinton School of Public Service.
of Washington D.C., but as a native
When I read their mission and saw
Arkansan, there is only one state
the work their students were doing,
I call home,” said Harris, the 2008
I felt like I finally found a program
Margaret Young Award winner for
that understood me.”
top graduating female at Arkansas
Tech. “I am very fortunate that
Harris has served as an oral
in the heart of this state lies the
communications teacher in the
country’s only concurrent degree
Alma School District for the past
program in law and public service.
two years. She carried some
The Clinton School of Public Service
valuable lessons when she left her
and the Bowen School of Law are
classroom for the final time.
my first choice for the continuation of my education because of their
That desire to help others will help Harris persist through the academic challenges that she has chosen for herself, as will the support of a husband going through much the same experience in medical school. “I jokingly tell people that Zach is going to be so busy with homework for the next four years that I figured I wouldn’t see him anyway — might as well find something to do myself so I don’t get upset that he’s too busy for me,” said Harris.
Spring 2010
7
“That experience taught me how
commitment to practical hands-on
to be flexible in my approach to
experience and desire for students
problem solving and how to find
to learn the importance of serving
common ground with people who
others.”
are different than me,” said Harris.
“In the future, I want to develop
After spending the 2010-11
these skills further and use them
academic year focusing on law
to reach a wider variety of people.
school, Harris will begin studying
I may not yet know what my job
in the programs concurrently in fall
title will be, but I know it will be a
2011.
continuation of service to others.”
“In all actuality, we are both counting on the other for support when the stresses of our studies begin to weigh on us,” continued Harris. “When I get nervous about school, he says ‘I know you can do this,’ and I do the same for him. Higher education has always been a priority for us, and we are excited to go through this adventure together.”
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Alumni News
Jones elected to Arkansas Agri Hall of Fame Jack Jones of Pottsville, a 1956 graduate of Arkansas
Jones was elected to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Board
Tech University, was enshrined in the Arkansas Agriculture
of Directors in 1969. He served as vice president of the
Hall of Fame during a ceremony on March 12 at the
board from 1976-1993.
Embassy Suites Hotel in Little Rock. Prior to his service on the state board, Jones served as Jones entered the farming business with his father in 1956. He was named Pope County Outstanding Young
president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the Pope County Farm Bureau.
Farmer in 1961. Jones assumed control of the family farm in 1970.
Jones’ public service has also included work on behalf of the Pope County Fair Board, the Soybean Promotion
He built a successful 1,600-acre cattle and row crop
Board, the Arkansas Economic Education Council, the
operation in the Arkansas River Valley which included
Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors and
soybeans, milo and wheat.
the Pottsville School Board.
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts Hardgrave Dr. Bill Hardgrave, founder of the
8
Tech Action
Hardgrave went on to receive a
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Master of Business Administration
Research Center in the University of
degree with an emphasis in computer
Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of
information systems from Missouri
Business, spoke at Rothwell Hall on
State University in 1990. He earned
the Arkansas Tech University campus
a Ph.D. in management information
this spring as part of the College of
systems from Oklahoma State
Business Distinguished Lecture Series.
University in 1993.
The RFID laboratory that Hardgrave
After receiving the Phoenix
developed in Fayetteville has been
Outstanding Doctoral Student award
described by RFID Journal as “the
from the Oklahoma State Graduate
most advanced of any owned by a
College in 1993, Hardgrave joined the
university.”
faculty at the University of Arkansas as an assistant professor in the Walton
According to the Association for
College of Business.
Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) Global, RFID “is a generic term that is used to describe a system that
He was promoted to associate professor in 1997, and
transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial
in 1999 he founded the University of Arkansas Information
number) of an object or person wirelessly, using radio
Technology Research Institute.
waves.” Hardgrave was named Edwin and Karlee Bradberry RFID technology is used by companies for asset
Chair in Information Systems in 2001. Four years later,
tracking and supply chain management. Wal-Mart, Target
he founded and was named director of the University of
and Best Buy are among the retailers that utilize RFID.
Arkansas RFID Research Center. Hardgrave was promoted to professor in 2007. He was elected to the Arkansas
Individuals benefit from RFID in a number of every day
Computing Academy and he received the Ted Williams
applications, including the microchips that are planted in
Award from AIM Global for his work with RFID technology
pets to help track them in the event they go missing.
in 2009.
A 1987 graduate of Arkansas Tech University,
Soon after his appearance at Tech, Hardgrave
Hardgrave earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
accepted the position of dean of the Auburn University
computer science.
College of Business.
Alumni News
Alumni donuts a big hit with Tech students Arkansas Tech students in need of refreshment during final exams week were greeted by donuts, coffee, lemonade, smiling faces and encouraging words from the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association. Tech alumni return to campus at the end of each fall and spring semester to provide students with a needed and appreciated boost. Brandie Soar Griffin, Rachel Bond
Alumni volunteers for spring 2010 were: Cody Black, Rachel Bond, Larry Brown, Shirley Drewry Dodd, Joel Epperson, Baldy Faulkner, Tommy Fields, Brandie Soar Griffin, Cody Hill, Cass Capen-Housley, Tonya Hurley, Ann Irwin, Betty Moore, Courtney Mullen, Jim Murphy, Carrie Harris Phillips, Justin Price, Lindsey Reidmueller, Howard Ritchie, Janna Ritchie, Kendall Tabor, Meagan Votteler, Emily Ward, John Whiteside, Leigh Burns Whiteside, Patricia Wood and Leslie Woolsey.
Leigh Burns Whiteside, John Whiteside
Janna Ritchie Spring 2010
Cody Black, Leslie Woolsey
Angela DeWitt Bonds, Baldy Faulkner
Shirley Drewry Dodd, Betty Moore
Larry Brown, Jim Murphy
Emily Ward, Courtney Mullen
9
Today’s Tech
Burton, Parsons named Tech’s top seniors Dustin Parsons of
Parsons is the son of Sherry
Benton and Lauren Burton
and Terry Parsons of Benton.
of Jacksonville received the
He majored in agriculture
top two honors available to
business.
students at Arkansas Tech University during the 2010
Burton served as an officer
Student Leadership Banquet at
in the Student Government
the Chambers Cafeteria East
Association and the Student
Dining Room on April 19.
Activities Board. She was also
an officer in Zeta Tau Alpha
Parsons was presented with
and a member of the 2009
the Alfred J. Crabaugh Award,
Homecoming court.
which is given annually to the
most outstanding senior male
“It’s just an amazing feeling,”
student at Arkansas Tech.
said Burton. “I’ve worked very
hard for Tech, and it has given
Burton received the
back to me tremendously. It’s
Margaret Young Award, which
such a good note to leave on,
goes to the most outstanding
and I am very appreciative of
senior female student at
the award.”
Arkansas Tech each year.
Parsons has served as president of the Missionary Baptist Student
Parsons served as president of
10
Tech Action
the Student Government Association
Fellowship and the College Middle
Sigma Alpha, the Miss Tech Pageant,
Level Association.
the Baptist Collegiate Ministry,
during the 2009-10 academic year. He has also worked with the Student Activities Board and the SGA
intramural sports and the Volunteer Parsons has also been active with
Action Council. She earned a spot on
student initiatives to benefit the Tech
the Dean’s List in multiple semesters.
Loyalty Fund.
Volunteer Action Council.
“There have been lots of learning
“This plaque symbolizes all of my “Arkansas Tech has made me strive
Burton was also active in Gamma
experiences at Tech that have made
years here and my accomplishments,”
me a better person,” said Burton. “I
to be better,” said Parsons. “I feel like
said Parsons. “It shows me that
have so many great memories and
I need to give back to people who
someone was watching and that
I’ve loved every bit of my four years.”
have helped me out. One of the 4-H
nothing went unnoticed. It is a great
mottos that I learned in high school
honor to have this award and to
Daughter of Sherry and Rick
was to make the best better. I’ve used
follow in the footsteps of so many
Burton of Jacksonville, Burton
that as a life motto. If you’re not
leaders and philanthropists. I’m
majored in management and
doing that, where are you in life?”
honored to take this award.”
marketing with a minor in speech.
Kennedy appointed to Board of Trustees Gov. Mike Beebe has appointed
Kennedy graduated from Tech
Kennedy served in the Arkansas
Tom Kennedy of Little Rock to the
in 1982 with a degree in business
Senate for four years. He is currently
Arkansas Tech University Board of
administration. He went on to earn a
vice president of governmental affairs
Trustees.
Juris Doctorate from the University of
for Entergy Arkansas.
Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law Kennedy will serve a five-year term through Jan. 14, 2015.
and gain admittance to the Arkansas Bar Association in 1985.
Kennedy and his wife, Kristi, have two daughters.
Today’s Tech
Gordon attains professor emeritus status Dr. Patricia A. Gordon,
The annual honor for
who served as a member
the top undergraduate
of the Arkansas Tech
student in the Arkansas
University faculty in five
Tech Department of
different decades, was
Health and Physical
named professor emeritus
Education is named the
of health and physical
Dr. Pat Gordon Award in
education by the Arkansas
recognition of her service
Tech Board of Trustees in
to the department.
March. She was instrumental Gordon first came
in the planning of Tech Fit,
to Arkansas Tech as an
the wellness center inside
assistant professor in 1965.
the Hull Physical Education Building that Arkansas Tech students, faculty and staff
She was promoted to associate professor in 1974
utilize on a daily basis.
and professor in 1984. Gordon has previously received the Arkansas Gordon retired from full-time teaching in 2001, but she returned to serve as an adjunct professor in 2001-
Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Honor Award.
02 and again as a full-time instructor on a temporary basis in 2003-04 and 2004-05.
Her service on campus included working on committees dealing with subjects as diverse as
“I cannot adequately express how many hours Dr.
athletics, admissions, academic standards and student
Gordon gave to Arkansas Tech and its students during
honors, university promotion and tenure, Who’s Who
her tenure as a faculty member,” wrote Dr. Annette
selection, curriculum, student affairs, affirmative action,
Holeyfield, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of
faculty welfare, the library, instructional materials and
Health and Physical Education and a former Gordon
equipment, assessment and graduate studies.
student, in a letter recommending Gordon for emeritus status. “Arkansas Tech’s P.E. department owes much to
“Dr. Gordon led by example,” wrote Holeyfield. “As
her vision and leadership. To hundreds of graduates,
much as she pushed her students to excel, each one
Dr. Gordon is fondly remembered and associated with
knew that she was asking no more of them than what
Arkansas Tech’s P.E. department.”
she had done.”
Tech bids farewell to five faculty members Arkansas Tech held retirement receptions for five faculty members at the end of the spring 2010 semester. David Krueger (photographed, near right), associate professor of history, retired after 50 years of service. Nita Herrick (photographed, far right), associate professor of music, retired to end a 34-year career at Tech. Also honored were retirees Dr. Tom Tyler (business, 43 years), Ruth Harrison (English, 40 years) and Dr. Byra Ramsey (early childhood education, 10 years).
Spring 2010
11
Today’s Tech
Dr. Tom Tyler (holding certificate), dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Business, is photographed with AACSB officials (from left): Jerry Trapnell, executive vice president and chief accrediting officer; Andrew Policano, chairman of the board; and John Fernandez, president and chief executive officer.
AACSB Accreditation Maintained Arkansas Tech remains among elite Colleges of Business The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) announced in April that the
12
Arkansas Tech University College of Business has Tech Action
maintained its AACSB International accreditation for an additional five-year period. AACSB first accredited the baccalaureate degree programs in business at Arkansas Tech in 2000. Officials from AACSB returned to campus this spring, and their review has yielded continuation of that accreditation
• Manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission • Advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship • Provide high-caliber teaching of quality and current curricula • Cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty • Produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals
for the Arkansas Tech College of Business until the next
scheduled review in 2015.
The Arkansas Tech College of Business offers
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees
AACSB accreditation is the mark of quality distinction
in accounting, economics and finance and management
most widely sought after by business schools — less than
and marketing. The Tech College of Business also offers a
5 percent worldwide have earned the achievement.
Bachelor of Science degree in business education.
“This is a milestone moment for Arkansas Tech
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our
University,” said Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown.
dedicated faculty, students and staff, and I want to
“AACSB accreditation is a mark of excellence. I extend
commend and thank my colleagues for their hard work to
congratulations and appreciation to my faculty colleagues
ensure we achieved this prestigious honor,” said Dr. Tom
in the College of Business. Their continued focus on
Tyler, dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Business. “Our
providing unsurpassed classroom instruction is the
re-accreditation emphasizes Arkansas Tech’s commitment
foundation of our business program.”
to providing a high quality education for our students.”
According to its Web site, the AACSB seeks to ensure
Founded in 1916, AACSB is an association of almost
stakeholders that the schools of business it accredits
1,200 educational institutions, businesses and other
accomplish these five goals:
organizations in 74 countries and territories.
Tech Centennial
tech
Tech Timeline: 1993-2003
Throughout the Arkansas Tech centennial celebration, Tech Action has taken a look back at some of the events that have shaped the institution during its first 100 years. In this installment of the series, we look at 1993-2003. July 1, 1993 Dr. Robert C. Brown becomes the 11th president of Arkansas Tech University.
Spring 1998 Arkansas Tech (30-16-1 overall, 12-5 conference) wins the GSC West Division baseball title.
Fall 1994 Arkansas Tech (7-4 overall, 4-0 conference) wins its 17th and final AIC football championship and advances to the NAIA National Playoffs for the second time in school history. The Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference folded after the 1994-95 academic year.
Fall 1998 The Doc Bryan Student Services Building opens, providing the Office of Student Services, the Registrar’s Office, the Office of Admissions, the Student Accounts Office, the Financial Aid Office and Norman Career Services with a new and modern home that improves efficiency and convenience for students.
1995 Arkansas Tech University begins a strategic planning process that yields a 108 percent increase in student enrollment from 1997-2009, more than 40 new programs of study and a $161 million investment in the campus infrastructure. Winter 1995 Arkansas Tech (29-6 overall) makes its third and final appearance in the NAIA Final Four at the NAIA National Tournament for men’s basketball. Fall 1995 Arkansas Tech University becomes a member of NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference. Winter 1996 Arkansas Tech’s men’s basketball program makes its 11th and final appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. The Wonder Boys were 19-10 overall in 1995-96. June 1996 In one of the most significant moments in the history of the university, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation announces a gift of more than $13 million to Arkansas Tech University to fund construction of a new library and technology center. 1997 Arkansas Tech becomes just the third institution of higher learning in America to offer a degree program in emergency management. Fall 1997 Arkansas Tech (26-8 overall, 10-0 conference) wins its first-ever Gulf South Conference West Division volleyball championship. The Golden Suns would go on to add GSC West Division volleyball titles in 1999, 2000 and 2008.
Dr. Robert C. Brown President, 1993-Present
Fall 1998 University Commons, a new apartment-style student housing option on the Arkansas Tech campus, opens. Winter 1999 Arkansas Tech advances to the women’s basketball national championship game in the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Golden Suns finish the season with an overall record of 31-7.
Dr. Jack Hamm Faculty, 1972-2008 VP Academic Affairs, 2001-08 Spring 2010
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Fall 1999 The Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center is dedicated. Fall 1999 Arkansas Tech (9-3 overall, 8-1 conference) becomes the first school from Arkansas to ever win the Gulf South Conference football title outright. Tech goes on to make its first appearance in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Fall 2000 Arkansas Tech tops the 5,000-student mark for the first time in school history.
David Moseley Senior Vice President Admin. & Finance, 1994-Present
Fall 2000 Arkansas Tech makes its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament. The Golden Suns finish the season 36-5 overall and 12-0 in the Gulf South Conference. Fall 2003 Arkansas Tech tops the 6,000-student mark for the first time in school history. 2003 Arkansas Tech completes an expansion project at the Hull Physical Education Building.
Dr. Eldon Clary Faculty, 1967-Present Dean, 1998-Present
Development Corner
Putting the GREEN in Green and Gold Normans continue dedication to enhancing nature’s beauty at Tech Picture it: the year is 2060. The
Arkansas Tech University began a
members of the Arkansas Tech
beautification project this spring that
University Class of 2010 are back in
will be remembered at that reunion 50
Russellville for their 50-year reunion.
years from now and far into the future.
They fondly remember all the
When the current phase of the project is done, 152 new willow oak
the project — AMR Architects of Little
— the celebration of the Arkansas
trees will grace the Tech campus.
Rock — enlisted the services of Select
Tech Centennial, the opening of
Trees Inc. of Athens, Ga., to provide
Rothwell Hall, the jump in enrollment
Many of the trees are planted in
genetically superior and sustainable
to more than 8,800 students and the
rows that extend from the south end of
trees that are designed to stand the
remarkable 70-8 combined record by
Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field all the
test of time.
the football and basketball teams.
way to the west side of McEver Hall. Other locations, including in front of
And there to greet the Class of 2010 at Homecoming 2060 is another
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Tech Action
Arkansas Tech and the architect for
great moments from their senior year
Norman Hall and Rothwell Hall, were also selected for tree planting.
milestone from their senior year at Arkansas Tech — a stately collection
The current phase of the project
of willow oak trees that was planted
also includes a significant leveling
during their final spring as students.
of the green space south of the Pendergraft Library and Technology Center in order to prepare that tract for future development. The campus beautification project was initiated by a generous donation to the Arkansas Tech Foundation by Robert and Sandra Norman (photographed) of Tulsa, Okla. “Robert and Sandra Norman are
“Since our founding in 1985, it has been the goal of Select Trees to grow trees that landscape professionals consider the best available,” reads text from the Select Trees Inc. Web site. “To that end we have developed a system for propagating, growing and harvesting that addresses the quality of the entire plant: from root structure to head structure and everything in between.” Jayne Jones, vice president for development at Arkansas Tech, said that the project is an example of how donors can make a lasting and visible impact on campus.
longtime supporters of Arkansas Tech, especially in the areas of the
“Generations of the Tech family will
arts, landscaping and athletics,” said
enjoy the results of this project,” said
Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C.
Jones. “These beautiful trees will add
Brown. “We are grateful to them for
to the sizable legacy that Mr. and Mrs.
enabling us to begin these campus
Norman already have at Arkansas Tech.
improvements.”
They have a passion for contributing toward the esthetics of our campus.
The reason the project will have
That passion has translated into
such a long-term effect on the Tech
a better learning environment for
campus is because of the kind of trees
our students and a more beautiful
that are being planted.
Arkansas Tech for all of us.”
Development Corner
Smith makes gift to endow new scholarship C. LeMoyne Smith of Little Rock has made a $300,000 gift to the Arkansas Tech University Foundation for the purpose of establishing the LeMoyne and Selma Smith Research Scholarship in the Arkansas Tech College of Business. Mr. Smith, a 1956 graduate of Arkansas Tech, is the retired president and chief executive officer of SouthWestern Publishing. Along with Selma, his late wife of 45 years, Mr. Smith is a long-time supporter of Arkansas Tech. He is a member of the J.W. Hull Society, which is reserved for the most generous benefactors of the university. He is also a 25-year member of the Tech Loyalty Fund Loyalty Society. “Establishing a scholarship endowment is something that Selma and I discussed many times,” said Smith. “I’ve always had an interest in developing students. That is why I wanted to create this research scholarship and endow it such that it can benefit students for generations to come. “The most important thing for the university is that the students who receive this research scholarship will be working with a faculty member in such a way that it will make a great contribution to the literature of business education and to business activities in general,” continued Smith. “My professional career was
After overseeing an electronic publishing program that made South-Western an industry leader in the 1980s, Smith became chairman of the company in 1990.
LeMoyne Smith (center) presents a gift to the Arkansas Tech Foundation, which was accepted on behalf of the
After a 31-year career with South-Western Publishing, he
foundation by Dr. Robert
retired from an active role with the organization in 1991.
C. Brown, Arkansas Tech
Mr. Smith has served his alma mater on the Arkansas
president, and Jayne Jones, Arkansas Tech vice president for development.
Tech University College of Business Advisory Board and the Arkansas Tech University Foundation Board. He received the highest honor that Arkansas Tech can bestow upon an alumnus — induction into the
Spring 2010
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university’s Hall of Distinction — in 1988. The first LeMoyne and Selma Smith Research Scholarship will be awarded for the fall 2011 semester. Applicants for the LeMoyne and Selma Smith
in educational publishing. I have a great love of helping
Research Scholarship must be a full-time Arkansas Tech
students gain knowledge that will make them successful
student majoring in a degree program within the College
in their careers.”
of Business. They must also be a junior or senior level student with a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Mr. Smith began his career as a teacher in Little Rock and Atkins. He served as an instructor at Arkansas Tech
Students applying for the scholarship must also have
for two years before accepting a position with South-
a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a
Western Publishing in 1960.
demonstrated financial need and the ability to conduct research in a prescribed area.
He started as a sales representative, and in 1982, he was elevated to the rank of president and CEO.
The research needs of the College of Business will be a factor in the selection of the recipient, and those
As the company’s top officer, Smith led a senior management team and over 700 employees in publishing
Give the gift of education
receiving the scholarship will assist with research during the semester of the award.
and marketing South-Western’s numerous business
titles to secondary schools and colleges and universities
For more information about establishing,
throughout the United States and selected parts of the
contributing to or applying for a scholarship through the
world.
Arkansas Tech Foundation, call (479) 968-0400.
Visit www.atu.edu/givetotech to learn how you can contribute toward scholarships at Tech.
Class Notes Marriages Mark Treadwell Darter (ENGL ’93) and Odette Flores Asuncion were married Feb. 20, 2010. They live in Centerton. Bradley Scott Molder (CRWR ’01) and Whitney Lauren Easley were married March 20, 2010. Bradley is an academic advisor at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. They live in Van Buren. Patrick Clay Pesnell (ELEC ENGR ’01) and Angela Renee Owens were married Nov. 28, 2009. Patrick is an electrical engineer for ADC in Plano, Texas. Ryan Davis (AGBU ’04) and Sarah Milam (ECON ’08) were married March 20, 2010. Christy Elaine Lenz (MGMT/MKTG ’04) and Kyle Weston Prater were married April 10, 2010. They live in Cabot. Luke Cameron Wright (BIOL ’04 & MECH ENGR ’07) and Holly Kristina Grace were married Jan. 2, 2010. Luke is a mechanical engineer for Carson Engineering in Springdale. They live in Fayetteville.
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Tech Action
Timothy Ralston (ART ’07) and Lindsey Newcom (ECED ’08) were married Aug. 22, 2009. Timothy is employed by Lockheed Martin at the Little Rock Air Force Base. They live in Gravel Ridge. Megan Diann Flores (SPH ’09) and Nicholas Joseph Carmean (’10) were married April 24, 2010. They live in Waco, Texas.
Births
Tech’s Brick Program Leave your mark on the Tech landscape with a personalized brick on Centennial Plaza...or give one as a gift to a loved one! Each brick is $100. Call (479) 968-0400 to reserve yours.
James Wilson (NURS ’01) and Kimberly Wilson (NURS ’03), a son, Benjamin Cayden, Nov. 11, 2009. Benjamin has an older brother, Jet (7). Ryan Ritchie (ECON & MGMT/MKTG ’03) and his wife, Melanie, a daughter, Lexi Riley, April 7, 2010. Ashley Sullivan Burdess (MECH ENGR ’04) and her husband, Josh, a son, Samuel Aaron, Aug. 6, 2009. Jessie Carr Hogan (MATH ’04) and Aaron Hogan (FISH/WLDLF ’04) a son, Carter, April 12, 2010. Jessie is an instructor in the Arkansas Tech Department of Mathematics and she was named 2009-10 student organization advisor of the year at Tech for her work with Zeta Tau Alpha. Aaron is assistant director of housing operations in the Arkansas Tech Office of Residential Life. They live in Russellville. Stephen Ingmire (INDUS ELEC ’04) and Lindsey Leavell Ingmire (SPAN ’06), a daughter, Liv Sofia, April 24, 2010. Janadah M. Labahn Sartin (RPA ’05) and her husband, Gary, a son, Ethan, Sept. 18, 2009. Ethan has a sister, Jasmine (2). They live in Danville, Ala. Nicholas Lynn Thompson (MGMT/MKTG ’05) and his wife, Heather, a son, Kale, May 2, 2010. Rachel Lindsey Wilson (HIST ’07) and her husband, Lamar, a son, Lamar Hoss, March 26, 2010. William Paul Greggs (MATH ’07) and his wife, Allison, a daughter, Abigail Brianna, April 12, 2010. They live in Russellville.
Kerry McConnell (HEPE ’98) and his wife, Heather, a
Charles “C.J.” Lee (MGMT/MKTG ‘08) and Brandi
daughter, Keighley Esther, Jan. 2, 2010. They live in White
Chandler Lee (ALUM), a son, Cooper Jace, May 1, 2010.
Oak, Texas.
They live in Russellville.
Martha Brown Spack (SPH ’99) and Steven Spack
Emily Ann Orsburn (’09), a son, Owen Watson, March 20,
(ECON ’02), a son, Joseph, March 17, 2010.
2010.
H. Wayne Young (HIST ’00) and his wife, Kimberly, a son, Bowden Harris, April 3, 2010. Suzanne Moudy Fisher (RPA ’01) and John “Nick” Fisher (M.A. ’08), a daughter, Avery Corbin, March 9, 2010.
1950s Wayne Van Valkenburgh (’50) is retired from his career as a pilot. He flew in the U.S. Air Force for four years and for Eastern Airlines for 31 years. William “Bill” Nichols (MUS ’54) teaches at the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Mo.
Class Notes 1960s Robert Nelson (MUED ’64) was inducted into the
Jeannie Adkins Smith (RPA ’78) was hired as deputy clerk in the court of U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe.
Mountain Home Education Foundation Hall of Honors. Robert was a band director at Mountain Home for 35
Leila Alston (MED TECH ’79) was elected first vice
years. He retired in 2002. Today, Robert is president of
president of the board of directors for the Women’s
the Mountain Home School Board and he sits on the
Foundation of Arkansas. She lives in Little Rock.
board of the Mountain Home Education Foundation.
1970s
1980s Peggy Lawless Walter (ELED ’80, M.Ed. ’87 & Ed.S. EDLD ’06) earned master school principal certification
James Teal (POL SCI ’70) has retired and is involved in
from the Arkansas State Board of Education. Peggy is
fishing and home improvement projects on a full-time
principal at Fairview Elementary School in Fort Smith.
basis. Jane Marsden English (ECON ’81) and Don English Danny Wooten (ENGL EDU ’71) is retired following a
(ALUM) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on
34-year teaching career at Dover High School.
April 10, 2010. Jane is a state representative for District 42 and Don is a retired colonel is the U.S. Army.
Rick Thone (HEPE ’72) and Harriet Burns Thone (’75) were named 2009 Pope County Persons of the Year by
Tom Jones (AGBU ‘82) was elected vice chairman of
the Arkansas Tri-Peak Association.
the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appoints the board
Hartsel “Gerald” Acord (BUAD ’75) retired from the
members.
Federal Aviation Administration on Dec. 31, 2009, after 23 years with the agency. Verna Hogins Boxnick (HIST ’75, M.Ed. ELED ’84 & M.Ed. MTLL ’02) was promoted to principal at Dover Middle School effective at the beginning of the 201011 academic year. Mike Lee (ELED ’75 & M.A. ’80) retired from his position as principal at Dover Middle School at the end of the 2009-10 academic year. Dr. Janett Gray (BIOL ’76) was promoted to vice
James Murphree (AA ’82 & HIST ’89) and his wife, Bettye, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on March 19, 2010. They live in The Villages, Fla.
Spring 2010
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L. LeAnn Stark (PHYS SCI ’82) is working as a library assistant at the Green Forest Public Library. Dr. Karen A. Williams (PHYS SCI ’85) received the American Association of Physics Teachers Distinguished Service Citation. She teaches at East Central University in Ada, Okla.
president of quality and regulatory for DDN, which
Laurie Cowling (HIST ’87) was named Lamar School
according to its Web site is the largest privately held
District teacher of the year for 2009-10. She has taught
provider of outsourced services to the life-science
at Lamar Middle School for 10 years.
industry. David V. Hopkins (GEOL ’87), officer manager for Gary Hickman (ACCT ’77) is the senior accounting
Terracon Consultants Inc. in Little Rock, was appointed
and reporting manager for Paramount Pictures in
senior principal by the Terracon Board of Directors.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Todd McCrackin (HEPE ’87) was hired as Lois Swafford Craig (SPH ’78) is serving as worthy
superintendent for the East Newton School District
grand matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in
in Granby, Mo. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two
Arkansas. The non-profit organization supports
children: Madry (8) and Marrianne (5).
volunteer firefighting departments throughout the state, Camp Aldersgate and the fight against Parkinson’s
Todd Dennis (MATH ’88) received the Grand Slam
Disease. She and her husband, Tom, celebrated their
award from Farm Bureau Insurance. Todd is an agent
30th wedding anniversary on May 24, 2010.
for Pulaski County Farm Bureau in Little Rock.
Follow the Wonder Boys and the Golden Suns www.athletics.atu.edu
Class Notes 1990s
Jeff Carter (HEPE ’03) was hired as defensive coordinator
Brian Summerhill (ELED ’93) will become assistant superintendent for the Van Buren School District on July 1, 2010.
basketball coach at his alma mater, Fort Smith Northside High School. He was previously the head coach at Springdale Har-Ber High School.
Technical Center in Fort Smith. He had served as Hartford School District superintendent since 2006. Felisha Sutton Weaver (JOUR ’04) was hired as director of publications and creative services at Arkansas Tech.
Cody McNabb (HEPE ’99 & M.Ed. PE ’01) was hired as head football coach at Morrilton High School. Cody was previously the defensive coordinator at Russellville High School.
Cameron Jones (MGMT/MKTG ’05) was promoted to senior marketing specialist for FedEx Services in Harrison. Deidre Luker (MGMT/MKTG ’05) joined Phillips Law
Jason Walker (BIOL ’99) was named 2009-10 Russellville High School teacher of the year. Jason teaches pre-AP and AP biology classes.
Firm, P.A., in Russellville. Deidre graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 2008. Ike Ohanson (SPH ’06) has signed with the Bellingham
2000s
Slam of the International Basketball League for the 2010
James Brashear (ACCT ’00) joined Beall Barclay in Fort Smith as a staff accountant in the tax department.
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D. Chris Rink (M.Ed. EDLD ’04 & Ed.S. EDLD ’06) was selected as the director of the Western Arkansas
Eric Burnett (HEPE ’94) was named head boys’
Tech Action
for the football program at Russellville High School.
Jennifer Schalk (ACCT ’00) is an accounting manager for Taber Extrusions, LLC in Russellville. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2008. Jennifer also serves as a Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Red Coat. Mark Brigance (HEPE ’01) was hired as defensive coordinator for the Barton High School football program. Christopher Brockett (MGMT/MKTG ’01) was appointed co-chairman of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants Tax Institute Committee. Mary Roland Bartlett (SPH ’03) was hired as finance manager for Johnson Chevrolet in Clarksville. She and her
season. This is Ike’s fourth year in the IBL. Matt Bewley (AGBU ’07) was promoted by Arvest Bank to assistant branch manager at the Russellville West Main Street location. Molly Fleming (JOUR ’09) earned 2010 Associated Press Managing Editors awards for her writing on business news (first place) and health related topics (third place) for the Benton Courier newspaper. Cass Capen-Housley (MGMT/MKTG ’09) was hired as training coordinator for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center regional office at Arkansas Tech University.
2010s
husband, Lance Bartlett (MECH ENGR ’06), are parents
Christopher Brown (BUAD ’10) was hired at Beall Barclay
to Luke (12), Leah (10) and Addison (1).
in Fort Smith as a junior staff accountant.
JOIN US AT THE BALLPARK! Night with the Naturals June 17
Night with the Travelers July 29
Call the Arkansas Tech Alumni Office at (479) 968-0242 for tickets.
Obituaries tech
Friends We’ll Miss
Ruth Taylor LeMay Lemley (HOME EC ’33) died March 1, 2010. She worked in the mortgage banking industry in Arkansas for 35 years. Ruth lived in Bryant. She was 94.
Tommye Bell West (’43) died April 7, 2010. She taught science in the school districts at Dover and Russellville for 42 years. Tommye lived in Ashdown. She was 99.
Heartsill Ragon Bartlett (’37) died March 24, 2010. Heartsill was a veteran of World War II. He later served in the Arkansas National Guard for 34 years. Heartsill was manager of the student center — including the bookstore, snack bar, post office and concessions — at Arkansas Tech from 1949-77. He also served on the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1987. Heartsill lived in Russellville. He was 94.
Louis Gregoire (AS ’49) died Jan. 29, 2010. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Louis taught school for 21 years, the last 11 of which were at Deer High School. Louis lived in Lurton. He was 85.
Polly Robertson Bartlett (’38) died March 8, 2010. She served as executive secretary to the chief executive officer of the Western Arkansas Telephone Company for 27 years. Polly joined the Arkansas Tech Dames Club in 1949. The annual hamburger supper that she and her husband Heartsill hosted at their home on the Friday before Homecoming was a highlight of the university’s annual calendar for six decades. She was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction under the Distinguished Alumni Service category in 2007. Polly lived in Russellville. She was 89. Frank Grace (AGBU ’39) died May 9, 2010. He was a veteran of World War II. Frank was a lifelong participant in agriculture and agriculture education. He and his wife of 55 years, Bea, bought the family farm and settled in his native Dardanelle in 1958. Frank lived in Dardanelle. He was 91. Firman Bynum (’40) died May 13, 2010. He was a veteran of World War II and a 30-year member of the Arkansas Tech faculty and administration. Firman served as an assistant football coach, track coach, dean of students, dean of men and director of housing at Tech. He retired in 1984. Firman was the first AllAmerican in Wonder Boy football history. He earned that honor while playing tackle for the 1939 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference champions. He was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction in 1982. Firman lived in Russellville. He was 93. John Ernest Fox Sr. (ENGR ’41) died March 5, 2010. He was a veteran of World War II. John retired from the service in 1966 and had a second career as a teacher and school administrator. He was principal at Ramay Junior High School in Fayetteville from 1975-80. John lived in Fayetteville. He was 88.
Jackie Lee Noah Sr. (AGRI ’51) died April 27, 2010. He served in World War II and was an electrician in Los Angeles County in California for 20 years. Jackie lived in Russellville. He was 82. Jack J. Chancey (BUAD/MKTG ’56) died May 8, 2010. Jack worked for State Farm Insurance for 34 years. He retired as the company’s claims superintendent for north Mississippi. Jack lived in Saltillo, Miss. He was 75. Mary Gale Bullock Barnes (’59) died May 8, 2010. Mary earned certification as a registered medical technologist and moved to Houston, Texas, in 1964. There she met her future husband, J. Robert Barnes, and together they built a solo ophthalmology practice into Barnes Eye Centers. Mary lived in Houston, Texas. She was 70. Ernest “Ernie” Dean Faucett (BUAD/MKTG ’59) died April 7, 2010. Ernie served in the U.S. Air Force, and he was a member of the Arkansas Tech football and track teams. Ernie also served as president of the Arkansas Tech Student Council. He worked for Southwestern Bell for 11 years and for Arkansas Electric Cooperatives for 30 years. Ernie lived in Sherwood. He was 77. Graydon Mark Newlon (PSY ’73) died March 16, 2010. He began his career in marketing with Southwestern Bell in Fayetteville in 1972. He was working in the company’s global marketing in Dallas when he retired in 2000. Mark lived in Fort Smith. He was 60. Paul Hunnicutt (PSY ’75) died May 1, 2010. Paul served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked at National Home Centers as a commodities buyer for 24 years. Paul lived in Russellville. He was 61. Mike Rogers (AGBU ’94) died May 7, 2010. Mike worked for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture vegetable substation. He was a disc jockey known as MR Music and a volunteer for both the American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. Mike lived in Greenwood. He was 47.
Spring 2010
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Tech Athletics
New Faces, Familiar Results Golden Suns return to national prominence in 2009-10 Basketball teams with 14 new players are not supposed to break school records. They are not supposed to end seven-year championship droughts. They are not supposed to win conference and regional titles. The 2009-10 Arkansas Tech women’s basketball team did all of that and much more during a season that restored the Golden Suns to their accustomed place among the most respected programs in women’s college basketball. Head coach Dave Wilbers guided Tech to a 31-3 overall record, a Gulf South Conference West Division championship and the GSC Tournament title. It was the Jenny Vining
first time the Suns had worn those crowns since 2003. The Golden Suns’ victory in the GSC Tournament title game gave them the right to host the NCAA Division II Tournament South Regional for the first time since 2003, and they took full advantage of their home court.
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Tech Action
A crowd of 2,620 watched one of those 14 new Golden Suns — freshman Jessica Weatherford — dominate the regional final with 24 points and 12 rebounds as Arkansas
The Golden Suns won their 20th regular season
Tech won its first NCAA South Region women’s basketball
conference title, their third GSC Tournament
title since 1999 with a 73-62 victory over Delta State.
championship and their third NCAA Division II South Region crown.
Defending national runner-up Franklin Pierce (N.H.) defeated the Golden Suns 77-62 to end their season in
Arkansas Tech’s appearance in the 2010 NCAA Division
the national quarterfinals at St. Joseph, Mo., but the
II Elite Eight marked the 10th time that the Golden
2009-10 Arkansas Tech team had already made its mark.
Suns had reached the quarterfinal round of a national tournament.
The Golden Suns posted the best start (18-0) to a women’s basketball season in school history. They
Natalia Santos
Junior guard Jenny Vining and sophomore forward
recorded the 800th win in Arkansas Tech women’s
Natalia Santos were named All-GSC West Division and
basketball history, making the Golden Suns just the third
All-NCAA South Region. Vining also became the 15th
NCAA Division II program to reach that plateau.
All-American in Tech women’s basketball history.
Tech Athletics
BACK TO BACK Wonder Boys earn second consecutive GSC championship One day there might be an Arkansas Tech men’s
The Blazers shot 56 percent from the field and
basketball team that matches or even exceeds the
ended the Wonder Boys’ season with a 72-60 loss. It
achievements of the 2009-10 Wonder Boys.
was a sudden end to a year for the record books.
But it is unlikely that there will ever be an
Arkansas Tech established new school records for
Arkansas Tech men’s basketball team that more
most wins in a season (30) and most consecutive wins
accurately defines the term overachiever than the
to begin a season (25).
group that captured the attention of Wonder Boys’ fans everywhere last winter.
That 25-0 start vaulted the Wonder Boys to a No. 1 national ranking for the first time ever. Tech was ranked
Arkansas Tech was 30-2 overall, champion of the GSC West Division and champion of the GSC
Brandon Friedel Spring 2010
No. 1 in seven of the 15 NCAA Division II top 25 polls during the 2009-10 season.
Tournament during the 2009-10 men’s basketball season.
The Wonder Boys were No. 1 for six consecutive weeks in January and February, the longest run atop the
It was the Wonder Boys’ first-ever GSC West
poll ever recorded by a GSC men’s basketball team.
Division regular season title. Arkansas Tech became just the fourth program to successfully defend a GSC
Senior guard Brandon Friedel was named All-
Tournament title in men’s basketball by defeating
America. He was joined on the All-GSC West Division
Alabama-Huntsville 64-63 in the championship game.
team by senior guard Renard Allen and junior guard
Marcus Pillow made the game-winning 3-pointer with
Laithe Massey.
11.8 seconds remaining. Mark Downey was named GSC West Division and The Wonder Boys earned the right to host the NCAA
NCAA Division II South Region coach of the year.
Division II South Regional for the first time ever. They
He resigned April 13 after four years and 77 wins as
topped Tuskegee University 92-58 in the first round, but
Arkansas Tech head coach to accept the same position
eventual region champion Valdosta State was too much
at his alma mater — the University of Charleston — in
in round two.
his native West Virginia.
Karleskint chosen as new Tech head coach Doug Karleskint was promoted to head men’s basketball coach at Arkansas Tech on Friday, April 16.
Prior to joining the Arkansas Tech coaching staff, Karleskint served on the staffs at Stephen F. Austin University, Northwest Missouri State University,
Karleskint, 30, was Mark Downey’s top assistant at Arkansas Tech in 2009-10.
Georgetown College (Ky.) and Fort Scott Community College.
Renard Allen
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Tech Athletics
Tech sets new school mark for baseball wins Dave Dawson wasted no time in putting Arkansas
Dave Dawson
Tech baseball back in the upper echelon of the Gulf
Head Baseball Coach
South Conference during his first season as the Wonder Boys’ head coach. Tech set a new school record for baseball wins in a season, qualified for the Gulf South Conference Tournament for the first time in three years and won a postseason game for the first time in nine years. The 2010 Wonder Boys finished 35-19 overall and 14-6 in GSC West Division play. The previous school record for wins in a season was 34, which was established by the 1994 Wonder Boys. The wins record was not the only school mark to fall at the hands of the 2010 Wonder Boys. They also shattered team records for runs scored, base hits, triples, stolen bases and runs batted in. Senior starting pitcher Josh Floriani (photographed, bottom right) became just the fourth Tech pitcher to
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ever win 10 games in a season. Tech Action
Junior center fielder Matt Johnson established new school records for base hits (84), runs scored (70) and stolen bases (36) in 2010. The previous stolen base record (33 by Sammy May) had stood for 57 years.
Josh Floriani All-GSC and All-Region
Floriani, Johnson, senior designated hitter Joe
Starting Pitcher
Walton, senior outfielder/pitcher Chad Wynn, junior third baseman Nick Makris and sophomore catcher Landon Sullins represented Tech on the All-GSC team.
2010 Arkansas Tech Football Schedule Thursday, Sept. 2 Thursday, Sept. 9 Saturday, Sept. 18 Saturday, Sept. 25 Saturday, Oct. 2 Saturday, Oct. 9 Saturday, Oct. 16 Saturday, Oct. 23 Saturday, Oct. 30 Saturday, Nov. 6 Saturday, Nov. 13
Lambuth University at Delta State (CBS College Sports Network) *Henderson State (Family Day) *at Arkansas-Monticello *at North Alabama *Ouachita Baptist *Southern Arkansas (Homecoming) *at West Alabama *Valdosta State *at Harding Southwest Baptist (Senior Day)
Russellville, Ark. Cleveland, Miss. Russellville, Ark. Monticello, Ark. Florence, Ala. Russellville, Ark. Russellville, Ark. Livingston, Ala. Russellville, Ark. Searcy, Ark. Russellville, Ark.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.
*Denotes Gulf South Conference game | Times are Central and are subject to change. | Home games are played at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field All games broadcast in the Russellville area on KWKK 100.9 FM and around the world at www.athletics.atu.edu
Green and Gold Club
Tech Athletics: THE GLORY HAS RETURNED From 2005-07, alumni and friends of Arkansas Tech came together in support of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program by contributing to a capital campaign. The title of the campaign was “Return to Glory.” Three years after the fact, it is obvious that title was more than just a catchy slogan. The previous three pages tell part of the story. Below is a listing of some other accomplishments by Arkansas Tech Athletics during the 2009-10 academic year.
Members of the Green and Gold Club make this success possible with their financial support. Check the back cover to learn how you can become part of our winning team!
2009-10: By The Numbers
161 Wins by the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns (Most in School History) 36 Tech student-athletes named All-Gulf South Conference of Tech teams that advanced to NCAA postseason competition 5 Number (football, cross country, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf) I would like to make a donation to the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship:
Spring 2010
$__________
I would like to make a donation in honor of __________________________________________________:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in memory of _________________________________________________:
$__________
Please make checks payable to the Arkansas Tech Foundation and write Alumni Scholarship in the memo field of the check. Donations may be mailed to the Arkansas Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 8820, Russellville, AR 72801
Name_________________________________________________ Tech major and year ___________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
Graduated or attended (circle one)
Spouse’s Name_______________________________________ Tech major and year ____________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
23
Graduated or attended (circle one)
let us hear from
Mailing address________________________________________ City__________________________ State_____ Zip __________ Telephone____________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Occupation: His________________________________________________ Hers __________________________________________ News: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mail class notes to Tech Alumni Office, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801 or e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
you
Tech Action Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House 1313 North Arkansas Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Volume 46 No. 2
2010-11 Green & Gold Membership Form
Your gifts support Tech Athletics. Thank you for aiding the Wonder Boys and the Golden Suns.
Mail Completed Form To: Arkansas Tech Foundation 8820 Tech Lane, Russellville, AR 72801
Your Name_____________________________________Company Name_______________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________
State __________________ Zip_________
Home Phone________________________________ Business Phone ________________________________ E-Mail Address______________________________________________________________________________ Name As I Wish It To Appear in Football Game Program_____________________________________________
r
I wish to make my donation by check. A gift in the amount of $___________ is enclosed. Make checks payable to: Arkansas Tech Foundation (Write Green and Gold Club on memo line)
Green and Gold Giving Levels r Platinum ($5,000)
r Diamond ($3,000)
r Emerald ($1,500)
r All-American ($1,000)
r Captain ($500)
r All-Star ($250)
r Tech ($150)
r Check here for membership with game tickets r Check here for membership with no tickets Consult your tax advisor to determine how this applies to your tax situation.
r
I wish to make a donation of $______________, and I wish to charge my gift to my credit card: r Visa r Master Card r Discover
r American Express
Account #______________________________________ Expiration Date __________________________________
(Month)
(Year)
Signature Required________________________________ Designate My Gift For:
r Specific Sport__________________ r Greatest Need